Name : |
United Arab Emirates |
Official Name : |
United Arab Emirates |
Capital : |
Abu Dhabi |
Climate : |
Desert, cooler in eastern mountains |
Race : |
Amiri 19%, other Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% |
Language : |
Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu. Arabic and English are commonly used in business and commerce. |
Official Language : |
Arabic |
Religion : |
Muslim 96% (Shi’a 16%), Christian, Hindu and other 4%. |
Government : |
Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates. |
Population (in mil) : |
2.3 |
Literacy Rate : |
79.2% |
Visas : |
British citizens and nationals of most Gulf countries do not require visas. All other visitors are required to have visas. If your passport shows evidence of travel to Israel you will be denied entry to the UAE. |
Immunisations : |
Hepatitis A & B |
Time : |
GMT/UTC plus 4 hours |
Electricity : |
220V (240V in Abu Dhabi), 50Hz |
Weights & Measures : |
Metric |
Currency : |
UAE dirham |
Travellers Cheque : |
The use of travellers cheques are not advisable. Us dollars and British pounds are widely acceptable in the country. |
Credit Cards : |
Credit cards are widely accepted. |
Tipping : |
Tipping is not compulsory but would be appreciated. |
Bargaining : |
Most hotels are willing to negotiate discounts but virtually all other prices in the country are fixed. |