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Dubai
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Oman 123
The United Arab Emirates (UAE ) is a
federation of seven states formed in 1971 after independence from Britain.
Although each state - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah,
Sharjah and Umm al Qaiwain - maintains a large degree of independence, the
United Arab Emirates is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers made up of
the seven emirs, who appoint the prime minister and the cabinet. Dubai is
one of the most developed emirates of UAE. Abu Dhabi is the capital
city.World's highest building Burj Khalifa is situated in Dubai.
Before oil was discovered in the 1950s the United Arab Emirates's economy
was dependent on fishing and a declining pearling industry. But since 1962,
when Abu Dhabi became the first of the emirates to begin exporting oil, the
country's society and economy have been transformed.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf,
with other cultures and beliefs generally tolerated. Until December 2006 it
was the only state in the region not to have elected bodies.
Local laws reflect the fact that the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim
country. Hence it is important that local traditions, customs, laws and
religions are respected at all times to ensure that any action does not
offend other cultures or religious beliefs.
Women should dress in a modest way, particularly in Sharjah and Ajman
Emirates where Islamic law is rigorously enforced. Clothes should cover the
tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible.
Alcoholic drinks are served in licensed hotels and clubs. But it is a
punishable offence to drink or to be drunk in public. The legal age for
consumption of alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi and 21 in Dubai and the Northern
Emirates, except Sharjah where any alcohol consumption is illegal.
It is an offence in the United Arab Emirates to drink and drive (no matter
how small the amount). There is zero tolerance policy for drinking and
driving, and the penalties can be severe.
Before departing their country of origin, passengers should check visa
requirements for entry into UAE. Upon arrival at the airport, passengers
should proceed to passport control where they can present their visas or be
given visas upon arrival, depending on nationality. At this point, passports
are stamped with an entry date – most visit visas are valid for 30 days from
the date on the entry stamp, although some visas (such as transit visas)
have a shorter validity time.
Do's:
• Make sure you have a valid passport and a visa to enter any emirate of UAE.
You should have Xerox copies of your passport, visa and other important
travel documents, keeping them separate from the originals.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you
can be contacted in case of an
emergency. Also keep a list of UAE emergency phone numbers always with you.
• There are no major health concerns or specific vaccinations required for
visitors to UAE. However, you are advised to check the current health
warnings prior to your departure.
• Change your money only from authorized moneychangers or banks in Dubai. As
there are no currency restrictions
in the UAE, all major world currencies can be exchanged, with several
internationally renowned banks and hotels.
• Always drink bottled water that is easily available everywhere in UAE. Tap
water is desalinated and safe for
drinking, but drinking bottled mineral water is advisable.
• Taking of photographs can be sensitive; ask permission and avoid secure
areas (airport, military camps, official
buildings etc.).
• Respect local cultures and traditions of UAE, and never try to make a
mockery of local traditions. Avoid
commenting on dress of the local people.
• Always be careful of the belongings you carry with you during your trip.
Don'ts:
• UAE is an Islamic country and so avoid tight and exposing clothing. Women
should particularly wear modest
clothes.
• Avoid photographing Muslim women and do not photograph airports, docks,
telecommunications equipment, Govt.buildings, and military and industrial
installations.
• Don't behave in a manner that might insult Muslim customs or beliefs.
Don't swear - as you can get fined and sent
to jail
• Don't use your left hand while greeting or handing over things to people.
• Don't touch anyone's head as it is considered offensive in UAE.
• Don't participate in local demonstrations.
Local Transportation
Roads and Transport Authority has many bus stations in Dubai, including: Al
Rashidiya bus station, Gubaiba bus station, Al Qusais bus station, Jebel Ali
Free Zone bus station, Gold Souq bus station, and Satwa bus station.
Metro Train Service is also available to commute to various places in Dubai.
Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. Most of the drivers do speak English.
It is important to know exactly where you are going so that you can give them
directions if necessary.
Banks
Banking machines with international connections are available throughout the
United Arab Emirates. All banks offer major credit cards such as MasterCard and
Visa.
Useful Links:
http://www.dubaiairport.com/DIA/maps/maps_en.htm (Dubai Airport
Terminal Map)
http://www.dubaiairport.com
(Dubai Airport Information)
http://www.dubaicityguide.com/main/index.asp (Dubai City Guide)
http://www.guide2dubai.com (Dubai
City Guide)
http://www.godubai.com (Dubai City
Guide)
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