Capital: Abu Dhabi
Time zone: GMT + 4
Telephone services: Country Code: 971
Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: All services – 344 663 (only Abu Dhabi).
Tourist information: Federal Ministry of Tourism and Culture, PO Box 5053, Dubai, UAE Tel: (4) 615 500 Fax: (4) 615 648
Passport information: Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival required by all. Return Ticket Required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact the relevant authority before departure.
Visa information: Visa required by all except: Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Nationals of the UK with the endorsement ‘British Subject Citizen of the UK and Colonies’ or ‘British Citizen’ for a maximum of 30 days. Transit passengers who do not leave the airport on arrival.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended.
Malaria: Risk exists in the valleys and the lower slopes of mountainous areas of the Northern States.
Other Health Risks: Cholera, Rabies.
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink.
Currency: UAE Dirham (UAE Dh) = 100 fils.
Exchange: Most hotels All credit cards are accepted. Travellers cheques preferably in US dollars can be easily exchanged.
ATM availability: Over 280 locations.
Cost of living: Relatively expensive although the budget traveller will be able to find cheaper hotels and food away from the main tourist areas. Prices are constant throughout the year.
Languages: Arabic. English is widely spoken.
Weather: June – Sept is the hottest period with little rainfall. Oct – May is a more comfortable time to visit.
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Square 3 pin plugs are widespread.
Post: Airmail takes about 5 days to reach Western Europe.
Transport: SEA: Passenger services serve all coastal ports. ROAD: There are good, roads running along the West Coast. BUS: A limited service links most towns. However most hotels run their own scheduled service to the airport, city centre and beach. TAXI: Most travellers find taxis to be the most convenient and quickest method of transport. Taxis are metered and there is a surcharge for air-conditioned taxis. CAR HIRE: Most international companies have agencies at the airport and hotels. DOCUMENTATION: Renters must produce 2 photographs, passports and either a valid international or national licence. IDP is recommended.
Special information: Because of the situation of global and regional insecurity at present, travellers should exercise extreme
caution and make only necessary journeys to this country. If you intend to travel depite this advice you should be aware that this is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, although it is still very conservative by Western standards. Respect Muslim traditions. It is illegal to smoke or drink in public places during Ramadan. Western entertainment is available in the form of cocktail bars, public houses and cinemas.