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For expatriates (foreign residents) of the UAE, many of the following
requirements are different. If you are one of these people check with
your sponsering company for details.
Weather & Climate: Very hot, especially during the summer months (avoid June - August in
particular when temperatures hover over 110 every day). Rain is rare.
During the winter months (Oct - Feb) the UAE has some of the best weather
in the world. The desert inlands are very hot during the day and can
get extremely cold at night.
Religion:
Islam plays a large role in the country. Emiraties are 100% Muslim though there are large numbers
of Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists living in the country as well. The majority of the country
is Sunni Muslim and there is a minority of Shi'a as well. The UAE is
fairly conservative but very tolerating of Western culture.
During Ramadan, the country effectively
shuts down during the day and you are not allowed to eat, drink, or
smoke outside in public (in respect to the Muslim fasters). Ramadan
is a month long religious observation and the date changes every year, check with
a consulate or mosque in your country to find out about when Ramadan
will take place. That said, after hours, shops and restaurants stay
open very late to accomodate the late night parties that take place
after fasting is over. It is a fun time after dark, though Ramadan has its genesis in holy and spiritual reflection.
Language:
Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, and English are all common. Most people speak English,
and most of the road and store signs are in English and Arabic.
Clothing:
Clothing is somewhat conservative, though not as restrictive as other
Gulf States. Women should dress modestly. Men or women should not wear
shorts outside. Private beaches and pools are available throughout the
country. Public beaches should be avoided to stem unwanted attention.
Visa:
Many hotels or travel agencies will arrange all of your necessary paperwork.
You should contact an embassy or consulate to double check requirements.
You may also just show up at the airport if you fit one of the categories
listed below.
A "visit visa" (or "tourist
visa") can now be automatically given by Immigration officials
at the port of entry, and is valid for 30 days. Extensions are available.
Countries eligible for visa on arrival:
Australia, Andorra, Austria, Brunei, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America and the Vatican.
British overseas passports issued in
Hong Kong or China:
Holders of British overseas passports issued in Hong Kong or China can
obtain a visa on arrival at Dubai Airport.
GCC residents:
Can also visit UAE without applying in advance for a visa.
Citizens of countries that are not
mentioned above require the sponsorship of a UAE resident, hotel, travel
agency, or company in order to obtain a visit visa.
The Government of the UAE refuses entry
and transit to Israeli passport holders. Persons with Israeli stamps
or signs of visiting Israel will also be denied entry.
For more information and other questions
about visas and travel to the UAE, contact your country's UAE consulate.
The address for the UAE consulate in the US is: http://www.uae-embassy.org/.
Driving:
Driving in the UAE is fairly safe though speeding is prevalent. The road from Abu Dhabi to Dubai
is now well lit. Other roads throughout the country in the mountains are not lit and
are not safe to drive at night. One major problem is that the camels
in the desert like to relax on the quiet asphalt at night, and there
are numerous examples of what happens after an accident on the sides
of highways throughout the country.
Another problem is speeding and reckless
driving by young people, generally in very expensive cars. Racing is
seen as a pastime and is especially a problem at night and on the periphery
of the cities.
International Driving Permit required.
Application and info for US drivers on AAA's Web site here: http://www.csaa.com/.
Drugs and Alcohol:
Alcohol is available throughout the country though is only served in
bars connected with hotels, and usually only to Westerners in Western
dress. Public drunkeness is severely frowned on and will not be tolerated.
There are, however, many huge, modern clubs and discoteques, especially
in Dubai. Entrance is usually limited to the doorman's discretion.
Drugs are harshly dealt with, though
hashish is widely available. If you are caught using, buying, or selling
drugs, the penalties are very severe and could include capital punishment.
Needless to say, avoid using illegal drugs, especially in the UAE.
Money:
The currency in the UAE is the dirham, worth about 27 US cents. The
dirham is split into smaller amounts called fils.
Vaccinations Needed:
None.
Annoyances:
There are few annoyances in the UAE. The cultural climate is welcoming
and friendly. The worst that may happen is that someone will say something
or cat-call you if you are a female. However, women travellers often
report being treated with the utmost respect in public. Usually if there
is a problem, a shopkeeper, taxi driver, or bystander will intervene
or help out (without alterior motives!). The UAE is a very open and
great country to visit.
There are undercover police known as
the CID. Make sure and see a badge and do not go anywhere with them
if approached. The most they will do is check out bars and clubs to
make sure there is no drug use or any illegal activities.
Gay and Lesbian Travel:
There is some amount of gay community active in Dubai but the UAE's
official stance is that it is illegal. Be careful in public especially.
That said, Dubai is making some headways into loosening the legalities
of homosexuality in the country.
You will invariably see men holding
hands throughout the country, this is not seen as a sign of homosexuality,
but a strong sign of friendship between men.
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