United Arab Emirates travel info
Electricity
The electrical supply is 220 volts at 50 Hz. The most commonly used plugs are flat, three-pin types.
Language
Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely spoken.
Money
The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (AED), divided into 100 fils and pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 1 USD to 3.6725 AED. Major foreign currencies are easily exchanged at banks, licensed moneychangers, and large hotels. While private exchange offices in souks and shopping centres may offer competitive rates, using licensed outlets is recommended. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted. Digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are also common in urban areas, especially in shops, restaurants, hotels, and ride-hailing services. However, public transport typically requires a Nol card. Cash or cards may still be preferred in smaller or remote areas. ATMs are widely available and support multiple languages. Banks usually operate Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 3pm, with some open later; most are closed on Fridays, the UAE's weekend day.
Tipping
Tipping in the UAE is generally appreciated but not obligatory. If a service charge isn't already included in the bill, leaving around 10 percent is typical. Many hotels and restaurants automatically add a service charge, so it's worth checking the bill first.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry into the UAE, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is needed for travellers from affected areas. Tap water in major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi is safe to drink, as it meets WHO standards. However, water quality can vary, so many visitors prefer bottled water. Medical care in the UAE is excellent, particularly in cities, but it can be expensive. In remote areas, medical services may be limited. Health insurance is essential, as visitors may need proof of insurance or the ability to pay before receiving treatment.
Safety
Most visits to the UAE are trouble-free, as it's one of the safest countries in the Middle East. Crime is rare, but there's some awareness of potential threats to Western interests, especially in popular areas such as entertainment venues and public spaces. While the UAE hasn't been a frequent target of terrorism, there have been occasional incidents, such as a drone attack in Abu Dhabi in January 2022. Visitors are encouraged to stay alert in crowded places and avoid political gatherings or protests. Although terrorist groups have issued threats in the region, the UAE remains a safe destination with standard safety precautions in place.
Local customs
Alcohol is typically served only in licensed venues such as hotels and certain restaurants; drinking or being intoxicated in public is prohibited, with serious penalties. Some prescribed and over-the-counter medications from outside the UAE may be considered controlled substances, so it's important to check with the Ministry of Health for approval before bringing them into the country. Modesty in dress and behaviour is encouraged, especially during Ramadan, when eating, drinking, or smoking in public between sunrise and sunset is considered disrespectful. Cohabitation, adultery, and homosexual activity are illegal, and public displays of affection or rude gestures are not permitted. While the UAE is generally tolerant of Western visitors, respecting local customs is essential.
Doing business
Business attire is typically formal for both men and women, with women encouraged to dress conservatively by covering their arms and legs. The business environment is predominantly male, so interactions with women in business may be less common. Punctuality is important and shows respect, though occasional delays or interruptions in meetings are not unusual, so patience is appreciated.
A polite greeting, such as 'As-Salaam-Alaikum,' is often preferred over 'Hello.' Men should wait for women to offer their hand before shaking hands; if no handshake is offered, a nod or simple bow is a respectful alternative. While verbal agreements can occur, written contracts are usually preferred, and both Gregorian and Hijri dates should be used in documents.
Gifts are welcome but visitors should avoid giving alcohol or pig-related items. Friday is a day of rest, so business may be limited. Typical business hours are 9am to 5pm, Sunday to Thursday. During Ramadan, business hours are adjusted.
Duty free
Visitors to the UAE do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 500g of tobacco, and goods up to the value of AED 3,000. Alcohol allowances vary by emirate. Dubai: 24 cans of beer or 4 litres of any other alcohol. Abu Dhabi and Fujairah: 4 litres of alcohol, provided the traveller is not Muslim. Sharjah: 2 litres of alcohol and 1 case of beer, though alcohol restrictions are more strictly enforced. Fruit and vegetables from areas affected by cholera or other health risks are strictly prohibited.
Communications
The international code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones at the airports or city shops. WiFi is widespread, but the internet is censored to filter out any material and websites deemed undesirable by the authorities.
Passport & Visa
All visitors to the United Arab Emirates must hold a passport that's valid for at least six months from the date of entry. It's also strongly recommended that passports remain valid for six months beyond the intended date of departure. Travellers should carry confirmed tickets for their next destination and may need to provide proof of accommodation or sponsorship, depending on their visa type. Some visa categories require a local sponsor (such as a hotel, company, or UAE resident), while others (such as visas on arrival for eligible nationalities) do not.
Entry requirements
United States citizens require a passport that's valid for six months after their date of arrival. No visa is required for tourist stays under 30 days.
British passports must be valid for six months after the date of entry. Tourists can get a free tourist visa on arrival in the UAE, valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Canadian passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Tourists can get a free visa on arrival in the UAE, valid for 90 days within a 180-day period from the date of first entry.
Australian passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Tourists can get a free tourist visa on arrival in the UAE, valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
South African nationals require a passport that's valid for six months from the date of entry. A visa is required.
Irish nationals require a passport that's valid for six months from the date of entry. Tourists with a normal passport do not need a visa for a maximum of 30 days. They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 30 days.
Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Nationals of New Zealand with a normal passport do not need a visa for a maximum of 30 days. They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 30 days.
Useful contacts
Official Tourism Portal: u.ae/en/information-and-services/visiting-and-exploring-the-uae
999 (ambulance, police, fire).