Currency
The monetary unit is the ‘Dirham’ (AED). 100 fils make up 1 AED. 1 US$ = AED 3.67
Notes - AED 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 & 5
Coins - AED 1, fils 50, 25, 10
Currency conversion facilities are wide spread throughout the city, trading with most major currencies.
Electricity
220/240 volts A/C . Socket type is the same as the three-point British system.
Language
The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. Urdu, Malayalam and Hindi are also widely spoken.
Most signage, restaurant menus, etc. are written in Arabic and English.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and is widely practiced. Muslims are required to pray (facing Mecca) five times a day. Times vary according to the sun’s position. Most people pray at a mosque. However, it is not unusual to see people praying in open spaces, if a place of worship is not close by. It is considered impolite to stare at people praying or to walk over prayer mats. A call to prayer is transmitted over speakers on minarets and in other locations to ensure that everyone knows its time to pray. The Islamic holy day is Friday.
While Islam is the principal religion in the UAE, other religions are tolerated and widely practised.
Photography
It is most acceptable to partake in normal tourist photography. However, it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing men.
Please be aware that, in general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken. Most of these areas are clearly marked by appropriate signage.
Clothing
Generally the UAE operates with a relaxed but generally conservative dress code when compared to other parts of the Middle East. For most of the year lightweight summer clothing is most suitable. However, during the winter months warmer clothing such as sweaters or jackets may be needed in the evenings.
Care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered inappropriate or revealing. At the pool or on the beach, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Away from the beach or pool area however, a shirt and shorts is the expected minimum.
Telephone
Two telephone carriers operate in the UAE, Etisalat and Du.
To purchase an Etisalat or a Du prepaid SIM you must be 18 years or older and provide copies of your passport. Please see individual carriers’ websites for details. The international area code for the United Arab Emirates is +971.
If you are calling a UAE landline from abroad, you would:
- Dial your country's exit code
- Dial the UAE country code (i.e. 971)
- Dial a one digit area code (i.e. 2 – Abu Dhabi; 4 – Dubai)
- Dial the number (7 digits)
To dial a mobile or cell phone from abroad, you would:
- Dial your country's exit code
- Dial the UAE country code (i.e. 971)
- Dial the mobile/cell number removing the first ‘0’
To dial overseas from a landline in the UAE, you would:
- Dial ‘00’
- Dial the country code (i.e. 61 – Australia)
- Dial any area code area or cell/mobile code, followed by the number
