Duty Free Allowances

Visitors are allowed 2000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2 kg. Of tobacco and a reasonable quantity of perfume. Non-Muslim adults are also allowed 2 liters of spirits or 2 liters of wine.

Award winning Duty Free shops are located in both the Abu Dhabi and Dubai airport.

Customs

There is no restriction on the amount of currency that can be brought into the UAE and no customs duty on personal effects.

GETTING AROUND

Car Rentals

There are car rental offices in each of the emirates offering all makes and sizes of cars. Cars can either be rented alone or complete with driver. Rates vary but are around Dh 120 a day for a small car, and up to Dh 1000 a day for a chauffeur driver limousine. You will need to provide a copy of your passport and driver's license if payment is by credit card.

Driving Licenses

Individuals from the following countries do need an international license : EEC countries, Canada, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Turkey and USA

Helicopter Hire

Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft can be hired in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. You need a license from the authorities to access the airport and must submit a flight plan Rates range from US$ 1200 to US$ 6000 per hour.

Taxis

Taxis form a common means of getting around town. Abu Dhabi and Dubai now have plenty of metered taxis that can be hired for Dh 5 - 20. There are many unmetered taxis as well, so it is best to agree upon the fare in advance. For long distance journeys, it is common to share taxis.

UTILITIES

Electricity

The electricity supply is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. Visitors from Europe can use their appliances, although outlet adapters may be necessary. Appliances from the USA will need transformers

Water

Water comes from desalinization plants and is safe to drink. Many people still prefer to drink bottled water which is readily available in shops and restaurants.

Telephone

Telephone service is excellent throughout the UAE Calls within cities are free. There is a small charge for calls within the rest of the country. Pay phones are operated with a phone card that is issued by the telecommunications company in various amounts and is then used as a debit card. These are generally available at a variety of outlets in services and can arrange for modern access if necessary.

Television

There are nine television stations in the UAE. Some broadcast in Arabic some in English and some have special programmes in Urdu, Hindi and French. Several additional stations are available via satellite and cable.

Radio

Stations broadcasting in Arabic and English transmit 24 hours a day.

Shopping - Business Hours

Shops are generally open from 9.30 am - 1.00 pm and from 4.30 am - 9.30 pm on Saturday through Thursday. Many shops in the malls remain open all day which offers, for shopping without crowds. On Friday, the Islamic holiday, shops do not generally open until 2.00 pm or later.

Bargaining

Part of the tradition of shopping in the UAE is bargaining over the price. In the souk, a rule of thumb is to offer half of the first price and work your way up. In the souk, a rule of thumb is offer half of the first price and work your way up. In other shop except for truly fixed price stores, a bit of negotiating will bring a reduction in price. If you have to ask the price of something, it means the price is not fixed.

Credit cards

Most hotels and finer restaurants accept credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Diner Club. Some larger shops do as well, but generally a better deal can be made with cash.

HEALTH MATTERS

IMMUNIZATIONS

No health certificate or special immunizations are required when traveling to the UAE unless you have been in a cholera or Yellow Fever affected area 14 days prior to visiting. It is wise to check with your travel agent before traveling, however, should the situation change.

Coping with the Heat

For eight months of the year the Emirates is hot and along the coast, very humid. It is important that the visitor take precautions not to overexert. All hotels and restaurants are airconditioned as are most shops but outside is still hot. Try to limit going in and out of the air conditioning and be sure to drink plenty of fluids when outside for a ling time.

Clothing

Local dress for both men and women loosely covers the head, arms and legs, fabrics are lightweight and of natural fibers. The same might be advised for the visitor within the limits of their native style. Summerweight clothing is suitable all year around with sweaters or light jackets being needed at night in the winter months.

Medical Care

Even the smallest emirate is now equipped with a modern hospital so there is no need to worry about the availability of health care. Most major cities have several hospitals and an abundance of private clinics should you be in need.

SHOPPING CENTERS
AL GHURAIR CENTRE

AL MANAL CENTRE

AL MULLA PLAZA

BURJUMAN CENTRE

DEIRA CITY CENTRE

HAMARAIN CENTRE

THE CENTRE

WAFI SHOPPING MALL