United Arab Emirates


Summary: Located in the Middle East between Saudia Arabia and Oman and jutting into the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, often referred to as the UAE, were born in 1971 when several Trucial States that had truces with Britain signed in 1820 and pulled under Britain’s protection in 1892 unified in a federation to unify their governments and economies, with seven emirates now combined. Although the area is mostly flat with barren coastal plains and a large sandy desert leading into mountains in the east, the economy quickly grew because of the natural gas and oil reserves, open market economy and moderate foreign policy bringing the standard of living in line with larger Western European countries.
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Time Zone: UTC + 4
Population: 4,621,399
Languages: Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Power: 220 V, 50 Hz
Currency: Emirati Dirham - Currently 1 AED = 0.2723 USD $
Climate: The United Arab Emirates have mostly a hot desert climate, with cooler conditions in the eastern mountains. - Currently 82º, Sunny 


Destinations

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is the capital and has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world and many massive gleaming buildings in the city center. While fishing, sailing and waterskiing are all popular and great in the waters off the coast, the annual Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival held in early March brings more bargains for the shopper, the Corniche is great for a walk as this park has several large fountains and nice landscaping, and the Al-Hosn Palace, known as the White Fort, dates from the late 19th century and has a great courtyard.

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Dubai: Dubai is second largest of the emirates, and as it is made of a combination of the older souks, or markets specializing in different items, and newer skyscrapers and malls, it makes for a unique combination that has brought Dubai into the headlines as a tourist destination. You will find some of the best scuba diving off the coast, bargain shopping during Dubai’s Shopping Festival, where luxury items go on sale every February or March, and huge exhibitions at the Dubai World Trade Center.

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Sharjah : Although Sharjah is the third largest emirate, it is known as the cultural center of the UAE, and has several attractions to occupy travellers. In addition to the museums, like the Sharjah Natural History Museum with its large parkland and petting zoo or the Heritage Museum comprising of several smaller museums to illuminate visitors on UEA culture and history , you can also find sights like the largest mosque in the UEA, the King Faisal Mosque with its twin minarets, the Culture Center, with displays on the history of the emirates, and the golden dome at the Souq Al Majarra or the large palladium at the Central Souq, the Souq Al Markasi. Tips

Banking: Banks are open every morning, except for Fridays and Sundays, and you can exchange for dirham either in a bank or in some of the many hotels. Credit cards and traveller's checks are accepted in most places.
Shopping: The UAE has very low to no duty and a wide range of importers helping the country to serve many of the Eastern European countries as the cheap shopping destination.
When To Visit: Most tourists visit the UAE during winter, between November and April, when the weather is more moderate and quite comfortable. During Ramadan, much of the country closes down as the faithful fast from sunrise to sunset, so avoid eating and smoking in public to make others feel comfortable.
Food: Like other Middle Eastern nations, the UAE offers unleavened breads like khobz eaten with pastes like houmus, made with chickpea and garlic, and fuul, made with fava beans and garlic, with other popular foods including shwarma, spiced and barbecued lamb, and felafel, chickpea balls that get deep-fried. Alcohol, where available in nicer restaurants and bars, can be quite expensive.
Phrases: Yes = Na’am, no = la’a, hello = marhaba, please = min fadlak, thanks = shukran, peace be with you (a common greeting) = assalamu alaikum, and with you be peace (the common reply to the above) = walaikum assalam
Tipping: Service charges are typically included in your bill, and no additional gratuity in required in these cases, however, when it hasn’t, leave an extra 10% with the person that helped you.


Local Customs: The UAE are a more conservative Muslim country that is observant of the laws of Islam. More conservative dress implies covering your upper arms and your legs as low as you are comfortable. Don’t take pictures of military facilities, ask permission before taking pictures of locals, and feel free to drink in restaurants, but don’t drink on the street or drink and drive