Welcome the United Arab Emirates

The Country

United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven independent emirates lying along the east central coast of the Arabian Gulf.

The seven emirates are: Abu Dhabi (capital of the UAE), Dubai, Al Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Al Fujairah, bounded on the north by the Arabian Gulf, on the east by Sultanate of Oman, and on the west by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The total area of the UAE is about 83,600 sq. km (with a total of 200 islands).

History

About fifty years ago the country’s Oil wealth was unearthed. Old-time occupation of fishing and pearl diving gave way to a whole new range of commercial activities. The UAE takes pride in respecting traditional occupation and culture while encouraging a modern approach to development of the nation. The UAE federation was established on 2nd December 1971. (UAE National Day).

Population - around 3.5 million, Religion -  Islam, National language - Arabic.

English and several Asian languages are widely used, particularly in commerce.

UAE Currency

Dirhams and fils , with  100 fils to the Dirham (Dh).or AED.  $US 1=AED 3.671.

Language

Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken and understood.

Telephone and fax

• The international dial code for UAE is +971. Cheap rates for international direct calls apply from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and all day on Fridays and public holidays.
• You do not need to use the emirate access code when dialing an internal number in that emirate. (Eg: to call Dubai from Abu Dhabi you must use the 04 prefix. If you are dialing a number in Abu Dhabi from another location in that emirate you need not use a prefix).
• Pay phones, both card and coin operated, are located throughout the UAE. Phone cards for local use (Dh25 or Dh40) are usually available from ETISALAT offices, supermarkets, pharmacies etc.

UAE Exchange National Access Code

International Access Code

Abu Dhabi                 02 (+ 9712)

Ajman                        06 (+ 9716)

Al Ain                         03 (+ 9713)

Dubai                         04 (+ 9714)

Fujairah                     09 (+ 9719)

Jebel Ali                     04 (+ 9714)

Ras al-Khaimah       07 (+ 9717)

Sharjah                      06 (+ 9716)

Umm al-Qaiwain      06 (+ 9716)

ETISALAT information service - 144

Directory enquiries - 180/181

Emergency Numbers

POLICE                     999

FIRE                           997

AMBULANCE           998

Time

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

Business Hours

Government offices open at 7.30 a.m. and close at 3.00 p.m. Banking hours are generally from 8.00hrs to 13.00 hrs. Normal shopping hours: 9.00 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4.00- 9.00 p.m. Most shopping centres are open from 10 a.m to 10 or 11 p.m. Shops close for Juma (Friday) prayers from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

Government offices remain closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Private institutions are closed on Fridays.

Ramadan

The business hours are different during Ramadan, which is the holy month for Muslims. The timing of Ramadan is not fixed on the western calendar, but normally occurs between the end of September to October/November. Please avoid eating/drinking water/beverages in public places during this time, as a mark of respect.

Climate

The favourable time to travel is from October to May.  The days are warm and the nights are mild.  From December to February the temperature is around 24^oC, although it can cool down during the night and in the morning.

TEMPERATURE IN THE UAE

Credit Cards

Recognised international Credit Cards such as American Express, Diners Club, VISA and Maser Card are usually accepted in banks, travel agencies, hotels, malls and shopping centers.

Customs Regulations

No customs duty is levied on personal or household items. Import of drugs and pornographic videos /books/magazines is strictly prohibited.

Electricity

Domestic supply is 220 volts. Sockets suitable for three-pin 13 amp plugs of British standard design are the norm, but you may bring an adaptor with you… just in case.

Weights and measures

The UAE uses the metric system, although British and US standard weights and measures are understood.

Health

The UAE is reported to be a safe health zone, thanks to government immunization programmes, the provision of adequate clean water and high standards of cleanliness. Adequate sunglasses, hats and high factor sun creams are essential, especially for children.

Public hospitals may deal with emergencies free of charge, yet medical insurance is advisable. Most medicines are readily available at pharmacies. Each emirate has at least one pharmacy open 24 hours a day.

Addresses available in the local newspaper.

Social Norms

The dress code in the UAE is generally casual, except for formal events. Women are advised not to wear short skirts and to keep their shoulders covered. In Sharjah women are prohibited from wearing swimsuits on public beaches. When socializing in local company wait until a hand is offered to you for a handshake, some devout Muslims prefer not to shake hands with a woman.

Photography

Avoid photographing Muslim women and do not photograph airports, docks, telecommunications equipment, government buildings, military and industrial installations.

Cuisine

The UAE offers a variety of cuisines.  Expatriates of all nationalities patronize their traditional eating habits.  Restaurants, hotels and snacks bars offers European, Asian and Arabic menus.  Alcohol is only served in restaurants attached to hotels.  For the budget conscious there are snack-bars, pizzerias and Sh’warma (split roasted lamb pieces with tomatoes, parsley, herbs, a chick pea sauce all detrously enclosed in warm Arab bread) shops.  All restaurants are licensed by the government and regularly checked by the municipality so as to maintain a level of hygiene.  The Arabian Gulf offers a range of fish and seafood for the gourmet.

Safety

The UAE has a virtually crime free environment and visitors need have no concern about venturing out at anytime of the day of night, either by taxi or on foot.

Shopping

The UAE is a “shopper’s paradise”.  A wide variety of merchandise to suit every taste is available.  From the devil-may-care to the count every-penny, there is something of interest for all.

Public Transport

Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced.  There are two types of taxis that operate in Dubai: Dubai Transport (beige taxis which run on metres and are good value) and private taxis (rates are negotiable).  Within the city, short journeys will cost between Dhs 5 and Dhs 20, and for longer trips across the Creek or into the suburbs, you can expect to pay between Dhs 25 and Dhs 50.  taxis on standby at the hotels are generally more expensive.  Most beach hotels operate courtesy buses into the city center on a regular basis.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected, but not uncommon. Some restaurants add service charges to the bill; if not included, add 5 to 10 per cent of the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.

Mail

Post offices are located in almost every part of the town.  Airmail letters to Europe cost approximately Dhs 3 and postcards Dhs 2.  The concierge in your hotel will usually sell postage stamps and may even post letters for you.

Entry Visa

Incoming visitors are requested to observed government entry rules and regulations.  For most visitors an entry visa is required. 

Visas can be arranged by NET CONFERENCE AND CONVENTIONS, which permit a single stay for 30 days from the date of entry.  This is valid for most European passport holders.

It is advised that the current regulations are checked before traveling.