United Arab Emirates: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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United Arab Emirates: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About United Arab Emirates

Overview

For many, the United Arab Emirates might seem like a paradox. A dizzying array of contrasts where the arid desert meets the sparkling blue water of the Arabian Gulf and ancient Bedouin culture lives in harmony with the glitz and glamour of modern-day architecture and the futuristic skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Between the sand and the glitter lies a magnetic culture and destination that will draw you into its warm embrace.

 

Capital City: Abu Dhabi

Population: 9.9 million (2021 est.)

Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham

Time Zone: Gulf Standard Time (GMT+4)

Emergency Number: 999

Outlet: Types C, D and G

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Packing List

Speak the Language

Language: The official language of the Emirates is Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic is taught in schools, and most native Emiratis speak a dialect of Gulf Arabic that is similar to the Arabic spoken in the surrounding countries.

 

  • Hello / Good morning - Salam Alekum
  • Goodbye - Mae alsalama
  • How are you? - Kayf halikm?
  • Thank you - Choukran
  • My name is… - Aismi hu?
  • Yes - Nem
  • No - La
  • How much? - Kam Thuman?
  • Where is ... ? - Ayn hu ... ?

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click here 

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Culture Notes

  • The UAE is rooted in Islamic traditions, so even in cosmopolitan Dubai, respect the culture by dressing modestly. Men and women should wear clothing that covers the tops of arms and legs, including the knees.
  • You can get arrested for anything more intimate than holding hands in public, and it’s against the law to share the same hotel room with someone of the opposite sex unless you’re married or closely related. Keep in mind that homosexual sex is illegal and, if you get caught, can lead to imprisonment, fines and deportation.
  •  The UAE has strict, zero-tolerance anti-drug laws, and thorough searches are conducted at its airports. Even medications that are over-the-counter in some countries — those that contain codeine, for example — could get you arrested. Check the banned-substances list here. And always carry a doctor’s prescription for any medication you’re bringing into the country.
  • When visiting the UAE during Ramadan it is crucial to know not to eat, drink, smoke or even chew gum in public. Aside from it being highly offensive to those who are fasting, it is also not allowed by law in the country.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides 100 AED per person/per day
Drivers 5-10 AED per ride
Restaurants(full service)  10-15% of total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Check out the US Department of State's website for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

Is the water safe to drink? Tap water in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is considered safe to drink.

 

Do I need a Visa? For Visa information, click here. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com, or from a provider of your choice.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like? Abu Dhabi and Dubai have an extensive public transportation system with buses, taxis, metros, water taxis, and trams.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? For ride-share apps, either go with Uber or use the homegrown app, Careem.

Luggage Restrictions

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