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TRAVEL

1. The Weather
2. Visas & Immigration
3. Airports
4. Airlines
5. Customs
6. Special Events
7. Ramadan
8. Hotels
9. Transport
10. Travel Tips

THE WEATHER

For today’s weather and the forecast for the next few days in various areas of the UAE CLICK HERE.

Choose a link to see the latest satellite images of the weather conditions in the Middle East and Europe.

• Current conditions over the Middle East
• Current conditions over Europe (satellite 1)

Mean monthly maximum temperature (Bateen airport, Abu Dhabi) and national mean monthly rainfall 1971/72–1988/89. °C and mm.

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VISAS & IMMIGRATION

1. Visas
2. Immigration Departments
3. Foreign Embassies in Abu Dhabi
4. Foreign Consulates in Dubai
5. AE Embassies and Consulates

VISAS

Check with the UAE Immigration Services for the latest information on visit visas. At the time of writing, citizens of the following countries are eligible to be issued with a free-of-charge VISIT VISA on entry to the UAE: UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Citizens of other countries should apply to their nearest UAE embassy.

Up-to-date information on visas is available from the UAE Immigration Services.

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS

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FOREIGN EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES IN ABU DHABI

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FOREIGN CONSULATES IN DUBAI

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UAE EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES WORLDWIDE

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AIRPORTS

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
(02 5757500, flight enquiries: 02 5757611)
Website:

Dubai Airport (DXB) (04 2245555)
Enquiries: (04 2066666)
Website: www.dubaiairport.com

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) (06 5581111)
Enquiries: (06 5581000)
Website: www.shj-airport.gov.ae

Ra’s al-Khaimah International Airport (RKT) (07 2448111)
Website: www.rakairport.com

Fujairah International Airport (09 2226222)
Website: www.fujairah-airport.com

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AIRLINES

The national airlines Etihad Airways (www.etihadairways.com) and Emirates (www.emirates.com) offer comprehensive air services to the UAE’s six international airports at Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ra’s al-Khaimah and Fujairah

The information on the following website is directed at pilots and flight planners: Government Civil Aviation Authorities

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CUSTOMS

Customs clearance in the UAE is fast and efficient. No customs duties are applied to personal belongings. However, since the UAE is an Islamic country, religious propaganda, potentially offensive printed matter, CDs videos or films should not be brought into the country. All pornographic material is banned. Since strict copyright laws are being enforced in the UAE, pirated video and audiotapes or illegal computer software will be confiscated.

Needless to say controlled substances such as cannabis, opium etc, are banned and the penalties for handling these drugs are severe. If a blood test for illegal drug usage proves positive, you can be charged with a criminal offence – even if you used the drug before arrival in the UAE. The importation of firearms and dangerous weapons is also restricted.

Duty free allowances
2000 cigarettes; 400 cigars; 2kg tobacco; 2 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine (non-Muslims only) and perfume. It is prohibited to import alcohol into Sharjah and you are generally not allowed to bring alcohol into the country if you are travelling by land.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Many special events are staged in the UAE throughout the year.
Dates may change so check before you travel.

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RAMADAN

During the holy month of Ramadan (the exact dates move forward by approximately 11 days each year) Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset and visitors are requested not to eat, drink or smoke in public places. Most restaurants are closed during the day, although food will be available from hotel room service or in a designated area of your hotel. In general, alcohol is only available to hotel guests after sunset.

Despite these restrictions, there are certain advantages in visiting the UAE at this time. You may be able to obtain discount rates on some hotels and once the daily fast is broken (by the iftar meal after sunset) the streets are a hive of activity, which lends a carnival atmosphere to the towns.

Approximate dates for commencement of Ramadan

• 13/09/07
• 02/09/08
• 21/08/09
• 10/08/10

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HOTELS

Accommodation in the UAE is of a very high standard and many of the world’s top hotel chains run five-star hotels in the major emirates, the pieces de resistance being the seven-star Burj al-Arab in Dubai and Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. For more detailed information on hotels in the UAE access the specialised websites listed in the links section, most will take online bookings:

USEFUL LINKS

• www.precisionreservations.com
• www.adnh.com
• www.dwtc.com
• www.dubaitourism.co.ae
• www.dubaicityguide.com
• www.dubai-hotels.org
• www.ahotelroom4u.com
• www.hotels-shopper.com
• www.interamerika.com
• www.godubai.com
• www.planetholiday.com
• www.uae.travelmall.com

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TRANSPORT

1. Car Hire
2. Taxis & Public Transport
3. Driving
4. Maps
5. Street Names

CAR HIRE

Most of the large car hire firms are represented at airports and hotels. Some local firms also operate car hire services (http://www.yellopages.net.ae/).

TAXIS & PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced – not all have meters so check the cost before embarking on a journey. Well-maintained, air-conditioned buses operate within and between the emirates and to neighbouring Oman. A new metro system is also under construction in Dubai.

Dubai Municipality Bus Information (800 4848)
Click on http://www.dm.gov.ae/ for route plans, timetables and fares.

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DRIVING

There is an extensive high quality road network throughout the Emirates and unleaded petrol is cheap. Driving is on the right.
The rules relating to driving licences differ from emirate to emirate. However, once you have been issued with a temporary driving permit from one emirate you can drive throughout the UAE.

If you wish to hire a car in the UAE you will be issued with a UAE temporary driving permit by car hire companies on presentation of valid national or international driving licences (the latter is required in Abu Dhabi), two photographs and a passport.

Traffic regulations are strictly enforced. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without police permission. Under no circumstances can you drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol will put you over the legal limit. Seat belts are compulsory. Children under 12 are prohibited from travelling in front seats of vehicles.

Contact The Arabian Automobile Association (800 4900; 04 2669989) www.cyberwebz.com/aaa for additional information.

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MAPS

Most hotel shops, bookshops and supermarkets sell printed city street and road maps for each emirate. Digital maps are also available and GPS is used for car and boat navigation.

STREET NAMES

Almost all street and road signs are written in English and Arabic. Official and commonly used names may differ. In general, directions are given by reference to landmarks, particularly roundabouts or indeed landmark buildings, of which there are many.

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TRAVEL TIPS

1. Security
2. Tipping
3. Photography
4. Clothing
5. Opening Hours
6. Public Holidays
7. Communications
8. Health & Emergencies
9. Currency & Exchange
10. Food & Drink

SECURITY

The UAE is one of the safest places in the world to visit. Nevertheless, it is prudent to take the normal precautions to safeguard yourself and your valuables.

Police Headquarters

Dubai Police hotline (Al Ameen service) 8004888 alalmeen@emirates.net.ae

Helicopter Service
If you dial 999 or 04 2821111, Dubai Police guarantee that in an emergency a police helicopter will be with you within 8 minutes.

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TIPPING

Tipping is not expected but is common practice. Most restaurants add service charges to the bill.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ask permission before photographing people in general. Avoid photographing Muslim women and do not photograph airports, docks, telecommunications equipment, government buildings, military and industrial installations. 

CLOTHING

Lightweight summer clothing is ideal. Bring a wrap, sweater or jacket for cooler winter nights and air-conditioned premises. Since you are visiting a Muslim country, bikinis, swimsuits, shorts and revealing tops should be confined to beach resorts. Women are usually advised not to wear short skirts and to keep their shoulders covered. Note that in Sharjah women are prohibited from wearing swimsuits on public beaches.

OPENING HOURS

Shops/Banks
Normal shopping hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. However, many shops, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi stay open all day. Most shopping centres open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – frequently later. Some supermarkets stay open for 24 hours. Shopping centres and most shops are open on Friday, the Islamic day of rest, but they all close for Juma (Friday) prayers from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Banks are open from Saturday to Thursday.

Offices
Government offices open at 7.30 a.m. and close at 3.00 p.m. Private offices tend to keep longer hours, coming back to work in the evening after an extended mid-day break. Some private businesses open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All government offices close for the weekend on Friday and Saturday. Many private corporations also recognise this two-day weekend.

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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

The dates outlined below for Islamic religious holidays are approximate. The precise dates are not announced until a day or so before they occur. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the holiday is usually taken at the beginning of the next working week.

COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone and Fax
The telephone network operated by telecommunication organisations ETISALAT and du (www.emirates.net.ae; www.du.ae) is superb: local calls are free and direct dialling is available to 150 countries.
The international dial code for UAE is +971. When dialing mobile numbers it is necessary to include the 050 prefix from within the UAE or + 50 when dialing from overseas.
Yellow page directories are available for each emirate (http://www.yellowpages.net.ae/).

All hotels offer fax facilities. Faxes can also be sent from ETISALAT (www.ETISALAT.co.ae) offices throughout the Emirates.

Mobile phones
GSM services are available throughout the UAE. ‘Speak Easy’ is a GSM mobile service for visitors. Contact ETISALAT or du for details (www.emirates.net.ae; www.du.ae).

Internet
ETISALAT and du provide internet services in the UAE (www.emirates.net.ae; www.du.ae). Most five-star hotels offer guests internet access. Many cafes now offer wireless internet access.

Post
Emirates Post (EmPost) mail is usually collected morning and evening. Stamps can be purchased and post mailed from hotels. Express postal facilities are also available at post offices. Note that there are no telephone or fax facilities at post offices in the UAE and poste restante facilities do not exist.

Newspapers
Local newspapers are available in English and Arabic. The three English language dailies are Gulf News, Gulf Today and Khaleej Times. A number of local publications also have websites:

Magazines
Foreign magazines are available from newsagents and supermarkets. Local magazines such as What’s On, Time Out Dubai and Time Out Abu Dhabi have up-to-date information on activities, entertainments, restaurants, events, exhibitions etc.

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HEALTH & EMERGENCIES

(For more information on Health in the UAE please click here)

The standard of food hygiene and water quality is extremely high. Water is usually produced by desalination so it is normally safe to drink, although most people drink bottled water.

Hospitals in the UAE provide a high standard of care and medical procedures, including the use of sterilised needles and the provision of blood transfusions, are very reliable.

Vaccinations
No special immunisations are required. However, it would be wise to check beforehand if you are travelling from a health-risk area. Polio has been virtually eradicated in the UAE and hepatitis is very rare and can be avoided by taking precautions.

Malaria
There are very few mosquitoes in the cities and, since it is not considered to be a risk, malaria tablets are rarely prescribed for travel in the UAE. However, mosquitoes will find you if you are camping near the mountains or exploring wadis or date groves in the evening, so cover up and use a suitable insect repellent as it is always safer to avoid being bitten.

Sunburn
The sun can be fierce throughout the year. Adequate sunglasses, hats and high factor sun creams are essential, especially for children.

Health insurance
Medical insurance is recommended.

Pharmacies
Most medicines are readily available at pharmacies and each emirate has at least one pharmacy open 24 hours a day (listed in newspapers).

Dentists
Good dentists, including orthodontists, are readily available,

Ambulance service 998 or 999

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CURRENCY & EXCHANGE

The UAE currency, the dirham is freely convertible. It is extremely easy to change money at banks and exchange houses throughout the country. Money laundering regulations are in force and transfers or cash withdrawals above a low threshold figure are subject to reporting to UAE authorities. Provided the source and purpose of funds is legitimate there are no problems.

Banks
There is an efficient banking network throughout the UAE. Banks open at 8 a.m. and close at 3.30 p.m., Saturday to Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays. They are closed all day Fridays and on public holidays.

Personal cheques
Although there have been major changes in recent years, the UAE is still a cash-driven society and personal cheques are not readily accepted.

Travellers’ cheques
Most travellers’ cheques can be cashed at hotels, some moneychangers and banks.

Credit cards
Most internationally recognised credit cards (e.g. VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Diners) are accepted. Nevertheless, carry some cash for general shopping and eating out at smaller establishments.

ATM
ATMs are located at most local banks, shopping malls and some hotels. A transaction fee for cash withdrawal from ATM machines using a foreign bankcard may apply.

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FOOD & DRINK

Visitors from many parts of the world along with a multi-ethnic resident community have ensured that a sophisticated and innovative food culture has developed in the UAE. Almost any type of food is available, from classic European to authentic ethnic, and there are many excellent restaurants. Gulf and Middle Eastern food is also available in a wide variety of venues, from expensive restaurants to local cafés. Local seafood is particularly good.

Alcohol
Alcohol is generally only served in hotel restaurants and bars (but not in Sharjah). Exceptions are some clubs (e.g. golf clubs) and associations. Restaurants that are not associated with hotels are not permitted to serve alcohol.
Check with What’s On, Time Out Dubai and Time Out Abu Dhabi for up-to date information on restaurants.

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