Things to know

If there is one thing you take with you from this guide, remember these tips.

UAE work week and weekends

The work week in the UAE is from Sunday through Thursday, and hence the weekend is Friday and Saturday. On Friday, many Muslims congregate in the neighborhood mosques for the weekly Friday sermon and prayer.

In the past, the private sector would take the weekend on Friday/Saturday and the government on Thursday/Friday (like many of the other Gulf countries), but this has changed.

Note that while multinational firms operate for the duration of the business day, independent merchants–especially those located in Deira or Bur Dubai–are closed for a long lunch break from 1pm to 4pm. Therefore, if you are planning on going shopping in those areas keep this in mind and call ahead to confirm business hours.

UAE currency

All of the emirates have a unified currency called the Dirham and often abbreviated as AED. The Dirham is pegged to the US dollar at approximately 3.67 AED to 1 US Dollar.

However, this was not always the case as the first currency in the UAE was the Bahraini Dinar, which was implemented when the Trucial States (made up of the seven emirates) met to discuss their unity in 1966. On December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates Dirham became the official currency and since the late 1980s, the nation’s government has employed the fixed exchange rate for the Dirham against the US Dollar.

Currency notes are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 AED denominations. There are numerous currency exchange vendors across the city and the process is extremely straightforward. The same vendors can also assist with foreign incoming/outgoing remittances, while a few are affiliated with Western Union transfers.

Paying for goods and services

Many retailers and hotels will accept all major currencies such as the Euro, Dollar, British Pound, and other GCC currencies in addition to the UAE Dirham. However, you should note that the hotel exchange rates are notoriously low.

All larger retail establishments accept major credit cards, but you should always carry some cash with you  since you’ll need it for smaller retail stores and taxis. It is pretty safe to carry cash around with you in Dubai.

Personal checks are rarely accepted unless drawn on a local bank and then only by hotels and large establishments.

Public conduct

While Dubai is one of the most tolerant places in the region, it remains part of an Islamic country. The Dubai Government has issued guidelines for acceptable behavior which you should become familiar with.

In essence, you should dress conservatively in public places (which means no obscene graphics, see through, or over exposed clothing) while reserving bathing suits to the beach or pool. At public beaches, topless or nude sun bathing is not allowed an can lead to serious consequences. Furthermore, people should refrain from public displays of affection beyond holding hands, such as kissing.

Respect should also be shown to symbols of the state’s rulers, flag, and national emblem.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is forbidden in Islam, therefor it is tightly regulated in the UAE. In Dubai, alcohol is available for purchase for immediate consumption only in licensed hotels, bars, concerts and restaurants. However, almost all of the nicer hotels are licensed and in general, the licensed restaurants and bars are located within or attached to these hotels.

Alcohol is sold to the public–to take home– exclusively via specialized licensed distributors and a permit is required for purchasing. Non-Muslim residents may apply for this permit with a letter from their company and the monthly allowance is based on the person’s salary. However, visitors cannot purchase alcohol from these distributors. Therefore, if you plan on consuming alcohol, you should purchase it from Dubai airport’s Duty Free Shop (at Baggage Claim) on arrival. Just remember that being intoxicated in public can lead to serious consequences.

Certain emirates such as Sharjah do not allow the sale of alcohol even in hotels or restaurants.

Pork

The consumption of pork is forbidden in Islam. In Dubai you may purchase pork from certain super markets although it has to be stored and handled in an area dedicated for this meat. Certain restaurants also serve pork but they have to clearly label the menu items which contain it and have a separate kitchen for cooking it so it’s not mixed.

Halal meat

Halal meat is that which has been slaughtered in a specific manner for Muslims. In general, all the meat imported in the UAE is considered Halal. Even fine restaurants who import their own meat obtain it from supplier of Halal meat. As some people have more strict definition of what is considered Halal meat, you should enquire with the supermarket or restaurant staff if you have any concerns.

Recreational drugs, medicine and controlled substances

The Government of Dubai exercises strict controls on the import of narcotics and psychotropic substances. This means the following:

• DO NOT bring with you ANY recreational drugs! There are severe penalties for possession or use of such substances. Even testing positive for previous use can be an offence.
• You MUST obtain prior UAE Ministry of Health approval to bring in any form of medicinal narcotics
• If you must take non-narcotic prescription medications with you, make sure that you take the appropriate foreign prescription and relevant medical report with you.

Not all medicines are available in all pharmacies in the UAE.  Certain controlled drugs are available only via Government pharmacies in Government hospitals. Therefore, its best to bring the medicine you need with you on your trip as long as they are not listed on the controlled substances list and you bring the necessary documentation with you. However, what is available over-the-counter in your country may be a controlled substance in the UAE so it is your responsibility to check this before your departure.

For more information, you can view the UAE Ministry of Health website or contact them at drugcl.csc@moh.gov.ae, by telephone on +971 2 611 7240 or by fax, +971 2 632 7644.