Allergology in Abu Dhabi

Allergology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of allergies. Allergies are the immune system’s response to substances that can be harmful to the human body (allergens). Allergens can be found in the air, certain foods, everyday objects, drugs, and pets. 

A doctor who specializes in the treatment of allergies is called an allergist, while a scientist who studies allergology is called an allergologist. They can examine allergic pulmonary and skin diseases in both children and adults. In addition, they are able to examine the ear, nose, and throat diseases that are related to allergic problems. Allergist usually works with other specialists, such as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, dermatologists, internists, or gynecologists. Some of the most common allergy that allergists can help treat include:

• Food allergies (such as peanuts, cow’s milk protein, meat, and fruit)
• Animals (such as insects and feathered or furry animals)
• Dust mites (tiny bugs that can be found in dust in carpets, mattresses, and furniture)
• Pollens (trees, grasses, herbaceous plants)
• Latex
• Mould
• Certain metals
• Sun.

The specialty of adult allergology focuses on the treatment of atopic eczema and urticaria, asthma and obstructive pulmonary diseases, chronic maxillary sinusitis, allergic eye symptoms, as well as drug and food allergies. Pediatric allergology concentrates on treating atopic eczemas and asthma in children of all ages, in addition to food allergies and other types of allergies.

Allergists can perform a wide range of tests and procedures, including:

• Allergy skin testing, including prick skin testing and intradermal skin testing
• Food challenges
• Aspirin desensitization
• Blood tests
• Physical exam
• Spirometry (lung function tests)
• Medication/drug challenge
• Patch testing
• Allergy shots
• Prescribing medications, such as emergency epinephrine and antihistamine.

How Long Should I Stay in Abu Dhabi?

You should be able to leave the clinic or hospital on the same day as your allergy test or treatment. However, it is advisable that you stay at least 2 to 3 days after an allergy test to wait for the results. You will need to visit your allergist who will explain the results to you and discuss the best treatment option. If you need allergy shots, you usually require them every 2 to 4 weeks for 4 to 5 months. You can choose to travel multiple times or stay in Abu Dhabi until the whole treatment is finished.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

There is little to no recovery times after allergy tests or treatments. You should be able to resume your normal activities as soon as you do not experience symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform your daily activity.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you instructions to prevent an allergic reaction from happening in the future, which usually includes avoiding your allergens. In some cases, they will give you an emergency epinephrine autoinjector and teach you how to use it. Make sure to keep the product near you at all times. You may also be advised to let your family, friends, or those closest to you know where you keep the epinephrine and how to use it. 

What's the Success Rate?

Diagnosis and treatment of allergy are becoming more successful and safer now thanks to the continuous advancement of allergology. For example, around 85% of people who receive regular allergy shots for 3 to 5 years, experience permanent results. Medicines can also control the symptoms much better now. However, some types of treatments do have side effects and risks, such as reactions that appear as hives at the site of the injection, redness, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy skin.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, you will need to see an allergist diagnose and treat allergy, but you can also see an immunologist as the alternative. If your symptoms are found to be caused by other problems unrelated to allergy, your allergist will refer you to the relevant specialist. 

Allergology in and around Abu Dhabi

About Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and the richest city in the country due to its oil fields. Abu Dhabi is an advanced but conservative cosmopolitan city. In 2018, the city was ranked as the safest city in the world with the lowest crime index of more than 300 cities.

Culture, adventures, shopping malls, to coastal beauty; Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer that will leave anyone in awe. The city is filled with opulent architecture, making the skyline of Abu Dhabi a captivating view.

Abu Dhabi is now developing to be the region’s leading medical tourism destination. The government is working continuously to establish a world-class healthcare system. The city targets patients from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, Russia, China, and other parts of the world. Attracting top-quality doctors and a range of specialist services, Abu Dhabi focuses its procedures on cardiology, oncology, and executive screenings. A total of 16 public and private hospitals in Abu Dhabi offer a wide range of medical treatment with quality care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Ahalia Hospital Musafahl, and Burjeel Hospital are among the highest-regarded medical facilities in the city. The city attracts many medical tourists for the following reasons.

• Medical facilities with the highest standards and international accreditations.
• Treatment using cutting-edge technology.
• Medical interpreters who speak a range of languages.
• The best hospitality, at the hospital, and throughout the city.

Popular Areas in Abu Dhabi

With a beautiful mixture of ultramodern architecture and Islamic traditions, Abu Dhabi is packed with amazing attractions and exhilarating adventure.

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the United Arab Emirates’ largest place of worship that attracts millions of tourists each year. The mosque is an architectural wonder, mesmerizing even to the little details. Tourists can choose to get a free one-hour guided tour to get the best insight into the religion and culture that surrounds the mosque.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum that has been open since 2017. The museum is showcasing artworks from around the world. Apart from the artwork, the architecture of the museum is also breathtaking with a web-patterned dome that allows sunshine to filter through.
• Al-Ain Oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oasis has only been open to the public recently. It is full of palms and mango trees. Al-Ain Oasis is home to a 3000-year-old falaj irrigation system, the oasis provides an insight into the history of Abu Dhabi inhabitants.
• Ferrari World is the perfect place for tourists who want to celebrate all things, Ferrari. People come to this indoor theme park to experience Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster.
• Abu Dhabi Corniche is a beautiful clean beach with great views of turquoise waters and Abu Dhabi skyline that will not disappoint. Tourists can enjoy a day under the sun lounging on the beach, walk along Corniche Road, or admire the sunset.

Weather and Climate in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has a subtropical climate. The city enjoys sunny skies and hot temperatures throughout the year. Summer starts from May to September and the average temperature ranges between 38–42°C. During the hottest days, the temperature can get as high as 48°C. Winter starts from December to February, the average temperature is around 13-29°C. Rain mainly falls in winter.

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from November to April when the temperature is cooler and more pleasant.

Despite the heat in the summer, it is advised to always wear modest clothing as the locals do not welcome revealing or tight clothing. Lightweight and comfortable clothing are suitable most of the year.

Getting Around in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi International Airport serves more than 30 airlines that connect the city to more than 60 countries in the world. Etihad Airways dominates the airport terminal spaces. Abu Dhabi International Airport mainly serves major airlines, although budget airlines such as Airblue Limited and IndiGo also operate flights.

Tourists can choose the airport taxis, buses, or hire a car to get to their destinations from the airport. Airport taxis cost around 75AED to 85AED for a trip to the city center. If you want to take the airport bus, purchase a Hafilat card from the vending machine at the airport terminal bus stop.

There are many ways to get around Abu Dhabi. Taxis are relatively cheap and metered; tourists can flag down the taxis or order through a call center. Abu Dhabi also has a city bus that operates on 14 routes between 6.00 am to 11.00 pm, most fares are 2AED. Hiring a car can be a good way of getting to many destinations as it offers more flexibility. If you’re in Corniche or Yas Island, hiring a bike is the best choice to explore these Islands.

The ever-changing street names and numbering system can be confusing, so it is advisable to describe the landmark you are looking for.

Tourist Visas in Abu Dhabi

Citizens of 60 countries can get a free entry visa (30 or 90 days depending on the country) upon arrival. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens do not require a visa to enter Abu Dhabi. Citizens of other countries need to apply for a visa before entering Abu Dhabi through the nearest UAE embassy.

Tourists flying with Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi International Airport can request a visa arrangement. All visitors are required to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The local currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham or Emirati Dirham (AED). 1 USD gets you around 3.7 AED. The notes are written in Arabic letters.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs and currency exchanges are available across the city. Hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Tipping is common, but not expected. Tipping a hotel and restaurant staff is at your discretion. Many high-end restaurants may add a service charge of around 10% and a tourism levy of around 6%.
3. Local Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken especially in the city center. Road and shop signs are written in Arabic and English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The culture in Abu Dhabi is deeply rooted in Arabia’s Islamic Tradition. Islam is the official religion but people can freely practice their religion as long as they don’t interfere with Islam.
5. Public Holidays: Ramadhan is hugely celebrated with the biggest festivals and the city is beautifully decorated. It is important to remember that during Ramadan, drinking, eating, and smoking at fasting hours (daylight) is illegal. Nightclubs are closed for the whole month. Other public holidays are the Islamic New Year, the Prophet’s Birthday, the King’s Coronation Day, Diwali, and Chinese New Year.