Social ConventionsMuslim religious laws should be observed. Women are expected to dress modestly and men should dress formally for most occasions. Alcohol is tolerated, with non-Muslims allowed to drink alcohol in the city’s bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels. Smoking is the same as in Europe and in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke, except during Ramadan when it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airlines are
Emirates (EK) (website:
www.emirates.com) and
Gulf Air (GF) (website:
www.gulfairco.com).
Departure TaxAED30.
Main AirportsAbu Dhabi (AUH) (website:
www.dcaauh.gov.ae) is 32km (20 miles)
east of the city (journey time – 40 minutes).
To/from the airport: Buses and taxis are available at the airport.
Al Ghazal taxis operate a fixed-rate service.
Facilities: Duty-free shop, bank, bar, snack bar, bureau de change, post office and car hire.
Al Ain International Airport (AAN) (website:
www.alain-airport.gov.ae) is 13km (8 miles) northwest of Al Ain.
To/from the airport: Al Ghazal taxis operate a fixed-rate service to the city center. Public buses serve the airport.
Facilities: Bank, bureau de change, ATM, restaurants, coffee shop, 24-hour cafe, duty-free complex, children’s playground in landscaped gardens, and medical center.
Dubai (DXB) (website:
www.dubaiairport.com) is 4km (2.5 miles) southeast of the city (journey time – 10 minutes).
To/from the airport: Taxis and buses are available at the airport. Bus stations are opposite both Terminal 1 and 2.
Facilities: Duty-free shops, bank, post office, shops, car hire, restaurant, snack bar and bar. The airport consists of two terminals.
Sharjah (SHJ) (website:
www.shj-airport.gov.ae) is 10km (6 miles) from the city.
To/from the airport: Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities: Duty-free shop, car hire, restaurants, snack bars, ATM and bureau de change.
Ras al-Khaimah (RKT) (website:
www.rakairport.com) is 15km (9 miles) from the city.
To/from the airport: Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities: Duty-free shop and restaurant/snack bar.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Jebel Ali,
Rashid and
Zayed (Abu Dhabi), Khalid (Sharjah),
Saqr (Ras al-Khaimah) and
Fujairah.
Cruises call at Abu Dhabi and the cruise terminal in Dubai, and there are
passenger services to the USA, the Far East, Australia and Europe. There are regular
sailings between Sharjah and Bandar-é-Abbas (Iran).
Getting There by RoadThere is a good road into Oman and a good one into Saudi Arabia that connects with the Trans-Arabian Highway on the overland route to Europe.
Buses run daily between Dubai or Abu Dhabi and Oman. There are also services between Dubai or Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia and between Abu Dhabi and Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
OverviewThe following items may be imported into the United Arab Emirates without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes and cigars up to AED3000 in value (for personal use) and 2kg of tobacco;
4l of spirits or 24 cans of beer (non-Muslims over 18 years only);
a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.
Note: It is prohibited to bring alcohol into Sharjah and usually not allowed if entering the UAE by land.
Firearms and dangerous weapons, religious propaganda, unstrung pearls except for personal use, raw seafood (only when visiting Dubai and/or Sharjah), fruit and vegetables from cholera-infected areas.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirDaily flights link Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Flights can also be chartered and there are small landing fields throughout the United Arab Emirates.
Getting Around by WaterCommercial and passenger services serve all coastal ports. A water taxi travels between Dubai and Deira across the creek.
Getting Around by RoadThere are good tarmac roads running along the west coast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah; between Sharjah and Dhaid; and linking Dubai with other Northern States and the interior. Traffic drives on the right and the speed limit in built-up areas is 60 to 80kph (37-50mph) and 100 to 120kph (62 to 74mph) elsewhere.
Bus: Limited services link most towns. However, most hotels run their own scheduled bus services to the airport, city center and beach resorts.
Taxi: Available in all towns. In Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain, urban journey fares are metered, whilst fares for longer journeys should be agreed in advance. There is a surcharge for air-conditioned taxis. Many travelers find taxis to be the quickest and most convenient method of travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
Car hire: Most international car hire companies have offices at airports or hotels. A passport and either a valid international or national license are necessary.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is recommended, although it is not legally required. A local driving license can be issued on presentation of a valid national driving license, two photos and a passport.
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