Arrival
When arriving to UAE, first make sure to set your watch to fit with the local timing. Get your original visa copy and do the passports check, then go and get your baggage from the baggage services area. If you have someone waiting for you, you will not need to walk to the transportations desks and check for car transportation. Make sure that you have the address where you want to go clear and easy for the driver to understand.
Budget
Before coming to UAE, estimate well the expenses you are going to have. Check all possible payments from hotel accommodation to shopping, etc. Expenses will differ according to the visit purpose if for business, tourism and just a friend visiting or according to your stay and how long it will last.
Currency
The UAE currency is Dirham (AED). 1 USD is equal to 3.673 AED. To exchange your cash, you can go to many places including your hotel, specialist exchanges and banks. As with most countries, the rate that you will receive at your hotel will not be as good as at the exchanges. There are many exchanges on the street and in the malls, and it is perfectly safe to exchange your money there, and in most cases you do not need any ID.
Do’s and Don’ts
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Drugs: (DON'T do drugs - it's as simple as that.) It’s unlikely that you will be offered drugs but in case you did get an offer just say No Thank you. (>> in case you get offered drugs, just say No Thank You.) Remember there is a zero tolerance of drug use in the UAE and that conviction could earn you a four year prison sentence. |
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Bikinis: We love to see tourists enjoying our country nature of the white sand beach and the sun so do wear a bikini at the beach or swimming pool but, out of respect for local culture, please cover up in public areas. Due to local sensibilities, topless sun-bathing is not allowed and I wouldn’t recommend a G-strings as it’s not deemed appropriate. (G-String is singular) |
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Tipping: DO tip in restaurants if you wish. A service charge is often added to the total bill but, if it isn’t, a figure of 15% is standard. |
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Censorship: DO be aware that international magazines and newspaper sold in the UAE are censored. Anything deemed risqu or X-rated images will be marked out in black and intimate scenes in films shown in the UAE movie theatres will be cut out. Remember this when bringing magazines or DVDs into the country. (Anything deemed risque or showing X-Rated images will be marked out... ) |
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PPhotos: DO take photos as memories of your trip; do ask permission if you want to photograph a local person (ladies in particular) most people will be happy to pose for a photograph but make sure you have their approval first. Make sure you avoid military sites. |
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Kissing: DON'T be too passionate in public with your partner. UAE is a Muslim country and when it comes to public displays of affection anything more than a kiss on the cheek may offend those around you and may get you in trouble with the police if the passion turned into a Hollywood Love scene. (.. if the passion turns into .. ) |
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Alcohol: DON'T drink (in public) or be seen to be drunk outside of licensed premises in hotels. Drinking alcohol is not a part of Muslim culture and drunken behavior in the street and drink driving are both punishable offences which could lead to a jail sentence. |
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Taxis: DON'T expect taxi drivers to carry change. Many struggle to provide change for any note greater than AED 100. We recommend you have a ready supply of smaller notes if you are taking a cab within the city. |
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Hand gestures: DONT vent your frustration either physically or verbally by a rude hand gestures if you're driving because that can result in your arrest. (...either verbally or physically with a rude hand gesture ... (not gestures & verbally comes first) |
Extending Visa
Visas can be extended according to UAE laws and specific regulations.
For more information click here
Food
Food is the least thing you can worry about while in UAE. Global restaurants and famous food brands are spread all over the country. You will find variety of Asian, Indian, Arabic, Italian and western food.
Just think of your choice and use the directory to find your place.
Guides
Guides are very important whether you are seeking a touristic stay or a business one. ADTA will help you find the right guide to serve your purposes. Also www.embracearabia.com will definitely guide you in an extraordinary tours provided by UAE nationals, licensed by ADTA and perfect English speakers.
Hotels
Hotels and hotel apartments are available with different stars and room costs. You can either check the directory or search the net to find what suits you more.
You can also check this page for more info click hereclick here
Information
It’s always important to collect as much information as you can about the country you are visiting. Use ask-ali.com portal or search the net to educate yourself and learn about UAE.
Job Search
To look for a job in UAE, you can search recruitment internet engines like www.bayt.com, www.monster.com or recruitment companies like www.nadia-me.com . Requirements of the job depend on your specialization and years of experience. Make sure you seize all the days you have before your visa expires and do not hesitate to even distribute your CV by yourself to those companies that are within your target.
Kids
Kids are lucky in UAE. All school types are available as well as entertainment destinations. Schools are located in different places and all have their transportation facilities.
Language
Arabic language is the formal UAE language; however, English is the second used language to which any expatriate from any country can speak and communicate through in all venues and locations you are visiting or using.
Map
If visiting UAE for the first time or have a bad memory in recalling places and its directions, always have a map with you for the main venues and destinations to which you can find your hotel, shopping centers, resorts, etc.
Note Book
Always keep a small note book and a pen with you to write down any piece of information you got to know and found interested. Also, you can note down addresses, currency exchange rate, important telephone numbers or any information that would help you facilitate your stay.
Outfits
UAE is a warm country. Heavy outfits are not needed at all if visiting the UAE in any of the seasons. Cotton wear is the best to use while in UAE especially with the humid weather it has.
Passport
Your passport is the first and more reliable ID you can use while in UAE. You will have to carry it with you wherever you go as you would never know when you will need to use it to either rent a car, book a hotel room, etc.
Quarantine
Pets are allowed into the UAE. The following documents are required if you are bringing your pets to the UAE:
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Good Health Certificate |
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Vaccination Certificate |
For more information and details on required legal documents please click here: www.britvet.com
Rules
Different rules and laws apply in the UAE and they should be researched, learned and respected. They should not be abused or broken. Traffic rules, visa rules, behavior rules are among a few. Visitors ignoring or provoking any of the laws or rules, with or without intention will face negative consequences.
Security
UAE is a peaceful secured country. you will not have to worry of any harassments or mistreats from any entity or individual while visiting or residing in UAE. Police stations are distributed all around the city and reachable on 999 telephone no. and will react immediately to any call for help.
Transportation
Transportation is easy and accessible in UAE. Taxis, buses and car rentals are available at any time during night and day. Traffic is on its peak during the noon and the sunset period but can never be compared to worldwide traffic in large crowded metropolitans. Not to get forget that we just welcomed a new transportation system – the Dubai Metro – to know more about the Metro click here
Utilities
UAE has a great infrastructure system as well as available utilities in all public and private places. Rest Rooms, Prayers places and all other utilities are easy to find and clean to use.
Voltage
The electrical system is based on 220/240 volts AC. US-made appliances may require an adaptor.
Weather
The weather is hot during summer months. Humidity is also something you will feel once you step out of the Airport buildings. Cool weather is to be felt during the months of November, December up to April and even May. In all cases, all shopping destinations, venues and houses are Air conditioned.
Xanadus
The UAE is like an exceptional Xanadu with extraordinary architectural properties spread throughout the Emirates, the entire country is a truly unique destination with exceptional artistic designs and shapes. This special environment will provide you with beautiful photos and exceptional memories during your stay.)
Yearly Events
In UAE, lot of local and international events takes place during the year. If planning to visit UAE, make sure to check our Ask-Ali calendar and get information of dates and durations of the events.
Zip Code
There is no general zip code for UAE or any of its emirates. If you need to receive a parcel, you shall use your post office box address or through your contact telephone and fax numbers.
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