Money:
The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (AED),
which is divided into 100 fils. There are no currency regulations
in the UAE and all major currencies are readily exchanged at banks
and large hotels. The Dirham is fixed against the US Dollar. The
best exchange rates are found at private moneychangers who operate
throughout the territory, particularly in the more popular souks
(markets) and shopping centres. Most major credit cards are
accepted, as are travellers cheques (best carried in US Dollars or
Pounds Sterling). ATMs are common throughout the UAE. Banking hours
are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are
also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.
Time:
Local time in the UAE is GMT +4.
Electricity:
Electrical current in the UAE is 220 and 240 volts,
50Hz. The most frequently used plugs are the square three-pin
type.
Language:
Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but
English is widely used.
Health:
No vaccinations are required for entry to the UAE, however a
certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving
from an affected area. Tap water in the major cities is safe to
drink, but elsewhere only bottled water should be drunk. Medical
care is excellent in the main cities, but extremely expensive,
while medicines and medical care are not always available in the
outlying areas. Health insurance is essential; in Abu Dhabi
particularly a health insurance law has been implemented that makes
it mandatory for all travellers to Abu Dhabi to have health
insurance. In general, travellers who require medical treatment
will have to cover the cost of any medical fees incurred.
Tipping:
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where
no service charge is included, 10% is adequate and many hotels and
restaurants add a service charge, so it is best to check the
bill.
Safety:
Most visits to the UAE are trouble free. Crime is not a problem,
but there is deemed to be a threat of terrorism against Western
interests and gathering points, particularly entertainment venues.
It is therefore wise to be vigilant when frequenting these. It is
also wise to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Al
Qaeda continues to issue statements threatening to carry out
attacks in the Gulf region, including references to attack Western
interests, such as residential compounds, military, oil, transport
and aviation interests.
Customs:
The Emirates states are all Muslim, therefore alcohol is not
served except in hotels. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in
public and penalties are severe. Some prescribed and over the
counter medicines from outside the country may be considered to be
a controlled substance within the UAE and will not be allowed into
the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health
Drug Control Department (DCD). A passenger arriving with such
medication without permission may be subject to prosecution. Dress
and behaviour should be modest, particularly during the month of
Ramadan when it is disrespectful to smoke, drink or eat in public
between sunrise and sunset. Women's clothes should cover the tops
of the arms and legs. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour
are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude
gestures, or show a public display of affection. In general, the
country has a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but local laws
and sensitivities should be respected.
Business:
The United Arab Emirates, although a very warm country, requires
formal business attire from both men and women. Women should dress
conservatively, being careful to cover up as much as possible; it
is unlikely that visitors will come into contact with local women
in business, as it is an overwhelmingly male-dominated society.
Punctuality is not always observed and it is not uncommon to be
kept waiting on occasion, and with interruptions in meetings quite
prevalent, patience is expected.The Arabic greeting of 'Salaam Aleikum' is advisable instead of
'Hello' and politeness helps to build strong relationships. Shaking
hands is common, but men should only shake the hand of a woman
after she offers it, otherwise a simple bow of the head will
suffice. Often agreements are verbal and will be acted upon. Dates
in documents should be detailed in both Gregorian dates and the
Hijrah date. Gifts are appreciated but not necessary, however be
sure to avoid anything involving alcohol or pig-related products,
as the UAE is a Muslim country. Friday is the day of rest and most
likely very little business will occur on this day. General
business hours are 9am to 5pm Sunday to Thursday. During the holy
month of Ramadan businesses may halt in the middle of the day and
only continue after the fast has been broken in the evening.
Duty Free:
Visitors to the UAE do not need to pay customs duty on 400
cigarettes, cigars to a maximum value of 3,000 dirhams and 2kg
tobacco; and perfume for personal use to the value of 3,000
dirhams. Alcohol allowances vary. Dubai: 24 cans of beer or 4
litres of any other alcohol; Abu Dhabi and Fujairah: 4 litres of
alcohol provided traveller is not Muslim; Sharjah: 2 litres of
alcohol and 1 case beer. Fruit and vegetables from cholera infected
areas are strictly prohibited.
Communications:
The International code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. The
outgoing international code is 00. City/area codes are in use, e.g.
(0)2 for Abu Dhabi and (0)4 for Dubai. The Etisalat mobile phone
network provides wide GSM 900 coverage throughout the country.
Guest starters packs including a SIM card and credit can be bought
on arrival at the airport, providing 3 months' of cellular access.
Internet cafes are widely available, and most hotels have high
speed internet access. The internet is censored to filter out any
material and websites deemed undesirable by the authorities.