We are flying to Oz from the UK in late November. On our return flight we have 12 hours in Abu Dhabi airport. Does anyone know if we would be allowed to leave the airport and look around the area?

Suggest you post this on the Asian board or ring your airline.

You can apply for a Visa at the airport in most of the U.A.E countries, then take a tour around Abu Dhabi. My daughter works there and if nothing else have a look at the Emirates Palace ( which is a hotel). It is a nicer city compared with Dubai but not as big and without the number of malls. Still there is enough to keep you busy for 12 hours.

Thanks for that Lizzie, will look forward to seeing the Emirates Palace. Will be much better than curling up in a corner somewhere to pass the time!

Note that that your ticket ( Ethihad I guess ) will probably not allow that, check with your travel agent.
You are only going to get a clear answer on this one by calling Etihad and asking them, make sure you have yor reservation number/code handy so they can put in in their system.
A stopover though for a day/night in Abu Dhabi could be interesting and breaks up a journey.

When I say 'not allowed' you sometimes have a fare structure that does not permit 'stopovers', others though do. You might also by chance find out that with a 12 hour connection you may get 'something' from Etihad, sometimes happens, I really would 'make that call'. I would certainly give them a call and ask.

Thanks for that James. Will phone Etihad direct to get more info.