| Alcohol |
Alcohol is only served in hotels and certain licensed venues. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in public.
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| Buses |
This mode of transport is not usually an option for the discerning traveller. They are still very unreliable and at times uncomfortably crowded. However, it is a very cheap way to get around the city.
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| Bars |
Bars are generally open from 19:00 hrs through till midnight. There is a very strict no tolerance policy with regards to drinking and driving. Fines and jail penalties of minimum 1 month are standard.
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| Banks |
Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.
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| Credit Cards |
All major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques. All hotels, restaurants and shops accept international credit cards, such as Visa & Mastercard. However, for payment of small amounts, it is recommended to always have some cash. Very often in shops (especially Jewelry) up to an additional 5% will be calculated, when paying by CC.
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| Currency |
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. ATMs are common throughout the UAE. Denominations:
Notes : 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 & 1000
Coins (fils) : 25, 50
Coins (Dirham) : 1
All hotels, restaurants and shops accept international credit cards, such as Visa & Mastercard. However, for payment of small amounts, it is recommended to always have some cash at all times. Very often in shops (especially Jewelry) up to an additional 5% will be calculated, when paying by CC.
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| Drugs |
All form of drugs and narcotics are strictly forbidden. Caught even with the smallest amount will result in a minimum of 4 years imprisonment.
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| Doctors |
There are very good doctors in the U.A.E. and if one is required there are plenty of first class clinics with multi-lingual staff. These will need to be paid up front and claimed back via your insurance at home.
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| Driving |
The roads in the U.A.E. are excellent and signage is reasonable. However, road discipline barely exists and must be alert at all times.
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| Drinking Water |
Drinking Water It is recommended to drink bottled water, however, the tap water is considered clean and consumable.
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| Dress code |
For tourists there are generally no dress restrictions. However, out of respect to the local traditions, outside of the hotel recreational areas, one should dress a little conservatively. Most restaurants request smart casual dress.
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| Exchange |
There are many exchange centres throughout the Emirates, especially in the Shopping malls. Numerous banks are also open 6 days a week (see banks for timings). As in every country, the exchange rates in the hotels are not as favourable.
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| Electricity |
220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. The most frequently used plugs are the square three-pin type.
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| Embassies |
Please check with us or with your concierge for the number of your embassy, if required. They are only open in the mornings, Sundays to Thursdays.
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| Emergency Nos: |
Police and ambulance 999. Fire 997
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| Language |
Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely used. Signage, menus, etc. are in both languages.
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| Nightclubs |
There are numerous nightclubs throughout the Emirates. These are always located in hotels. They are generally open daily from 20:00 hrs through till 03:00 hrs. Please ask your R+B representative for the latest “in” places.
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| Pharmacy |
Pharmacies can be found all over the Emirates and offer a wide range of international products. However, if you have a not widely used prescriptive medicines, it is strongly recommended that you bring enough with you to last your entire stay.
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| Photographs |
General holiday photography allowed. Local Emiratis and especially women should be asked permission, prior to the photograph being taken. It is strictly prohibited to take pictures of any military buildings or areas.
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| Population |
2,800,000
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| Religion |
Islam 96% (Sunni 80%, Shiite 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%.
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| Smoking |
Smoking is banned (indoors) from all public places. Only selected restaurants allow smoking on terraces.
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| Salik |
Dubai created a new electronic toll collection system in July 2007, which emphasizes the system’s congestion management objectives as well as the choice of technology for the toll system. The new system, which is called Salik (meaning clear and smooth in Arabic) utilizes the latest technology to achieve free flow operation with no toll booths, no toll collectors, and no impact to traffic flow, allowing vehicles to move freely through the toll point at highway speeds. Each time one passes through a Salik toll point, the toll of AED 4 (1.09 USD) is deducted from his or her prepaid toll account using advanced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The new system was implemented by the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai.
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| Taxis |
Taxis are generally cheaper than in Europe and the most comfortable way to get from place to place within the respective city. Every taxi has a taxi meter and it is custom to wait on the side of the road and wave down the vehicle. Tips of around AED 5 are expected.
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| Telephone |
The International code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. The outgoing international code is 00. City codes must also be dialed (Abu Dhabi 2, Dubai 4). The Etisalat mobile phone network provides wide GSM900 coverage throughout the country and Internet cafes are widely available.
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| Time |
GMT + 4. |
| Tips |
For good service, it is custom to leave approximately a 10 % tip in restaurants.
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| Visa |
The following passport holders do not need a visa to the U.A.E.:
UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Malta, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free of charge visa for a single visit upon arrival in the UAE. It should be noted that this list may vary slightly from time to time and it is therefore best to check with your local UAE embassy or the airline that you are using to fly to the UAE. If you do NOT fall into one of the above categories, you will require a visa
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| Vaccinations |
No vaccinations are required for entry to the U.A.E; however a certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from an affected area.
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| Weather |
Weather Sunny blue skies can be expected throughout the year. The months of April through September are generally hot and humid with maximum temperature averaging above 45 °C (104 °F). During this time, sandstorms also occur intermittently, in some cases reducing visibility down to a few meters. The weather is cooler from November to March. This period also sees dense fog on some days.
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| Weekend |
In the Emirates, the weekend is Friday and Saturday. Fridays everything except shops are closed. Many shops, however, may not open until after 4 pm.
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