United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates - Capital - Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates - Eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, is located along part of the Gulf of Oman and the Southern coast of the Persian Gulf. United Arabian Emirates border on Qatar in North-West, Oman in East and Saudi Arabia in the South. Most of the land is barren and sandy. The general area of the country is 90, 559 sq. km.

Climate - Climate is very dry, transitive from tropical to subtropical with an average temperature of January - 20 C and, in July, - 30-35 C. The best season is October - May, when a transition from the warm solar day comes with evening winds bearing a mysterious coolness.

Population - Population of the UAE = 2,230,000 persons. 

Religion - The religion is Islam, the state religion of the UAE. Other religions however are practiced and tolerated also.

Sanitary norms - water is suitable for drink as a product of national desalination plants. Usually hotels and restaurants offer local water in bottles.

Currency - Monetary unit of the Arabian Emirates is the dirham. 1 dirham = 100 Fils. In circulation - coin by advantage are 5, 10, 25 Fils and 1 dirham; banknotes in 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 dirham. There are no restrictions on import and export of currency.

Customs rules - Through customs houses visitors of the UAE are authorized to import up to 1000 cigarettes, up to 200 cigars or as much as 1 kg of tobacco, without Customs duties, but in most cases in the UAE all these goods are cheaper. Persons not of the Muslim creed can import up to 2 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine for the personal use. Customs agents may choose to inspect videocartridges and CD's for content and will sieze provocative or pornographic materials with severe penalties. The illegal import of drugs and fire-arms is also severely punished. Entrance to the country of the people with a visa, having in their passports, and other marks of the state Israel, are not welcome by immigration agents. Entry can be denied and official papers can be seized for long waiting periods.

Tips - Many restaurants include the rate for service, but if the mention of it is absent in the menu, at payment of the account, it is satisfactory practice to add 10 %. To the porter at the airport or in hotel is due 5-10 dirham, depending on quantity(amount) of luggage. The driver of a taxi does not expect a tip and may be insulted if you press it on him - just be polite.

Clothes - the ideal clothes are from the mixed fabrics of a cotton basis. It is not recommended to walk openly in hotels or clubs in beachwear. In cities women are recommended to carry trousers or skirts of more than reasonable length and conservative style. Be very observant and careful during religious observances - Tourists visiting) the country in times of Ramadan, should never consume any food or drinks openly in public during the daylight hours. The photographing of Arabian women in public can be perceived as an insult so be very very respectful at all times to stay out of trouble.

Language - Arabian, but are widely used English, Farsi and Urdu. The majority of the owners of shops, the employees of hotels and telephone network speak in English.

The government of the UAE has increased medical costs making country health insurance vital. International health insurance plans will help cover the costs of any medical treatments in the United Arab Emirates. As the cost for many health care services in the UAE is high, it is important that you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family against expensive hospital bills. UAE Health Insurance is always a good idea for those living in the UAE.