The United Arab Emirates, also known as the UAE, consists of seven emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. It has grown from a quiet backwater to one of the Middle East’s most important economic centres. The rippling sand dunes of the country’s Bedouin past start where the futuristic cities along the coastline end. But it’s not all windswept Arabian deserts and gravity-defying skyscrapers. The rugged and jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountain Range run across the north of the UAE and into Oman providing glorious solitude from the big city life.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE):

GOD, THE HOMELAND, THE PRESIDENT

ABU DHABI

DUBAIFUJAIRAH

RAS AL KHAIMAH

UMM AL QUWAIN

AJMAN

SHARJAH

Allah, al-Waṭan, al-Ra’îs

Do- Do wear swimwear by the pool or on the beach but dress modestly elsewhere- Do drink alcohol in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars only- Do ask for permission before taking photos of locals- Do be mindful of your behaviour during Ramadan- Do cover arms and legs when visiting mosques; women should also cover their hair

- Don’t show too much intimacy in public- Don’t offer pork and alcoholic beverages to a local Emirati- Don’t get drunk or behave in a disorderly manner in public- Don’t point or beckon with your finger, use your whole hand instead- Don’t show disrespect to the country’s leaders, customs or religion

Don’t

GREETING

ETIQUETTE

Abu Dhabi

9 million Arabic Gulf Standard Time (GMT+4)

The United Arab Emirates dirham (AED)

Taxis

220V.50Hz

“Marhaba” (means both hello and welcome)Traditionally Emirati men greet each other by touching their noses to one another. However, the mainstream greeting is now the handshake.

CAPITAL

POPULATION LANGUAGE TIME ZONE

TRANSPORTATION

ELECTRICITY

CURRENCY

WHEN TO GO

UAEFESTIVALS & HOLIDAYSWEATHER

JAN

MAR

JUL

MAY

SEP

FEB

APR

AUG

JUN

OCT

NOV

DEC

23O

24O

27O

32O

37O

38O

40O

41O

38O

35O

31O

26O

Jan - Feb : Dubai Shopping Festival

Feb - Mar : Dubai International Jazz Festival

Mar - Apr : Art Dubai Fair

Arp - May : The Bride Show Festival of Taste

Jun - Aug : Dubai Opera Film Festival (Dubai Opera House)

Oct - Nov : Africa Music Festival

Nov - Dec : Dubai International Film Festival National Day Festival

Dec - Jan : New year Celebrations UAE Awafi Festival

Marhaba