Yup American/EU license holders can drive rental cars. I don't know about Abu Dhabi but Dubai public public beaches had plenty of swim suits but it also had** abayas and shalwar kameez and saris**! **That's the beauty of that place do whatever you feel! Photography is prohibited in public beaches though so that women do not feel uncomfortable. **Beaches also have ladies only days. and ladies only sections. I don't live in UAE but I visited for an extended period and had a really awesome time!
Looks like a nice diverse cultural place, photography prohibition is normal and can understandable !