General Information
 

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Time: : GMT + 4.
Tel. Code: 00 971 .
Official Language: : Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and used as a second language in commerce.
Currency: : UAE Dirham (Dh) = 100 fils. Notes are in denominations of Dh1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Dh1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 fils. The Dirham is tied to the US Dollar
Electricity: : 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are widespread.
Religion: Mostly Muslim, of which 16 per cent are Shiite and the remainder Sunni.

Climate: : The best time to visit is between October and May. The hottest time is from June to September with little rainfall.
Required clothing: : Lightweights, with medium weights from November to March; warmer clothes for evening.

Airports
Abu Dhabi (AUH) is 32km (20 miles) east of the city (travel time - 40 minutes).
Al Ain International Airport (AAN) is 13km (8 miles) northwest of Al Ain.
Dubai (DXB) is 4km (2.5 miles) southeast of the city (travel time - 10 minutes). Taxis and buses are available at the airport. Bus stations are opposite both Terminal 1 and 2.
Sharjah (SHJ) is 10km (6 miles) from the city. Taxis are available at the airport.
There is also an airport at Fujairah with duty-free facilities.
Departure tax: : None.

Internal Travel
Air, Sea and Road are the modes of transportation used within UAE.

Passport/Visa

Passport:
Passport valid for a minimum of 3 months from date of arrival (6 months for business travel) required. Often a sponsor will hold a visitor’s passport. In these cases a receipt will be issued. This will generally be accepted in place of a passport where a transaction may require one.

Visas : Required by all except the following:

• Nationals of the UK with the endorsement ‘British Citizen’ for a maximum of 30 days (extendable on request up to 90 days);

• Nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia), for a maximum of 30 days (extendable on request up to 90 days);

• Nationals of Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, the USA and Vatican City for a maximum of 30 days (extendable on request up to 90 days);

• Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia;

• Transit passengers, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport for up to 12 hours.
  The Government of the United Arab Emirates refuses entry and transit to nationals of Israel.