Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for the United Arab Emirates depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for the United Arab EmiratesEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 999
- Ambulance
- 998
- Fire
- 997
Currency
- Name
- UAE Dirham
- Code
- AED
- Symbol
- د.إ
Pegged to USD at 3.67 AED. Extremely cashless; ATMs widespread
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type G
- Voltage
- 220–240V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
GST (UTC+4) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
April–October is extremely hot (40–50°C). Dubai Shopping Festival: January–February
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10–15% | Service charge often included at hotels; check bill |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
| Hotel staff | AED 5–20 per service | — |
| Tour guides | AED 30–50 per day | — |
Dress Code
- Modest in public — cover shoulders and knees outside of beach/resort areas
- Malls often have dress code reminders — cover up on entry
- Swimwear only at the beach or pool; topless sunbathing is illegal
- Smart dress for upscale restaurants and venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Social Etiquette
- Accept offered Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates — refusing is impolite
- Use the right hand for greetings and eating
- Wait for a woman to extend her hand before offering a handshake
- Public displays of affection are illegal — even between married couples
- Ramadan: do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours — laws apply to non-Muslims too
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Alcohol is legal only in licensed venues (hotels, some restaurants); drunk in public = criminal offence
- Public displays of affection can result in arrest
- LGBTQ+ activity is illegal under UAE law
- Swearing — including online or via WhatsApp — can result in deportation or imprisonment
- Photography of government buildings, palaces, military installations, and people without consent is prohibited
- Drugs: zero tolerance — even traces of drugs in the body can result in prosecution
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Peace be upon you | السلام عليكم / As-salamu alaykum | ah-SAH-lah-moo ah-LAY-koom |
| Thank you | شكراً / Shukran | SHOOK-ran |
| You're welcome | عفواً / Afwan | AHF-wahn |
| Hello (informal) | مرحبا / Marhaba | MAR-hah-bah |
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