About United Arab Emirates (UAE)
About UAE
The UAE is an elective monarchy formed from a federation of seven emirates, consisting of Abu Dhabi , Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Each emirate is governed by a Sheik hand, together, they form the Federal Supreme Council; one of them serves as President of the United Arab Emirates.
Population
Approximately 9,990,000 (2021)
Language
The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood
Currency
UAE Dirham divided into 100 Fils US$ 1 = Dhs 3.67 (approx)
Notes: 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20,10
5Coins: 1 Dirham, 50 Fils, 25 Fils
Credit Card
Major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diner’s Club are available through global network branches and accepted in shopping areas as well as hotels and some restaurants
Geography
The UAE is situated north of the Equator on latitudes between 22-28.5 N and longitudes 51-58 E. Bordered to the North by the Arabian Gulf, to the East by the Gulf of Oman and Sultanate of Oman, to the South by Saudi Arabia, and to the West by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The total area of the country is 83,600 square kilometers. This includes an archipelago with an area of about 5,900 square kilometers. The coastline is 650 kms.
Climate
The UAE is one of the best winter resorts. Between November and March, warm sunny days with an average temperature of 26° C/78.8° F and cool nights with an average temperature of 15° C/59° F. Hot temperature and high humidity increase between June and August. The average temperature is 38° C/100.4° F during the summer. Rainfall is infrequently falling mainly in winter.
Working hours
Government : From Monday to Thursday from 07:30 am to 02:30 pm and Friday 07.30 am to 12.00 pm.
Private Sector : From Monday to Thursday from 08:00 am to 01:00 pm and from 04:00 pm to 07:00 pm. Friday 07.30 am to 12.00 pm.
Banks : From Monday to Saturday from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm.
Exchange Houses : From Monday to Sunday from 08:30 am to 01:30 pm and from 04:30 pm to 08:30 pm. Fridays from 04:30 pm to 08:30 pm.
Souks/Markets : From Sunday to Monday from 09:00 am to 10:00 pm. Fridays from 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Major Malls : From Sunday to Wednesday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 10:00 am to midnight.
Above timings are not applicable during Ramadan.
Dubai Metro
The Red Line and Green Line connect major areas in the city, including Dubai Airport, various tourist attractions and major shopping malls. Dubai Metro operates Sunday to Wednesday (05:50hhrs to 00:00hrs), Thursday (05:50hrs to 01:00hrs), Friday (13:00hrs to 01:00hrs) and Saturday (05:50hrs to 00:00hrs). All timings are subject to change. The trains run every 4-8 minutes, depending on day/time of the day. Major Metro stations are served by feeder buses that will carry the metro passengers to and from communities around the stations. The metro tickets are called NOL cards and can be purchased from metro stations and selected outlets.
Customs
There are no exchange restrictions. No customs duty is levied on personal effects when entering the country. Visitors are allowed to bring in the following free of duty: 2000 cigarettes plus 400 cigars plus 2 kg tobacco, 2 liters wine or 2 liters spirits. A reasonable quantity of perfume is allowed.
Dress Code
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings.
Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo-chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight.
The United Arab Emirates has conservative dress traditions. Swimwear should be confirmed at the beach and hotel pools. Men and women should ensure shoulders and knees are covered when in public, especially in souks, shops and villages.
Religion
Islam is the official religion. Other religions are respected.
Alcohol
Alcohol is freely available in hotel restaurants and bars, but not outside hotels. It is not allowed to consume alcohol in public areas. In the Emirate of Sharjah alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
Photography
Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. Photographs of government buildings or military installations are forbidden.
Electricity
The electricity supply is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. Adapters are available in the hotels.
Water
Tap water is quite safe to drink but visitors usually prefer locally bottled mineral water and this is generally served in hotels and restaurants.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications are excellent, both within the United Arab Emirates and the outside world. International direct telephone dialing, telex and fax facilities are available in all major cities in UAE. Telephone booths (phone cards) are available in abundance for international and local calls. Most hotels offer guests internet access. Access is also available at internet cafés.
