United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula is a bit of an anathema in the Middle East. This union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms was formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971, and today it is a modern, trend-setting conglomeration of high-rise cities with state-of-the-art tourist infrastructure, magnificent beaches and a paradise of duty free shopping. Unlike other Arab states the UAE actually courts and encourages tourists, constantly adding and upgrading events and attractions to complement its renown as the shopping capital of the world.

The sun always shines on the UAE and its gleaming cities, the most popular of which is cosmopolitan, wealthy Dubai, which is characterised by a ten-mile long (16km) deep creek that forms a natural harbour. In Dubai resides the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone, which makes the city a must for shop-a-holics. A major attraction is the annual Dubai Shopping Festival.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and one of the most modern cities in the world. Visitors revel in large gardens and parks, green boulevards, sophisticated high-rise buildings, modern communication services and transport, international luxury hotels, rich shopping malls and cultural centres. The city's airport ranks as one of the finest in the world.

Just in case travellers forget they are actually in Arabia, the UAE also offers a host of experiences and attractions that utilise its historic Bedouin heritage, including camel treks, henna tattoos, desert stargazing, 4x4 trips through sand dunes and cruises aboard a dhow. Hundreds of tour companies offer a variety of excursions and adventure packages to suit all tastes and persuasions.

Climate

Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, the UAE has a sub-tropical arid climate and is warm and sunny in winter, but hot and humid during the summer months. The humidity is particularly high in the coastal areas. Rainfall is virtually non-existent, with occasional short showers occurring mainly in winter (December to March). Localised thunderstorms sometimes occur in summer.

Money

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 centres. Most major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers 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.

Passport Visa

All visitors to the United Arab Emirates must hold a passport that is valid for three months from the date of entry, or six months if visiting for longer than 90 days. All passport photographs are to be recent colour photographs. Visitors must hold documents and confirmed tickets for their next destination and have a sponsor in the UAE to cover their stay. Holders of passports containing an Israeli visa or stamps, need to obtain a clearance issued by the C.I.D. (Crime Investigation Deptartment) before arrival. It should also be noted that UAE citizenship is only ever granted to persons whose father is from the UAE. The onlyway a person becomes a UAE citizen is through paternity. (The UAE does not recognize dual nationality and all UAE citizens are required to enter and exit the country using UAE passports.) This means that regardless of how long a person has lived in Dubai, they will never be granted the same status as a citizen of the UAE and residence permits either by way of property ownership or employment remain the only option for a long term residence in the country. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. A further 30-day extension is possible at a fee of AED 600.
• Passports endorsed British Citizen will be granted a visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Visas are valid for 30 days for tourism, 14 days for business, and 96 hours for transit. British passports not endorsed British Citizen must hold a visa, as well as tickets and documents for next destination, and have a sponsor in the UAE to cover their stay. 30-day visa extensions are available at a cost of AED 600.
• Effective 2 January 2011, Canadians require a pre-issued visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. The cost is AED925 for a non-renewable 30-day visitor's visa, CA$500 for a three-month stay or CA$1,000 for a multiple-entry, six-month visa.
• Australian nationals may stay in the UAE for up to 30 days with a visit visa, which can be obtained on arrival. An extension of a further 30 days is possible at a fee of AED 600.
• South Africans may enter the United Arab Emirates with a visa issued on arrival (arranged in advance). Visas are valid for 30 days for tourism, 14 days for business, and 96 hours for transit. Travellers must also be in possession of all tickets and documents required for their next destination and have a sponsor in the UAE - present at the airport on arrival - to cover their stay.
• Irish nationals can obtain the required visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. An extension of another 30 days is possible for a fee of AED 600.
• New Zealand nationals require a visa, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. A further 30-day extension is possible at a cost of AED 600.

Health

No vaccinations are required for entry to the UAE, however a certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from an affected area. Tap water in the major cities is safe to drink, but elsewhere only bottled water should be drunk. Medical care is excellent in the main cities, but extremely expensive, while medicines and medical care are not always available in the outlying areas. Health insurance is essential; in Abu Dhabi particularly a health insurance law has been implemented that makes it mandatory for all travellers to Abu Dhabi to have health insurance. In general, travellers who require medical treatment will have to cover the cost of any medical fees incurred.

Embassy Consulates

• 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.

Foreign Embassies

• 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, Abu Dhabi: +971 2 6346 100.
• South African Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 397 5222.
• Irish Embassy, Dubai: +971 4 3298382.
• New Zealand Embassy,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for the United Arab Emirates): +966 1 488 7988.