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Complimentary 60-day visit visas are available on arrival at UAE airport immigration desks. Passports must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry to the UAE. Visas can be extended at the Department of Naturalisation and Residency (Tel: 398 1010).

While petty crime is extremely rare in the UAE, insurance covering loss of luggage and theft is always good to have, along with comprehen-sive health and dental insurance. Hospitals are very efficient, but the services are expensive.

Winter is usually when Dubai is at its best. This is when the Dubai Shopping Festival, Global Village and most major international sporting events take place. In recent years though, the UAE has had cool, grey, wet winters. So those wanting guaranteed sunshine should visit during Oct–Nov or Mar–Apr instead. Summer is best avoided.

Bring swimwear, a hat and sun block (expensive in the UAE) for the beach. Loose linen and cotton clothes are best for sightseeing. Make sure they’re not transparent – remember, it’s a conservative country, so you need to dress modestly. Pack a cardigan or sweater as most indoor places are air-conditioned.

While Dubai makes a great 2–3 day stopover on your way somewhere, 5 days to a week is wonderful if you want to relax at a beach resort, do some serious shopping in the souqs and malls, as well as take in the sights of Dubai Creek, Bastakiya and Shindagha. Add 1–2 days to visit Abu Dhabi.

UAE power sockets generally accept the UK three prong plug operating on 220/240 volts, although you may also see the European two round prong plug. It’s not a bad idea to bring an adaptor that works for both. Most good hotels will have adaptors you can borrow, or you can buy them in local supermarkets.

The duty free allowance is 400 cigarettes or 2 kg of tobacco, cigars to the value of AED 3000 and 4 litres of wine or spirits. It’s illegal to purchase alcohol in the UAE without a liquor license (only available to UAE Residents), so buy duty free at the airport if you want to have sunset drinks on the balcony but want to avoid expensive mini-bar costs.

In addition to the items on most countries’ blacklists, such as firearms, illegal drugs and pornography, it is for-bidden to bring in any banned movies, tv programs and offensive publications, especially films and programs that may include scenes with passionate kissing, sex, nudity or semi-nudity, drug-use or any content relating to Israel.

The UAE time zone is GMT+4. It is 6 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time. There is no daylight saving.

The excellent website of the UAE Ministry for Information and Culture is easy to use. It covers everything you need to know about the UAE from daily news and useful information to fascinating articles on aspects of Emirati culture, with down-loadable annual reports and short videos.

This outstanding website not only provides information on the UAE and its government, but also helpful information to travellers about visas, passports, customs, transport and telecommunications information and links.

Look here for a wide range of information for travellers, from destination content and accommodation listings, to more interesting coverage on local culture, sights, shopping and other things to do.

The fascinating website of the visionary UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has com-prehensive information on the UAE, as well as sections featuring the Sheikh’s poetry and wisdom. The website lets you to write an email to the Sheikh and receive a royal response!

Access destination information, check timetables, book flights online or even hire a car, on the websites of UAE’s airlines – Etihad Airline (www.etihad.com), Emirates Airline (www.emirates.com) and budget airline Air Arabia (www.airarabia.com).

Spend some time trawling through the news releases on this site. You’ll dig up everything from which world leader the UAE President sent a telegram to that day, to the changes to property laws.

The UAE has a number of dreadful newspapers which print government press releases word for word. Much more interesting are the free newspapers, Seven Days and Emirates Today, which focus on UAE content.

Time Out Dubai and Time Out Abu Dhabi magazines include comprehensive listings for arts and cultural events, restaurants, bars, clubs and sporting activities. The Time Out website is also a great source of information so you can plan and buy tickets to big events online. Expat-focused What’s On magazine is also good.

If sightseeing along Deira Creek or shopping in the souqs, head to the main tourism office on Baniyas Square, in a traditional-looking windtower building, for information. Temporarily sealed off while construction of the new Baniyas Station takes place, it’s due to re-open in 2008.

Sleek Dubai Airport is one of the world’s best. Good signage directs passengers to Arrivals. The Emirati staff are efficient. If you’re from one of the 34 countries eligible for an on-the-spot visa, the process is a breeze.

All planes pull into Abu Dhabi airport’s attractive mushroom-shaped satellite, so you don’t have far to walk to Immigration and the baggage carousel beyond. Service is efficient, and if you come from one of the 34 countries eligible for visas on arrival, the process is quick.

To enjoy five star service or for special assistance, organize to be met by the Marhaba Service in Dubai or Golden Class in Abu Dhabi. For a fee, a hostess greets you on arrival, whisks you through a special immigration line, helps you with your luggage, and escorts you to your transport.

One way to help immigration procedures go smoothly is to greet officials in Arabic. Try “As’salam Alaykum” (“Peace be upon you”) to which they should warmly respond: “Wa’alaykum salaam” (literally meaning “and peace right back to you”). If you don’t come from a country eligible for an on-the-spot visa, make sure you have your UAE embassy-issued visa documents.

There are duty-free shops at Arrivals at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. After collecting your luggage choose the “Nothing to Declare” or “Declare” exit. Customs officers randomly select passengers to put their luggage through the X-ray machine again or occasionally ask you to open your bags.

Once through Customs, you’ll come to the Arrivals Hall, which is jam-packed with desks representing tourism agencies, car rental companies, hotel desks, an accommodation booking service, ATMs and mobile phone retailers. It would be a good idea to get some cash from the ATM here for the taxi to your hotel.

It isn’t difficult to find a taxi at Dubai’s airport. The flag fall is AED 20 from the airport. The fare into Deira is around AED 35, to Bur Dubai AED 35–45 and to Jumeirah AED 55–75.

The Al Ghazal taxis outside Abu Dhabi’s airport ferry you to the city centre for around AED 65–75. For a limousine to the city centre for AED 65, book through Golden Class.

Budget travellers can use the convenient Airport Bus Service. The 401 goes to Union Square, Baniyas Rd, Al-Sabkha bus station and Deira bus station. The 402 travels via Deira City Centre to Karama, Mankhool and Bur Dubai. Both cost around AED 3.

There are car rental desks in the Arrivals halls of the airports and also at most hotels. Europcar offers the best prices as well as a drop-off and pick-up service.

Only the brave drive in the UAE, which has one of the highest road death rates in the world. Drive on the right side of the road. Unless otherwise sign-posted, speed limits are 60km/h on city streets, 80km/h on major city roads, 100–120km/h on highways. Do not drink and drive. There is a zero-tolerance policy – if caught, you’re sure to spend the night in jail.

There are taxi ranks at shopping malls. Elsewhere, flag them down on the street. All taxis use metres. The flag fall is AED 3 by day, AED 3.50 at night. A short taxi ride in Deira or Bur Dubai might cost you AED 10, from Deira to Sheikh Zayed Rd around AED 15, from Bur Dubai to Jumeirah Beach from AED 25–45.

Regular taxis are cheap in Abu Dhabi. A short ride in the city will cost from AED 3–15. Flag taxis down on the street. During peak times from 8am–9am and 5pm–6pm, weekend evenings and prayer times, when it’s impossible to find a taxi, phone ahead and book one through the upmarket but expensive Al Ghazal service.

The bus service has 62 routes around Dubai. Details of routes are available on the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) website www.rta.ae. It includes a helpful “journey planner”. Fares range from AED 1–3.

The RTA also runs a bus service to other emirates. Frequent services operate from 6am to midnight daily from bus stations in Deira (for northern emirates) and Bur Dubai (to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain).

There are long distance shared taxi services from Dubai and Abu Dhabi bus stations to all emirates. Taxis leave when they’re full. Fares are similar to the buses but taxis are faster. Not all have air-conditioning and they can get cramped. Dubai Transport operates a shared taxi to Abu Dhabi for AED 50.

Abu Dhabi’s Al Ghazal taxis can drive you to other emirates and provide a door-to-door service. Book at least an hour ahead. The fare from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is AED 275. The return trip is AED 175.

The abras continually criss-cross Dubai Creek connecting Deira and Bur Dubai from 5am to midnight daily. The fare is AED 1 per person. You can hire your own abra to cruise the Creek for AED 100 an hour. Docks are handily situated at Bur Dubai Souq, Deira Spice Souq, Al Sabkha, Al Seef Park and Dubai Municipality.

The UAE’s currency is the UAE dirham, written as AED (Arab Emirates Dirham) or as Dh. One dirham is divided into 100 fils. Notes are in denominations of AED 5, AED 10, AED 20, AED 50, AED 100, AED 200, AED 500 and AED 1000. Coins are available as 25 fils, 50 fils as well asone dirham.

The UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar. US$ 1 is equal to AED 3.67. All other currencies fluctuate, but at the time of writing Euro 1 was equal to AED 4.6 and GBP 1 was worth AED 7.

Numerous international banks operate in the UAE, including HSBC, Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank. Good local banks include National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Mashreq Bank and National Bank of Dubai. Globally linked ATMs are everywhere, allowing you access to your home account.

While travellers’ cheques can be changed in the UAE, credit cards are preferred. Visa, American Express and Mastercard are widely accepted and credit cards can be used almost everywhere. If using travellers’ cheques, opt for Thomas Cook, which has local branches.

To phone the UAE from abroad, dial your international access code, the UAE country code 971, then 4 for Dubai or 2 for Abu Dhabi, followed by the local number. To dial a mobile from abroad, dial 971 50 followed by the mobile number. Within the UAE, dial 050 for mobiles, 04 to call Dubai from outside the emirate and 02 to phone Abu Dhabi from another emirate.

Etisalat is the national telecommunications company. Etisalat’s excellent “Ahlan: Visitors Mobile Package” for cell phones costs AED 90, lasts 90 days and is available at the Etisalat kiosks, grocery stores, petrol stations and street kiosks.

Buy an AED 20 Pre-Paid Card to make calls from public phones in the UAE, to make calls to the UAE from other countries and to pay for WI-FI internet services at Etisalat iZone Hot Spots.

Etisalat’s wireless internet (WI-FI) service can be accessed at iZone Hotspots at airports, shopping malls, coffee shops, restaurants and business centres. A prepaid card costs AED 15 an hour, AED 30 for 3 hours, AED 70 for 24 hours or AED 120 for a 60-day stay. Internet cafés are widely available in the cities.

Emirates Post is the UAE’s national postal service. You can buy stamps at any post office and at some stationery shops. Mail to Europe, North America and Australasia takes about 10 days. It’s unreliable, however, so register anything valuable or use a courier for anything urgent.

Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken. As 80% of the population are foreign, you’ll hear scores of languages on the street. Signage is generally in both Arabic and English.

The UAE is an Islamic state following a tolerant version of Sharia Law, with both Sharia and civil law courts. UAE Muslims adhere to the conduct of Islam, praying five times a day, donating to charity, fasting and doing the pilgrimage to Mecca.

If you stay in Deira, Bur Dubai or the Bastakiya area in particular, you’ll hear the beautiful sound of the call-to-prayer echoing through the streets five times a day. Broadcast from the minarets of mosques, the call-to-prayer beckons Muslims to come and worship.

Never shake hands with an Emirati woman unless offered her hand first. If visiting someone’s home, remove your shoes, don’t show the soles of your feet and don’t eat with your left hand. Displays of affection among couples in public are frowned upon. While holding hands is acceptable, passionate kissing and embracing is not. Rude gestures and swearing are offensive.

Photographing Emirati and other Muslim women is not acceptable without asking their permission first. Even at places where covered ladies prepare local food for sale as part of the displays, ask first before taking their photo. Photography of Sheikhs’ palaces, police and military buildings, ports and airports is forbidden.

Visitors should dress modestly. Loose long linen or cotton clothing is respectful and is also suited to the scorching heat. Women should not wear tight or transparent clothing, skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, halter-necks or shoestring straps in public, while men should refrain from wearing shorts and sleeveless tops. In Sharjah, wearing these clothes in public can incur a severe penalty.

Muslims do not eat pork, however, pork products are for sale to non-Muslims in “Pork Rooms” in supermarkets such as Spinneys. Most restaurants at five star hotels include pork on their menus.

It’s illegal to purchase alcohol without a liquor license (only available to UAE Residents) so buy alcohol at the airport duty free shop. You can drink alcohol in hotels and licensed venues. Penalties for drunken behaviour in public are heavy. Sharjah is a dry emirate – alcohol is not sold or allowed there.

This organization runs a number of activities under the “Open Doors, Open Minds” program, which is aimed at promoting tolerance of culture and religion. Stop at the Bastakiya courtyard house to book a tour (see Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding ).

Whether lying by the pool or walking around town, you’re equally at risk of dehydrating in the UAE’s ferocious heat. To avoid dehydration, wear light clothes, avoid the sun in the hottest part of the day and drink much more water than you normally would at home.

Dubai’s traffic is horrific. Be vigilant as a pedestrian and as a passenger don’t be embarrassed to ask your driver to “shway shway!” (slow down!).

Don’t think about going anywhere in Dubai from 8am–10am (when commuters head to work), noon–2pm (when they go home or out for lunch) and from 4pm–6:30pm. Also avoid the roads around 8pm–9pm on Thursday and Friday nights, when everyone seems to be going out.

UAE parking and traffic cops take their jobs very seriously. Look out for speed signs, particularly in areas where there are road works. Always look for parking signs and orange parking metres wherever you park, especially at night. Otherwise, expect to return to a parking ticket on your windscreen.

While you might find those “Road Surprises!” signs amusing the first time you see them (and everyone loves to stop to take a photo of the camel sign), they’re there for a reason. Slow down and look out for dips, speed bumps and sand on the road. And while they’re very cute, camels can be troublesome – they just love to take a stroll on the freeway.

Rainy weather makes driving hazardous simply because UAE residents aren’t used to driving in the rain, so they won’t necessarily slow down. The rate of accidents is considerably higher in wet weather. Decelerate or pull over in sand storms when visibility is poor. When you see oncoming drivers with their hazard lights on, it means conditions are even worse up ahead.

When you see signs warning bathers about dangerous rips and strong undertows, these should be taken seriously. Avoid swimming if you’re not a strong swimmer, or take extra care. Despite the calm appearance of the water, Dubai’s beaches have very powerful undercurrents.

The most annoying thing about shopping in the souqs is the spruiking. Touts aggressively attempt to lure customers into shops to buy “copy watches, copy bags, Madam!” Unless you want to buy these counterfeit goods (great value but illegal), the best strategy is to ignore them completely. Show even the slightest bit of interest or politeness, and they’ll never leave you alone.

Do not attempt to bring drugs into the country. Keep in mind that even some prescription drugs, such as codeine, are banned. The UAE has a zero tolerance policy on drugs. Penalties and sentences are harsh. While the death penalty is an option, it’s rarely applied.However, you’re more likely to serve a long sentence and get deported.

The official weekend is Friday and Saturday. Everyone has a day off on the main Friday prayer day, while some work half or full days on Saturday. Government departments open 7:30am–3pm while private companies work 9am–5pm. Supermarkets open 8am–10pm while major malls open 10am–10pm. Smaller malls and independent shops do not open until the afternoon on Fridays.

The UAE has an arid sub-tropical climate with infrequent rainfall. The country was synonymous with year-round sunshine until the 2006 winter, one of the wettest on record. Temperatures average 20 degrees Celsius in winter to 45 degrees Celsius in summer.

The UAE uses the metric system, except for petrol, when it uses gallons. A wide range of measure-ment systems are used for clothes and shoes which are manufactured in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Residents of the UAE don’t pay income tax. This is a big incentive for expats to build a life here. The only taxes here are on alcohol and the municipality and service taxes on hotel rooms.

Emiratis are obsessed with technology so if you’re after something new you’ll find a wide range of well-priced digital cameras. If you need additional memory cards, tapes or batteries try the myriad electronics stores in City Centre and Baniyas Square, Deira.

UAE legislation introduced in 2004 provided for a ban on smoking in public places, including shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment venues. Unfortunately this has not been enforced. By law, restaurants are required to have non-smoking sections but most don’t. At the time of research the UAE was set to enforce laws and give officials power to issue on-the-spot fines to lawbreakers.

Homosexuality is illegal and homosexual practices are punishable with harsh penalties. You’ll see men from Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent holding hands – this does not mean they are gay; they are just good friends. Likewise, you’ll see Emirati men rub noses when they meet, in the same way that close male friends kiss cheeks in Europe’s Mediterranean countries.

Women travelling solo in the UAE shouldn’t experience any harassment if they follow local norms. They should sit in the back seat of taxis, in the “women’s section” of buses and eat in “family rooms” in cheap hotels. Dedicated women’s queues at banks and government departments mean women get preferential service.

Contraceptives can be purchased in pharmacies in the UAE without a prescription. They’ll generally be kept on the shelves alongside women’s hygiene products. The price is comparable to Europe and Australasia.

The biggest danger to your health and wellbeing in the UAE is the heat. Take precautions to avoid dehydration, sunburn and sunstroke. From June to August in particular, avoid walking as much as possible and take advantage of the cheap air-conditioned taxis.

While petty crime is unheard of, be sensible – don’t dress like a tourist and don’t flash cash around. The most dangerous place is on the road. The UAE has one of the highest rates of road deaths on the planet. As a pedestrian be vigilant; drivers will not stop for you on a crossing, so cross only at lights where possible. If your taxi driver is driving too fast or recklessly, tell him to slow down.

The tap water is safe to drink. At most, you may experience an upset tummy for a couple of days as your body adjusts to new bacteria. When eating street food, only try eateries popular with locals.

Generally, embassies are in Abu Dhabi and consulates in Dubai, although there are a few exceptions. Check your consulate’s UAE website for travel warnings and security information. Consulate phone numbers are listed in the Etisalat phone directory that is available in most hotel rooms.

In case of emergency, phone the following numbers: Police 999; Ambulance 998/999; Fire Department 997; Operator 181.

The UAE is an Islamic state and you can land in trouble for not res-pecting religious customs and decency laws. Under absolutely no condition drink alcohol and drive. In Sharjah, it’s illegal for women to travel in a vehicle with men other than their husband. Women must dress modestly and not show their décolletage, upper arms or back. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, arrests have resulted from foreigners being too affectionate in public, particularly during Ramadan. If you get arrested, do not sign anything in Arabic immediately. Your consulate should be your first call – they can help facilitate contact with a local bilingual lawyer.

If you’re in an accident, first get out of harm’s way, then call the police (999) for instructions. Do not move the car unless instructed to do so by the police. If another party is involved and you have your camera handy, take photos for insurance purposes.

Hospital standards are outstanding in the UAE at both private and public hospitals. You will find that the service is faster at emergency departments at private hospitals.

The UAE has excellent dentists and consultations are reasonably priced.

Avoid Dubai and Abu Dhabi during major events and conferences (unless it’s something you actually want to go to!) when hotel room prices go through the roof. While December and January are the coolest months, winter is the peak season and hotels charge rack rates. Ramadan is another period to avoid.

While summer is best avoided due to the ferocious heat, this is the ideal time for budget travellers. Most hotels drop their rates by 50% and offer excellent holiday packages. The Summer Surprises shopping festival means there are great bargains to be found.

Travellers averse to package deals can find great deals on the Internet if they can be flexible. Accommodation websites such as Expedia offer great hotels at bargain prices, particularly in the quiet periods between big events and conferences. Hotel websites, such as the Accor site, are also a great source for discounted rooms.

Budget travellers can save money by catching the abra across Dubai Creek. These open-sided wooden boats cost just AED 1 per trip and connect Dubai’s main sights in Deira and Bur Dubai. The buses are a cheap alternative to taxis (see Dubai Bus Service ).

The supermarkets are excellent in the UAE. It’s possible to find products from all over the world. Carrefour has a reputation for having the lowest prices. It also has the best bakery with delicious Middle Eastern pastries and an excellent deli counter where you buy olives, cheeses and cold meats for picnics and balcony snacks while you enjoy the sunset.

The Friday Brunch is a ritual for many expats. Five star hotels offer great value all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunches, including alcohol, from AED 70–200 per person. Similar mid-week buffet lunches and dinners are also great value, starting from as low as AED 47. Check local magazines for the latest offers.

A couple of shwarmas and a fresh mango juice make a great cheap eat. Shwarmas cost around AED 3 and juices from AED 6. If you’re after something more filling, head to one of Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s many cheap ethnic eateries (see Casual Eateries & Cafés ) where you can spend as little as AED 30 per person for a curry or biryani or a few mezze dishes and a mixed Arabic grill.

While alcohol is expensive in the UAE (it’s the only thing that is taxed), you can drink cheaply if you take advantage of happy hours (generally from 6pm–8pm) and drink promotions. Many bars and clubs offer half-price drinks, two-for-one deals, two free drinks or “free bubbly for the ladies”, on particular nights.

In Dubai, a walk through the Bastakiya or on Shindagha waterfront is free, while it costs nothing to stroll along Abu Dhabi’s beautiful Corniche.

The UAE is a tax-free country. However, visitors to the UAE can expect to pay a 10 per cent government tax and a 10 per cent service charge on hotel rooms.

Hotel rooms in the UAE are spacious and also extremely secure. Most rooms are air-conditioned and come well equipped with television, telephones, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, toiletries and in-room safe. The best hotels also provide complimentary news-papers and bottled water.

While rack rates are quoted throughout this guide, they are rarely paid in the UAE. Travellers can book online through accommodation booking sites with considerably reduced discounts or book hotels as part of a package deal, while UAE residents can call hotels and request a residents discount.

UAE concierges are generally excellent. They are a good source of local information and can recommend and book restaurants and organize transport and tours. They can also arrange to store your luggage if you have a late flight.

Extras that can add significantly to hotel room bills include phone calls and minibar costs. If you need to make lots of local phone calls, buy a local SIM card and phone card. While minibar prices are comparable to bar prices, you’re better off buying duty free liquor.

Almost all UAE hotels provide valet parking free-of-charge. Rarely will guests pay for valet parking if they’re staying at a hotel, although there are exceptions. If you’re staying in a mid-range or budget Deira hotel, you may have to park your car at a nearby parking station. The average cost is AED 20 per night. If you’re hiring a car, contact your hotel ahead of time to enquire about parking facilities.

In the UAE, it’s customary to tip, although not obligatory. While most restaurants include a service charge, this doesn’t always go to waiting staff. If the service was good, leave a tip, anything from 5–10 per cent. If it didn’t meet your expectations, don’t tip. Give porters a couple of dirhams per piece of luggage and if the taxi driver was friendly and helped with luggage, leave him a few coins.

Most hotels have “Restaurant Reservations” services. Take advantage of these to make your bookings, as there’s nothing as tedious as having to visit half a dozen eateries before you find a table. Restaurants fill quickly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and it can be hard to get a table on weekends. Make bookings as far in advance as possible.

UAE residents and locals eat late compared to North American, British and Australasian diners. Arab expats and Emiratis tend to book restaurant tables from 10pm onwards, while European expats eat around 8:30pm–9pm. Eat any earlier and you’ll miss out on the fun – you’ll only be dining with other tourists.