Good to know: the UAE

A few practical facts for your trip to the United Arab Emirates.

• Capital: Abu Dhabi. The UAE is a federation of seven emirates.
• Language: Arabic is the official language; English is widely spoken.
• Currency: UAE dirham (AED); 1 dirham = 100 fils. Our prices are in AED.
• Time zone: GMT+4.
• Weekend: Saturday and Sunday.
• Religion and Ramadan: Islam is the main religion. During Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn to sunset; please be considerate, and expect some opening hours and programmes to change.
• Alcohol: served in most hotels (not in Sharjah); it may not be drunk in public.
• Dress: cover shoulders and knees in mosques and traditional areas; women wear a headscarf in mosques.
• Tipping: a service charge is often already on the bill; for good service about 10% is welcome.
• Mobile networks: e& (Etisalat) and du.
• Emergency numbers: police 999, ambulance 998, fire brigade 997.

Questions about your trip? Write to hello@toursforless.ae.