Essential info for Abu Dhabi
Time: In the UAE, local time is GMT +4.
Electricity: The UAE uses an electrical current that is 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. The square three-pin type plugs are the most frequently used. Expats can purchase adaptors in the UAE, or bring their own from home.
Money: The local currency in Abu Dhabi and the entirety of the UAE is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils. Currency is exchangeable at banks and large hotels, and no currency regulations exist in the emirate. Still, the best rates of exchange can be found at private moneychangers – usually located in shopping centres or well-known markets (souks).
The Dirham is fixed against the US Dollar.
Major credit cards are accepted for the most part, as well as travellers cheques (it is recommended to carry in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling). ATMs are common throughout the UAE.
Large payments for accommodation and transport are often made in post-dated cheques in Abu Dhabi.
Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm. Both local and international banks are available in the emirate.
Language: Though the official language of the UAE is Arabic, English is widely spoken and understood.
Health: While the UAE formally requires no vaccinations upon entry, if arriving from an area affected by cholera or yellow fever a certificate is required. Water in the major cities is safe to drink from the tap, but outside urban areas only bottled water should be consumed.
Expats must pass a medical exam to receive their residence permit. Those who test positive for HIV or Tuberculosis will not be granted the permit. Additionally, food handlers, housemaids, nannies and barbers must test for Hepatitis B and Syphilis.
The standard of medical care is excellent in the main cities, but fees are high for both private and general facilities, and not always available in the outlying areas. Legislation requires mandatory health insurance; expats should take care to organize this through their employer/sponsor.
Tipping: Service charge is not included on most bills, and the standard 10 percent is usually adequate for services. Though do be sure to check the bill, as restaurants and hotels may include tip in the total from time to time.
Safety Information: Most visits to the UAE are trouble free. Crime is not a problem and serious crime is virtually unheard of, but the US and UK Departments of State have deemed there to be a threat of terrorism against Western interests.
Local Customs: In general, Abu Dhabi is tolerant to Western culture, but local laws should still be respected and local customs treated with sensitivity. As a Muslim state, Abu Dhabi does not serve alcohol except in hotels. Expats can obtain a formal liquor licence to purchase at prescribed locations and enjoy in the vicinity of their own residence. It is a severe offence with due consequence to drink or be drunk in public.
Additionally, certain prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medication from abroad may be considered to be a controlled substance within the UAE and will not be allowed through customs without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD). A passenger arriving with such medication without permission may be subject to prosecution.
Dress and behaviour should be modest and in accord with Islamic expectation. Women must wear garments that cover the tops of their arms and legs. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or engage in public displays of affection.
Business: Business culture in Abu Dhabi is highly variable, changing according to the nationality and associated customs of the businessman in question. On the other hand, Emiratis will always practice a certain kind of etiquette.
Expats may be most surprised to find that punctuality is not always observed and it is not uncommon to be kept waiting on occasion. As family takes precedence in the Middle East, meetings may feature frequent interruptions and disturbances, though patience is expected. The Arabic greeting of 'Salaam Aleikum' is used instead of 'Hello' and relationships built on politeness are pivotal to success in the professional world. Shaking hands is common, but only if a woman offers her hand should a man shake, otherwise a simple bow of the head will suffice. Verbal agreements are the norm. Dates in documents should be detailed in both Gregorian dates and the Hijrah date. Gifts, though appreciated, are not always necessary; however, as the UAE is a Muslim country be sure to avoid anything involving alcohol or pig-related products.
Formal business attire is expected from both men and women. Women should dress conservatively, being careful to cover up as much as possible; it is unlikely that visitors will come into contact with local women in business, as it is an overwhelmingly male-dominated society.
Friday is the day of rest and little business will be conducted on this day. Business hours are generally from 9am to 5pm, Sunday to Thursday. During the holy month of Ramadan businesses may halt in the middle of the day and only continue after the fast has been broken in the evening.
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 cafés are widely available.
Skype is banned in Abu Dhabi, but is nonetheless easily accessible via virtual private networks or via proxy sites. To use Skype services, expats should download the VoIP software onto their computer before arriving in the emirate.
Electricity: The UAE uses an electrical current that is 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. The square three-pin type plugs are the most frequently used. Expats can purchase adaptors in the UAE, or bring their own from home.
Money: The local currency in Abu Dhabi and the entirety of the UAE is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils. Currency is exchangeable at banks and large hotels, and no currency regulations exist in the emirate. Still, the best rates of exchange can be found at private moneychangers – usually located in shopping centres or well-known markets (souks).
The Dirham is fixed against the US Dollar.
Major credit cards are accepted for the most part, as well as travellers cheques (it is recommended to carry in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling). ATMs are common throughout the UAE.
Large payments for accommodation and transport are often made in post-dated cheques in Abu Dhabi.
Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm. Both local and international banks are available in the emirate.
Language: Though the official language of the UAE is Arabic, English is widely spoken and understood.
Health: While the UAE formally requires no vaccinations upon entry, if arriving from an area affected by cholera or yellow fever a certificate is required. Water in the major cities is safe to drink from the tap, but outside urban areas only bottled water should be consumed.
Expats must pass a medical exam to receive their residence permit. Those who test positive for HIV or Tuberculosis will not be granted the permit. Additionally, food handlers, housemaids, nannies and barbers must test for Hepatitis B and Syphilis.
The standard of medical care is excellent in the main cities, but fees are high for both private and general facilities, and not always available in the outlying areas. Legislation requires mandatory health insurance; expats should take care to organize this through their employer/sponsor.
Tipping: Service charge is not included on most bills, and the standard 10 percent is usually adequate for services. Though do be sure to check the bill, as restaurants and hotels may include tip in the total from time to time.
Safety Information: Most visits to the UAE are trouble free. Crime is not a problem and serious crime is virtually unheard of, but the US and UK Departments of State have deemed there to be a threat of terrorism against Western interests.
Local Customs: In general, Abu Dhabi is tolerant to Western culture, but local laws should still be respected and local customs treated with sensitivity. As a Muslim state, Abu Dhabi does not serve alcohol except in hotels. Expats can obtain a formal liquor licence to purchase at prescribed locations and enjoy in the vicinity of their own residence. It is a severe offence with due consequence to drink or be drunk in public.
Additionally, certain prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medication from abroad may be considered to be a controlled substance within the UAE and will not be allowed through customs without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD). A passenger arriving with such medication without permission may be subject to prosecution.
Dress and behaviour should be modest and in accord with Islamic expectation. Women must wear garments that cover the tops of their arms and legs. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or engage in public displays of affection.
Business: Business culture in Abu Dhabi is highly variable, changing according to the nationality and associated customs of the businessman in question. On the other hand, Emiratis will always practice a certain kind of etiquette.
Expats may be most surprised to find that punctuality is not always observed and it is not uncommon to be kept waiting on occasion. As family takes precedence in the Middle East, meetings may feature frequent interruptions and disturbances, though patience is expected. The Arabic greeting of 'Salaam Aleikum' is used instead of 'Hello' and relationships built on politeness are pivotal to success in the professional world. Shaking hands is common, but only if a woman offers her hand should a man shake, otherwise a simple bow of the head will suffice. Verbal agreements are the norm. Dates in documents should be detailed in both Gregorian dates and the Hijrah date. Gifts, though appreciated, are not always necessary; however, as the UAE is a Muslim country be sure to avoid anything involving alcohol or pig-related products.
Formal business attire is expected from both men and women. Women should dress conservatively, being careful to cover up as much as possible; it is unlikely that visitors will come into contact with local women in business, as it is an overwhelmingly male-dominated society.
Friday is the day of rest and little business will be conducted on this day. Business hours are generally from 9am to 5pm, Sunday to Thursday. During the holy month of Ramadan businesses may halt in the middle of the day and only continue after the fast has been broken in the evening.
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 cafés are widely available.
Skype is banned in Abu Dhabi, but is nonetheless easily accessible via virtual private networks or via proxy sites. To use Skype services, expats should download the VoIP software onto their computer before arriving in the emirate.
