UAE

The United Arab Emirates is situated in the southeastern Asian continent and the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The term ‘Emirate’ refers to a principality, and it comes from the word Emir and specifically references principalities ruled by a dynastic Islamic monarch. There are seven emirates in the UAE: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Each emirate has its monarch, but Abu Dhabi serves as the capital, and the Emir of Abu Dhabi serves as President of the UAE.

Time Zone

The United Arab Emirates' standard time is UTC +4 and is co-linear with neighboring Oman.

Language

The official language is Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is taught in all schools, and most native Emirates speak a dialect of Gulf Arabic that is generally similar to that spoken in surrounding countries. Since the UAE is home to a large expatriate community, several other languages are widely spoken, including English, Persian, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and Chinese.

Weather/Temperature

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a desert climate, characterized by pleasantly mild winters and sweltering, sunny summers, with the humidity of the Persian Gulf that makes the heat unbearable. The best time to visit the United Arab Emirates is winter, from December to February, which is a pleasant and sunny season and allows you to avoid the oppressive heat of the long warm season. March and November prefer the latter for a beach holiday because the sea is more generous.

Culture

Emirati culture is based on Arabian culture, with East Africa and Indian Subcontinent cultures. The religion of Islam has had a significant impact on local architecture, music, attire, cuisine, and lifestyle. All social and political matters are driven by Sharia (Islamic) law. However, the UAE is tolerant of other religions and accords religious freedom to the expatriate population. Although Muslims can proselytize to those of other faiths, it is forbidden for those of other faith to proselytize to Muslims. Muslims are not allowed to convert from Islam, and there are repercussions for those who actively try and encourage Muslims to convert to a different religion. 

Visitors to the UAE should dress modestly, particularly in conservative areas and public places like shopping malls. Clothing should not be transparent, indecently exposing parts of the body, or displaying offensive pictures or slogans.

Public Transportation

The best way to get around the UAE is by taxi or metro. Metro is available in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and you must pay using a Nol Card (you can get it from the stations). The metro provides optimal connectivity between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and its suburbs and the communities of Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Al Raha Beach. Taxis can be hailed from the roadside. Although prices are high across the board in Dubai, a taxi won’t break the bank, plus they provide the freedom to move at your own pace without the hassle of navigating traffic.

Bus services in UAE are safe, efficient, and clean, and drivers are trained in driving articulated vehicles. They are all air-conditioned; even the bus stations are air-conditioned. In the bigger emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you will even find several ecological buses that run on rechargeable batteries. For traveling from emirate to emirate, buses are the cheapest and most popular form of public transport.

You can find car rental anywhere, but it is better to find local car rental companies like when you arrive at the airport or hotels. Dubai Tram is considered the first tram service outside Europe that works on the underground power supply. Dubai tram network covers a distance of 10.6 km with 11 stations.

Local Currency (Credit/Debit Cards & Foreign Currency Exchange)

The local currency in the United Arab Emirates is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). The current exchange rate is approximately AED 1 = USD 0,27. You can exchange foreign currency in major cities at banks, hotels, and authorized money changers in airports, malls, and public markets. Foreign banks have branches in the UAE, and ATMs are placed at several locations in public places. ATMs typically provide the best exchange rates (even when factoring in possible currency exchange fees from your home bank), but traveler’s cheques in either US Dollars or UK Pounds Sterling are recommended to avoid additional exchange rate charges.

Most international credit card networks are acceptable in UAE. The most widely accepted cards in all merchants in UAE are MasterCard and Visa. At the same time, American Express (Amex) and Discover are also acceptable in some large hotels and restaurants. Holders of other cards are advised to clarify whether their card is proper in UAE with a commercial bank. There will be instances where stores may not display the symbols of the cards they accept, be sure to check with the salesperson in the store before using your card if your card is acceptable or not.

Electricity

For Dubai and all places within the United Arab Emirates, the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Dubai operates on a 230 V supply voltage and 50hz, and we recommend you bring along a travel adapter.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

VAT refund is applicable in any shop (retailer) that participates in the “Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme.” You can identify these eligible outlets with posters displayed on their storefront and visible to visitors. The sum of tax from several receipts should comply with a minimum of AED 250 (two hundred fifty dirhams). You will get a Tax Free Tag attached to the back of the sales receipt. Goods are purchased within 90 (ninety) days before departing UAE and must be carried out of UAE as accompanied baggage within 90 (ninety) days of the date of purchase.

The Tax refund can only be claimed at the airport on the date of your departure before you check in your luggage. Federal Tax Authority has allocated spaces where tourists can reclaim taxes through a fully electronic system. Please make sure to prepare all the documents needed. See the step as follow :

1. Scan or enter your passport number or GCC National ID card 
2. Follow the instructions on the screen, and if you get the green light, you’ve completed the validation process.
3. If you get a red light, contact one of the staff standing next to the validation point for help.
4. Choose your preferred refund method - credit/debit card or cash.

Basic ‘Good to Know’ Words

Hello: Marhaba

Use this when you want to greet a person.

Good morning / evening: Sabah el khair / Massa el khair

Use this when you want to greet a person.

Please: MinFadlak

It’s polite to use "MinFadlak" when asking or requesting something.

Thank you: Shukran-Lak

Use this to thank someone.

Sorry: Asef

Use this to say sorry to someone.

Yes / No: NaAm / La

Use this when you like or dislike or agree and disagree.