Language: Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely used.
Currency: The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils. There are no currency regulations in the UAE and all major currencies are readily exchanged at banks and large hotels. The Dirham is fixed against the US Dollar. The best exchange rates are found at private moneychangers who operate throughout the territory, particularly in the more popular souks (markets) and shopping centers. Most major credit cards are accepted, as are travelers cheques
(best carried in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling). ATMs are common throughout the UAE. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.
Time: Local time is GMT +4.
Electricity: 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. The most frequently used plugs are the square three-pin type.
Communications: The International code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. The outgoing international code is 00. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Abu Dhabi and (0)4 for Dubai. The Etisalat mobile phone network provides wide GSM 900 coverage throughout the country and Internet cafes are widely available.
Duty Free: Visitors to the UAE do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes, cigars to a maximum value of 3,000 dirhams and 2kg tobacco; and perfume for personal use to the value of 3,000 dirhams. Alcohol allowances vary. Dubai: 24 cans of beer or 4 liters of any other alcohol; Abu Dhabi and Fujairah: 4 liters of alcohol provided traveller is not Muslim; Sharjah: 2 liters of alcohol and 1 case beer. Fruit and vegetables from cholera infected areas are strictly prohibited.
Tourist OfficeDubai Department of Tourism: +971 4 223 0000 or www.emirates.org
EmergencyEmergencies: 998/999
Embassies
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 243 2400.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7581 1281.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 565 7272.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 8802.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 7736.
United States Embassy, Dubai: +971 (0)4 311 6000.
British Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 309 4444.
Canadian Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 314 5555.
Australian Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 5087 100.
South African Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 397 5222.
Irish Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for UAE): +966 (0)1 488 2300
New Zealand Embassy,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for the United Arab Emirates): +966 1 488 7988.
