ABOUT UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates established on 2 December 1971 and located on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula. 

The emirates include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ras al-Khaimah, with Abu Dhabi serving as the capital. The UAE is known for its rapid economic development, especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which are centres of international trade and tourism. The country's economy is largely dependent on oil and gas production, but there has been significant diversification into sectors such as finance, tourism and real estate.

The UAE boasts some of the most modern cities in the world, featuring iconic skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world. Culturally, the UAE is a melting pot of diverse global influences, although it strongly retains its Bedouin heritage, particularly in music, dance and traditional arts. The state is governed by a federal absolute monarchy, with significant political influence wielded by the ruling families of each emirate.

Entry into United Arab Emirates (UAE)

When planning a trip to UAE, here are the general entry requirements to be aware of:

Visa Requirements
To visit the United Arab Emirates, you must secure an entry visa that permits legal entry and temporary residence in the Emirates. The requirements for obtaining this visa vary depending on factors like your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and how long you plan to stay. It's important to first determine whether you qualify for visa-free entry or if you can obtain a visa upon arrival before applying for an entry visa.

You can check your entry requirements here.

Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from entry into the United Arab Emirates.

Travel Advice & Safety

Travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is generally considered safe, and it is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Here are some travel advice and safety tips to consider when visiting the UAE:

Respect Local Laws and Customs
The UAE has strict laws that might be very different from those in Western countries, especially regarding dress codes, alcohol consumption, and public behaviour. It's important to familiarise yourself with and respect local laws to avoid legal issues.

LGTB Community
In the United Arab Emirates, individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) face legal challenges and societal discrimination. The laws in the UAE prohibit consensual same-sex relations, with penalties that can include imprisonment. The legal framework also criminalizes all sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage. These restrictions reflect broader norms and legal codes that govern personal behaviour, emphasising conformity to traditional gender roles and sexuality standards.

Dress Conservatively
When in public, dress modestly. Women should wear attire that covers the shoulders and knees. In more conservative areas and during religious observations, it may be advisable to dress more conservatively.

Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is only allowed in licensed venues, such as hotels, bars, and private clubs. Drinking in public or driving under the influence can lead to severe penalties.

Photography Restrictions
Be cautious when taking photographs, as it's illegal to take pictures of certain government buildings, military installations, and in some cases, local people, especially women, without permission.

Travel Insurance
Always travel with adequate travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Healthcare in the UAE is excellent but can be expensive.

Currency

The currency used in the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham, abbreviated as AED. The dirham is subdivided into 100 fils. The currency is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of approximately 3.67 AED to 1 USD, providing stability and predictability in international transactions. This peg has been in place since the early 1980s and helps facilitate the UAE's extensive trade and investment activities.

Electricity

In the United Arab Emirates, the standard voltage is 220/240 V at 50 Hz. Type G plugs, which are three-prong British-style plugs, are commonly used in electrical outlets. 

This is the same type used in the UK, so appliances designed for the UK will work in the UAE without the need for an adapter. If you are travelling from countries with different plug types, such as the United States (Type A or B) or most European countries (Type C or F), you will need an adapter to use electrical appliances in the UAE.

Mobile services

In the United Arab Emirates, they are the main operators of mobile services:

Etisalat
Etisalat, one of the leading telecommunications operators in the UAE, offers comprehensive mobile services including voice, data and multimedia services through its state-of-the-art network. It is known for its high-speed internet services and a wide range of packages to suit different user needs.

du
The UAE's other major telecommunications provider, du offers a range of services similar to Etisalat's, including mobile network services, data packages and TV services. Du is recognised for its competitive pricing and innovative technology offerings.

However, if you're not local and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo (more details here).

Important telephone numbers

There are several important phone numbers in Abu Dhabi that residents and visitors should know for emergencies and basic services. Here are some of the most important ones:

Emergency services

• Police: 999
• for Ambulance: 998
• Fire Department (Civil Defence): 997
• Coastguard: 996
• Find and Rescue: 995
• Electricity failure: 991
• Water failure: 922

Interesting facts about Abu Dhabi

There are several interesting facts about Abu Dhabi, here are some of them:

Capital and Size
Abu Dhabi serves as the capital of the UAE and is the largest emirate (67,340 square kilometres)  in terms of area.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This mosque is among the largest in the world, with a capacity for 40,000 people, and showcases 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, chandeliers gilded in 24-carat gold, and the largest hand-knotted carpet globally.

Falcon Hospital
Abu Dhabi hosts the world’s premier and most extensive facility dedicated to falcon care, celebrating the UAE's falconry heritage and offering educational visits.

Oil Reserves
The emirate is a crucial player in the global energy sector, holding 9% of the world’s oil reserves and nearly 5% of its natural gas.

Louvre Abu Dhabi
Established in 2017 through a French collaboration, this museum is the Arab world's first universal museum and features a vast collection of art from around the world.

Yas Island
This artificial island is a significant entertainment destination, hosting the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and attractions such as Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld.

Cultural Heritage
Abu Dhabi maintains a deep connection to its cultural roots, which is reflected in the ongoing practice and appreciation of traditional arts, music, and dance.

Masdar City
The city is at the forefront of ecological urban development, with Masdar City being a model for sustainable design and a centre for clean technology companies.