United Arab Emirates

The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman,
Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
The area — 83.500 square kilometres.
The population — 5 million.
The capital city — Abu Dhabi
The state language — Arabic
The language of communication — English
The State religion — Islam
The national currency — Dirham (AED or Dhs) divided into 100 fils.
The rate of exchange is constant: USD 1.00 = Dhs 3.65
No restriction exists for bringing in or taking out foreign and local currency.
Banknotes in circulation: Dhs 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000.
Banks are open from 8.00 till 13.00 — Sunday through Thursday.
Friday is a day-off.
Taking photos of state institutions, banks and military facilities as well as women is strictly
prohibited. Local men can be photographed only with their consent.
The voltage is 220/240v, 50Hz
Sockets with three-pin plugs of British type are used.

Water

Tap water is not recommended for drinking.

You can purchase drinking water (in plastic bottles) in all supermarkets.

Local mineral water is offered in all hotels and restaurants.Alcoholic drinks are sold in the restaurants and bars of many hotels.

The exception is the Emirate of Sharjah, where alcoholic drinks are prohibited

The dress worn outside the hotel should not be too open or close-fitting.

Shop timings

Large shopping centres: 10.00 — 22.30
Bazaars and small shops: 10.00-13.00
17.00-22.30

Telephone

Telephone calls made within the same emirate are free.
You can purchase a telephone card for international calls.
International teephone calls made from the hotel are more expensive.
30% discount is provided from 21.00 till 7.00 on weekdays,
from 7.00 till 23.00 on Friday and holydays.

Tips

In case tips are not included in the bill it wil suffice to leave 10% of the total amount.
Tipping is recommended only for good service.

Transportation:

Automobiles are main type of transportation in the Emirates.

Tourists are recommended to use taxi.

The minimum cost of a trip by taxi is Dhs 10.00

Rent-a-car

Any guest of the country who has a valid international or European driving license can
rent a car. A national passport should also be submitted.
Traffic is rightsided in the UAE.

Smoking

Since 2007 smoking in public places is forbidden in the Emirates. According to

regulations smoking is not allowed in shopping centres, in lounges of buildings,
hotels, in offices, shops and salons, in public transport, at the beaches and other
places. Many shops arrange special areas for smokers, the entry to which is allowed
only to persons over 20 years of age ( smoking is allowed almost in all night
entertainment places).

The fine of Dhs 1000 is imposed for any violation of the antitobacco legislation.Deposits in hotels:

Tourists staying in 4-5 star hotels are requested to leave a cash deposit for extra
services ( the use of mini-bar, international telephone calls etc).

The deposit can be in US Dollars, Dirhams, Euros or credit cards ( the necessary amount
will be blocked).

Credit Cards

American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and other credit cards are accepted
as a rule in all big hotels and shops.