United Arab Emirates Travel Guide

Full Name

United Arab Emirates

Former Name

Trucial Oman, Trucial States

Capital City

Abu Dhabi

Government Type

federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates

Area Size

The United Arab Emirates is occupying a total area of about 83, 600 sq. km (32,400 sq. miles) – roughly the size of Portugal.

Time Zone

GMT +4 hours

Climate

Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, the UAE is warm and sunny in winter and hot and humid during the summer months. Winter daytime temperatures average a very pleasant 26°C, although nights can be relatively cool, between 12–15°C on the coast, and less than 5°C in the depths of the desert or high in the mountains. Local north-westerly winds (shamal) frequently develop during the winter, bringing cooler windy conditions. Summer temperatures are in the mid-40s, but can be higher inland. Humidity in coastal areas averages between 50 and 60 per cent, touching over 90 per cent in summer and autumn. Inland it is far less humid. Rainfall is sparse and intermittent. In most years it rains during the winter months, usually in February or March, but occasionally earlier. Winter rains take the form of short sharp bursts, which, if occurring in the Hajar Mountains, run off rapidly into wadis and onto the downwashed gravel plains. Localised thunderstorms occasionally occur during the summer. Generally appearing over the mountains of the south and east of the country, these rumbling cloudbursts can give rise to severe flash floods.

Geography

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is situated along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian peninsula between 22º 50 and 26º north latitude and between 51º and 56º 25 east longitude. Qatar lies to the north-west, Saudi Arabia to the west, south and south-east and Oman to the south-east and north-east. Occupying a total area of about 83, 600 sq. km (32,400 sq. miles), the UAE has 700 km of coastline, 600 km along the Arabian Gulf and 100 km bordering the Gulf of Oman.

Languages

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Culture

The people of the UAE have seen dramatic change in the few short years since the state was established, change that has provided them with all the benefits of a modern, developed society. At the same time, however, both government and people are determined that their heritage shall be preserved, in line with the late Sheikh Zayed's belief that 'a people that knows not its past can have neither a present nor a future'. To act as repositories of this heritage and a source of information for both visitors and the younger generation who have not experienced a traditional lifestyle, museums and heritage centres have been developed throughout the UAE.

History

The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states - Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.

Travel Information

Travel to the UAE has never been easier since it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Most of the leading airlines of the world fly into the UAE, but you can also travel by road or sea. The vast majority of visitors take advantage of the excellent deals on offer through a number of tour operators. The national airlines Etihad Airways and Emirates offer a comprehensive air service to the UAE's six international airports at Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ra's al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Road access to the UAE from Saudi Arabia and Oman is excellent. Connections can be made with the Trans-Arabian Highway on the overland route to Europe. Daily bus service runs between Muscat and Abu Dhabi via Al Ain. There is a twice daily bus service between Oman and Dubai via Hatta. There are also bus services between Abu Dhabi and Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Accommodation

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 piece de resistance being the seven-star Burj al-Arab in Dubai. There are also a number of excellent locally run properties suitable for both tourists and business travellers. Several of the hotels are outstanding examples of modern architecture. Swimming pools, tennis courts and fully equipped health centres are the norm. Most waterfront hotels have excellent beaches and extensive watersports facilities. If your budget does not extend to a five-star hotel, there are alternatives, most also of a high standard. There are a number of youth hostels for which a HI card is required, however you can buy a yearly membership for Dh75 if you do not have a card.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the following countries will 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.

Getting Around

Most tourists visiting the UAE on all-inclusive package tours will base themselves at one or more hotels in the UAE, using the ubiquitous and inexpensive taxis for sightseeing and shopping and local tour companies for more extended trips. However, it is worth remembering that cars and four-wheel drives are readily available for hire, the road network is excellent and there are intriguing places to visit far from the cosmopolitan cities.

Health & Safety

Remarkably, the UAE was one of only two countries with no reported cases of holiday illnesses recorded in a survey by the leading British consumer magazine, Holiday Which? This is a tribute to the success of government immunization programmes, the provision of adequate clean water and high standards of cleanliness in hotels and restaurants. No special immunizations are required, however it would be wise to check beforehand if you are travelling from a health-risk area. The sun can be fierce throughout the year so heatstroke and heat exhaustion are always a risk. Adequate sunglasses, hats and high factor sun creams are essential, especially for children. Hospitals in the UAE provide a high standard of care. It would be wise to take out medical insurance to cover all eventualities, especially if you need to attend a private hospital or clinic where treatment can be quite expensive. In all instances, medical procedures, including the use of sterilized needles and the provision of blood transfusions are very reliable. If you need a doctor, ask at your hotel, or ring your embassy for recommendations. If you need emergency treatment and are unable to contact a doctor, try one of the major hospitals. The UAE is one of the safest places in the world to visit. In fact, it has been designated the world’s safest holiday destination by the international travel industry on two occasions. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to take out travel insurance and to take the normal precaution to safeguard yourself and your valuables.

National Holidays

Fixed dates: 1 Jan (New Year's Day) 1 Jan (Eid al Adha/Feast of Sacrifice) 2 Jan (Eid al Adah Holiday) 20 Jan ( Islamic New Year) 31 Mar (The Prophet's Birthday) 6 Aug (Sheikh Zayed's Accession, Regional) 10 Aug (The Prophet's Ascension) 13 Oct (Eid al Fitr/End of Ramadan) 15 Oct (Eid al Fitr Holiday) 2 Dec (National Day) 19 Dec (Eid al Adha/Feast of Sacrifice) 22 Dec (Eid al Adha Holiday)

Currency

UAE Dirham (AED)

Electricity

220V G

Working Hours

There are no set business hours in the United Arab Emirates. Companies will either work "straight" which is between 08hrs and 17hrs, or "shift" which is anytime between 08hrs and 13hrs, and then again between 16h00 and 21hrs or even 22hrs. Government departments are open from 07hrs until 14hrs, Saturdays to Wednesdays. Banks are open from 09hrs to 13hrs Sundays to Wednesdays and from 09hrs to 12hrs on Thursdays. Shops Normal shopping hours are from 9.00 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4.00– 9.00 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 are 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.

Emergency Numbers

ambulance/fire/police 998/999