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UAE USEFUL INFO AND TIPS

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DISCOVER UAE

The Flag of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 as part of a design competition designed by a 19 year old Emirati. His name is Abdullah Mohammad Al Maeena and is now the UAE Ambassador to Chile. The flag colors were inspired by a well-known Arab poem by Safi Al Deen Al Hilli, in which the noble character the Arabs will be described. In the poem reads: "... their bravery, strength and Honor - shown in red ... and their hope, joy and love - represented in Green ... their peacefulness and honesty - displayed in the color White and the determination and the triumph over their enemies - represented in the Color: Black."

UAE – THE ESSENTIALS IN BRIEF

  • Official language Arabic

  • Capital Abu Dhabi

  • State Formation Federation of Autonomous Emirates

  • Head of State His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

  • UAE area 83,600 km2

  • Population UAE 8.2 million (2011)

  • National anthem Ischi Biladi

  • Time zone GMT + 4

  • Telephone code +971

  • 220-250V, 50 hertz, English three-pole plug

  • Highest Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, 1,340 m

  • Coastline about 750 km on the Arabian Gulf and 100 km on the Indian Ocean

  • Illiteracy rate 8% (2010)

  • Avg. Life expectancy 78 years

  • Water extraction from desalination plants

  • Flight time from Central Europe about 6 hours

  • Emergency number police 9999

  • Weekend Saturday and Sunday

  • Holidays 2nd December (national holiday), 1st January (New Year)

  • gem. Islamic calendar: Birthday of Prohet Mohammed (Milad un Nabi), Lailat Al Miraj (Night of the Assumption), Eid al Fitr (Feast of Ramadan), Eid Al Adha (Sacrifice), Islamic New Year per capita GDP

  • Gross domestic product) U $ 48,158 U $

POPULATION

Abu Dhabi is the largest and most populous of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. The area of Abu Dhabi comprises 80% of the total area of the United Arab Emirates. 20% of the total population is a citizen of the UAE; the remaining 80% are migrants from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America.

WORKING & OPENING HOURS

In general, government ministries, embassies and consulates are open from 08:00 to 14:00. Islam sanctifies Friday. Friday morning is closed except the big shopping malls. Friday afternoon from 16.30 at the latest, all shops, museums, attractions and markets have reopened. On Saturdays regular opening hours, ie. 10 am to 10 pm. During the holy month of Ramadan, shops often change their opening hours by having a long lunch break and opening the evening longer. Restaurants are either closed during Ramadan during the day or only take-away. In the evening after sunset everything is back to normal and there is a lot of life in the streets.

RELIGION

Islam is the official religion in the UAE. There are five pillars in Islam: The Creed, Prayer, Mercy, Fasting, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. In addition, a Muslim prayed to Mecca five times a day. Times vary depending on the level of the sun. The call to prayer echoes the speakers on the minarets. The Constitution of the UAE allows religious freedom in accordance with the applicable customs. The UAE is tolerant of other religions, and everyone has the freedom to practice their beliefs as long as they do not interfere with Islam. Most Emirates also have churches and temples. Non-Muslims can gain insight into Islam by participating in an organized tour of a mosque. Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Qur'an. During this time, Muslims fast and abstain from all food, drink, smoking and impure thoughts (or activities) between dawn and dusk. After sunset, fasting is broken with the banquet Iftar, whose beginning in time is published in all daily newspapers. Festive Ramadan tents are set up all over the city and every evening they are filled with people of all nations and religions, who enjoy traditional Arabic mezze and sweets. The date of Ramadan shifts each year by about 10 days forward, because the Islamic lunar calendar has about 10 days less. Non-Muslims are gently advised to restrain themselves during the day by eating, drinking and smoking in public places. If you do not stick to it, people might react angrily or it may even lead to an official complaint. In addition, live music and dancing are prohibited. Ramadan ends with the three-day feast of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, where gifts are distributed among the family, friends, neighbors and aid organizations.

CULTURE

The combination of international influences and a strong bond with regional traditions has created a fascinating mix of new and old. The culture of the UAE is deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Islam is more than a religion; It is a way of life that regulates everyday life, from the question of what you wear to what you eat and drink. The culture and tradition of the UAE are inextricably linked to their religion, which is a shining example of the true devotion of Islam to tolerance and hospitality. Foreigners are allowed to practice their own religion and the dress code is tolerant. Women can drive a car and move around unaccompanied. Among the most valued values โ€‹โ€‹are courtesy and hospitality and visitors will surely be enchanted by the sincere friendliness of the people. Despite the rapid economic development of the last 40 years, the preservation of tradition and culture has priority. Among others, falconry, camel races and dhows are traditional activities in the UAE.

 

Understanding: 

Although the official language is Arabic, English is the most widely spoken language due to the multicultural environment. There are also English radio and television stations, as well as newspapers and signposts etc. In the hotels you will almost always find someone who speaks German, if not, is your concept Arabia travel guide at any time personally or by phone to help in case of communication problems.

PHOTOGRAPHY & CLIMATE

Photos

As a tourist allowed to do private vacation photos, but you should politely ask for permission before photographing other people, especially women. Photos of government buildings, military installations and ports and airports should not be made. Cameras may be prohibited in public areas, which are intended for women and children.

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Climate

DieVAE offer almost all year round sunshine, low rainfall and almost perfect winter temperatures. The climate is subtropical. Sunny, blue skies and warm temperatures prevail most of the year. It rains only sporadically, mostly in winter (November to March) and vary by an average of 12 cm per year.The temperatures of about 13 ° C in winter nights to 48 ° C on hot summer days. The cooler months from November to April are the most pleasant months to visit, as the temperatures are about 24 ° C during the day and 15 ° C at night.

NATIONAL DRESS

The UAE nationals usually wear traditional dress in Öffentlichkeit.Männer wear Kandura - a white, ankle-length Darling, the members wear white headscarves (Ghutra) is supported. This is attached to a black cord (Agal).

 

Sheikh (members of the ruling family) wear on formal occasions, a thin robe (Bisht) with golden ornaments on their Kandura.

 

In public, women wear a long, loose black Darling (abaya) that covers their normal clothes - also a headscarf (Sheila). The abaya is often made of paper-thin, flowing fabric with intricate embroidery and beading embellishments on the wrists and the dress hem. Sheilas are always artful and a statement of individuality, especially among Jüngeren. Die headgear varies among women. Some carry only the Sheila and the face is uncovered. Some wear thin black veil over her face and in older women, sometimes you can still see the burqa, a leather mask that protects the nose, forehead, cheekbones and lips from the sun.

DRESS CODE

Light summer clothing is suitable for most of the year. A slightly warmer clothing you need, however, for the winter months. Make sure that you bring a jacket or sweater when visiting hotels or theaters, because the air conditioning can be adjusted quite cold.

 

Although the attitude towards the clothing is quite tolerant throughout the emirate, is a degree of respect for the local customs not inappropriate, especially when you go shopping or see the sights ansehen. Kurze or tight clothing can be worn, but it ensures thus stir - mostly for unpleasant.

 

In shopping malls, spas and hotel facilities fashionable clothing is allowed in general. When you visit authorities, it is best to cover your shoulders and legs. It is especially recommended to dress decently during Ramadan.

 

In the evening, restaurants and clubs usually have a mix of Western, Arabic and Asian clothing styles. Again, women are advised to take a pashmina shawl or jacket because the air conditioning.

RESTAURANTS: ALCOHOL, PORK MEAT & TIPPING

Restaurants:

In the UAE there is an incredibly wide range of restaurants from around the world. From the Indian fast food to excellent star restaurants, everything is completely represented.

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Alcohol:

The restaurants and bars outside the hotel facilities are licensed and serve alcoholic beverages. Outside of the hotel facilities no alcohol is available.

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Pork Meat:

Non- Muslims can in certain restaurants eat pork - each dish containing pork, is prepared separately by the courts without pork and is clearly marked on the menu.

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Tipping:

Tipping is not expected but is often given. Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff are at your discretion.

In many exclusive and fashionable restaurants of the invoice (usually around 10%) already added a service charge and a city tax of 10%. These charges are often included in the prices on the menu, which is marked.

If you are very satisfied with the service, it is not expected, but is totally customary to the fees already included (20%) still tip is. If the fee is not included, it is advisable to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill.

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