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WHEN TO GO
The perfect time to visit UAE is between November and April because the weather condition is at pleasant unlike the rest of the year it is sizzling hot. Avoid going to UAE during Ramadan because eating or drinking in public from daylight to nighttime is prohibited. You do not want to spend your entire day by lazing around in air-conditioned environment right? Most of the business establishments during Ramadan period are closed.
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CLIMATE
The climate in the country varies from one region to another throughout the year. From late October to mid-March, the average temperature is around low 60°F or middle 80° F. Most likely the weather is sunny and pleasant. On summer days, highest temperature can reach around 50°C or higher. Thus, it is advisable for those travelers to bring light clothing. During winter, the temperature will drop to 14° C or much lower than that.
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BUSINESS AND OFFICE HOURS
Office hours: Saturday-Wednesday 08:00-1:00 and 3:00 or 4:00 to 6:00 or 7:00 pm and 8:00-12:00 every Thursdays.
Government office hours: 7:30 am - 1:30 pm and 7:30 am-12:00 pm [Thursday]. During the month of Ramadan, all government offices are closed in the afternoon.
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CURRENCY
The official currency of the nation is Dirham or Dh. Notes comes in Dh 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 10 and 5 denominations whilst the coins are in Dh1, 50, 25, 10,5 and 1 fils denominations. Major hotels in the country provide foreign currency exchange services.
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CREDIT CARDS and TRAVELER’S CHEQUE
Most big hotels, restaurants and shopping malls accept credit cards and traveler’s cheque. There are some business establishments in the country do not accept this form of payment hence you must have cash on hand to avoid any hassles. Credit cards that are widely accepted in the country are VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Diner’s Club. For those travelers who will use traveler’s cheque, you are advised to use traveler’s cheque in Pounds Sterling or US dollars.
- TIPPING
The custom in tipping depends upon the clients but in most cases well-known hotels and restaurants charge an additional 15% service charge on their customer’s bill.
- ELECTRICITY
220/230 volts A/C
- HEALTH
To avoid getting diseases, safety should comes first in your mind. As you travel in and outside the urban areas, better drink from bottled water. If you want to try drinking from tap water sterilized it first.
- TIME ZONE
GMT (UTC) +4
Women either local or foreign should wear an abaya (a long and loose black robe) as it is required and strictly implemented especially in the capital city but less in Jeddah and Eastern provinces. You should take note that when you visit holy sites always follow Islamic customs e.g. removing shoes and pay respect to the Prophet Mohammed.
- WHAT TO DO
There are hundreds of thousands things to do if you travel in UAE. From water, air and land activities, there is always something for everyone. Explore the wonders of UAE and appreciate how blessed this country is. You can see plethora of wonderful natural wonders and witnessed amazing revelries.
- DO’S and DON’TS
- Do not wear lewd attire when entering holy places in UAE because it shows a sign of rudeness and disrespect.
- Do seek permission if you want to take photos of the locals however avoid taking photos in military sites unless there is a consent.
- Do not exchange your money from unauthorized moneychangers or banks to avoid frauds.
- Passionate public display of affection with your partner is strictly prohibited. Anything more than a kiss on the cheek may offend other people around you and it might get you in trouble with local authorities.
- Do always respect the laws and customs of the country. Be observant with your actions and behaviors because it might insult Muslim beliefs.
- It is discouraged to wear revealing tops or very short skirts for women, as it will attract unwanted attention.
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