Things to Know

As you get ready to travel to UAE, Asiarooms is here to offer some valuable tips to assist you during your stay in the country. In fact, it is always helpful to have a proper understanding of a country and its laws, customs before visiting it. Below are listed some of things to know about the UAE in general.

Passport and Visa
Visitors to UAE must be in possession of passports valid for six months from the date of arrival in UAE. Visas are required for all nationals with the exception of nationals of 33 countries (see UAE Visa Information), including the USA and the UK. Citizens of these countries get free-of-cost visa valid for 60 days on entry.

Currency
The currency of the UAE is the Dirham. $US 1= Dh 3.675

Language and Religion
Arabic is the official language of the UAE, while English is widely spoken and understood in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other major cities of the country. Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam are other popular languages in the UAE. Islam is the official language of the UAE.

Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during daylight hours should be avoided.

Banking
The banking hours in UAE are from 0800 to 1300 hours from Sat to Wed, while on Thu, the banks open from 0800 to 12:00 hours. Friday is a holiday in the UAE.

Clothing
UAE is an Islamic country and so clothing should be modest. Beachwear is acceptable at beach clubs, hotels and public beaches. During the daytime, the dress code is fairly casual although more exclusive restaurants may expect guests to dress more formally during the evening.

Vaccinations: No special immunizations are required for visitors to the UAE, however a certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from an affected area. Immunization against polio and Hepatitis A is sometimes advised.

Food and Water: Tap water is desalinated and safe for drinking, but drinking bottled mineral water is good for visitors. Milk is generally un-pasteurized and should be boiled. Eat well-cooked meat and fish, while salads should be washed well before serving.

Emergency Health Service: Ambulance service can be called at 998 or 999. There is a 24-hour municipality emergency number for Dubai- 04 2232323 and Abu Dhabi-02 777 929, telling you the locations of open chemists.

Tipping: Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, 10% is adequate and many hotels and restaurants add a service charge, so it is best to check the bill.

Safety: Traveling to the UAE is trouble free. Crime is not a problem, but there is deemed to be a threat of terrorism against Western interests and gathering points, particularly entertainment venues. It is suggested to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

Customs
Visitors to UAE cannot carry more than 2 litres of alcohol, 2000 cigarettes, 400 cigars, up to 2kg of tobacco on entry and perfume for personal use. Note that the alcohol allowance applies only to non-Muslims aged over 18