About UAE

The UAE was created as a federation and became a unified independent sovereign state in 1971. Dubai is the second largest of the seven Emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates and ranks as the country’s leading commercial centre. Abu Dhabi, which is the federal capital, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are the other six emirates.

General Information:

Population: 2.9 million

Official language: Arabic

Other spoken languages: English & Hindu

Religion: 96% Muslim, Hindu, Christian, 4% other

Area: 83600 sqkm

Climate: Sub-tropical

Capital: Abu Dhabi

Government type: Federation of seven Emirates

National day: 02 December

Local time: GMT + 4 hours

Day off: Friday

Official Holidays : 01 January, 02 December, Islamic New Year (Muslim Holiday date not fixed), Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday (Muslim Holiday date not fixed), Al Isra’ (Muslim Holiday date not fixed), Al Fitr (Muslim Holidays date not fixed), Adha (Muslim holiday date not fixed)

These religious holidays are based on Gregorian dates of the Islamic calendar, which is as per lunar observations.

Practical Information:

Money. The official currency is the Dirham. Most currencies can be freely converted in Dubai and you will find money exchange companies all over Dubai. Exchange houses are open from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm. One US dollar equals 3.65 UAE Dirhams • Payment cards: All major credit cards are accepted in Dubai, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club etc. Most establishments accept credit cards, though at some of the smaller ones you will get slightly better prices if you pay in cash • Automatic bank tellers: Withdrawal can be made from any automatic bank teller found in any region of the country • Traveler's checks: they can be exchanged mainly in banks and exchange shops.

Health. Medical care in UAE is well known for its quality. Hospitals, clinics and well supplied pharmacies can be found in all towns • No particular vaccine is required to visit the country.

Security. Being literally crime-free is not the only thing that makes the United Arab Emirates one of the most attractive places to live in. It is quite a safe country for visitors to venture out, either by Taxi or on foot.

Bargaining. Bargaining is expected in the souk and it’s quite usual elsewhere. Vendors will usually drop the price and often quite substantially, particularly for a cash sale.

Food. All type of cuisines can be found in UAE. As well as international fare on offer in many to class restaurants and hotels, visitors are encouraged to sample the delicious local and regional dishes such as hummus, salads, fresh pastries, rice dishes and grilled meats. Pork however does not feature on Arabic menus, as its consumption is forbidden in Islam. Restaurants catering to non Muslims do serve pork.

Alcohol. Alcohol is permitted in Dubai & Abu Dhabi and its served in hotel restaurants and bars but, with a few exception (e.g. Some clubs and associations), is not for sale elsewhere.

Tipping. Tipping practices are similar to the rest of the world. Taxi driver do not accept a tip, but will appreciate a little extra.  In restaurants 10% is considered adequate if service is excluded.

Weather. UAE has a sub-tropical arid climate. Temperatures range from 10 to 30 degrees C in winter and can reach as high as 48 degrees in summer. Rainfall is predominantly in winter and amounts to some 13cm annually.

Languages. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and hotels have staff speaking a wide range of other major European languages (German, Russian..). Hindi and Urdu are also widely used

Water. Tap water is quite safe to drink. But locally bottled mineral water is generally served in hotels and restaurants..

Clothing. Lightweight summer clothing is suitable most of the year, but some slightly warmer garments may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. When visiting hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and cinemas it is also a good idea to take a sweater or cardigan as the air conditioning can be a little cold.

The attitude to dress in U.A.E is relaxed, but for visitors (men as well as women) should show respect for local culture and customs in public places by avoiding excessively revealing clothing.

Photography. Photography of military installations, government buildings, airports and other sensitive locations is prohibited. Photography of local women without their permission is not permitted

Telephone. The telephone network operated by the national telecommunication organization ETISALAT is superb: local calls are free and direct dialling is available to 150 countries. 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. Pay phones, both card and coin operated, are located throughout the UAE. Phone cards for local use are usually available from ETISALAT offices, supermarkets, pharmacies etc. Coin operated phones take Dh1 and 50 fils. GSM services are available and the mobile phone code within the UAE is 050. ‘Speak Easy’ is a GSM mobile service for those visitors and tourists who cannot use their own mobile phones in the UAE. You can either buy a new mobile phone and purchase a temporary SIM card or use your own handset with a temporary card.

Post. Emirates Post (EmPost) runs an efficient postal system with red post collection boxes dotted throughout the cities and towns. Mail is usually collected morning and evening. Stamps can be purchased and post mailed from your hotel. Express postal facilities are also available at post offices. In general, post office opening hours are from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday. Closed Fridays and saturdays. 8 a.m. –12 noon on Public Holidays, but closed on the first day of Eid holidays.

Telecommunications. Staying in touch is easy. Telecommunications are excellent and mobile phone reception generally good in the main population centers. Most major hotels offer internet connection.

Electricity. The electricity supply in Abu Dhabi is 220/240 volts at 50 Hz. The socket type is the square three pin system (as used in UK), and most hotels will have adapters for different kinds of plugs.

Transportation. Dubai is a spacious city with one of the most modern highways, roads and traffic systems in the region. Driving is on the right hand side of the road. Taxis are easily obtainable in Dubai. The Dubai Transport Corporation's ivory coloured cabs are fitted with fare meters. Driving licenses issued by some overseas governments may be exchanged for a Dubai license. Where reciprocal arrangements do not exist, it is necessary to take a driving test to obtain a license.

Business days. All Government offices are closed on Friday & Saturday. Many private sector companies have their weekend on Thursday and Friday or Friday and Saturday. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers.

Good to know:

The duty free allowance for each visitor entering the country is 2000 cigarettes or 400 cigars of 2kg of tobacco, a reasonable amount of perfume, and, for non Muslim adults, two liters of spirits and two liters of wine. Visitors are not charged customs duty on personal effects they bring into Abu Dhabi.

During the Holy month of Ramadan, visitors are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the daylight hours. However, most private hotel restaurants stay open for business to cater to their guests. The exact time of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the moon. In 2006, the Holy month is expected to start around 24 September.