In UAE they censor some websites that are thought to be used by groups who oppose the rulers of or website they believe is against ethicals,the country and it can be very hard to get on to some webpages, gaywebsites.but they are mostly blocked.
The local currency is DIRHAM (Dhs.), which is divided into 100 FILS. It is also referred to as AED (Arab Emirate Dirham).Bills come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1000 units.Coins are in 1 Dhs, 50 fils, 25 fils. Because 5 and 10 fils coins are not widely available, you often will not receive the exact change.The Dirham has been stable at an exchange rate of apprx. Dhs. 3.67 to US $ 1.--.Exchange rates of all major currencies are published in newspapers daily. You can exchange money at banks, hotels, and at exchange places. Exchange places have often the best rate, while hotels are the worst. You can also withdraw money from ATMs - most ATMs accept international cards.We found the best rates at the little forex offices near Al Fahidi Street. Al Fahidi and the inside road parallel to it are filled with exchange places.
This really shouldn't need saying, but unfortunately it is because of the behaviour of not only tourists but also some expatriate residents.Because people have abused the relaxed, liberal attitude of the authorities by behaving and dressing inappropriately, there is now an official campaign to enforce the rules and laws.Police are out in force along Dubai's public beaches to enforce the laws, after a British couple were found drunk and having sex in public on a beach. (Behaviour which would not be accepted in any country!) Bikinis are OK on the beaches but females must not sunbathe topless. You must cover up when leaving the beach.Dress rules are beginning to be enforced in public areas too. Revealing clothing is OK on the beaches and in hotels, but should not be worn in public streets, restaurants and shopping malls. Females should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees....
When travelling to or through the UAE, any medicines that you may be carrying you should have a prescription for as many as banned here for containing codine etc. If you have a prescription from your GP then it will be permissable if you do not then you may face jail time! Recently for residents they introduced a ban on the contraceptive pill unless it is medical and you have a prescription or if you have a permission letter from your husband!!! Recently a woman was arrested at customs for carrying a painkiller containing codine she had bought over the counter and was jailed for 6 weeks before later being deported. Ignorance is no excuse so if in doubt leave it at home!
The holy month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. No food or drink and no smoking is permitted.Non-Muslims must respect the fast and also are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. It's also more important than usual to wear appropriate, non-revealing clothing.Hotels have a restaurant open for their guests and some coffee shops are open, screened or curtained off from public view.Supermarkets and food stores are open and take-away food is available - but it must not be consumed in public.Some shops don't open until after evening prayers, others open normally throughout the day, some open all day but close during prayer times.The evening is when everything is up and running, with shops and restaurants often open until the early morning hours.
1. Public Displays of affection are frowned upon.2. Don't drink alcohol in public places.3. Obscene gestures could land you in jail.4. Don't take pictures of Emirates especially women and government buildings.5. Some medications are illegal in the UAE. Check with the local authorities if the medications you have are legal.
Yes, we all know the muslim society does fast during the month of ramadan.Should we stay away from Dubai in this month? No.In the Tourist hotels it is ok to eat and drink in public.But not in any other public places, like in shopping malls.The foud courts there are closed till sunset.Yes, Starbucks tooo...
Arab traditions also play an important role in Emirati people's life. These age-old traditions have evolved over the past years and are highly regarded. They include generosity and hospitality, which every Saudi family offers to strangers, friends, and family. The simplest expression of hospitality is coffee – its preparation alone is an intricate cultural tradition, and it is often served in small cups along with dates and sweets. Arabic Coffee or Gahwa is a special mixture of Arabic Coffee and Cardamom. Cardamon is always added to Saudi coffee, either crushed or whole pods, giving it a distinctive flavour, and aiding digestion. A pinch of saffron may be added on special occasions, or by the wealthy. The coffee is poured from a long-spouted pot called a dallah. The greeny-yellow coffee is drunk without milk or sugar from small handleless cups, which are only half filled. Guests should...
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and the holiest of the four holy months. It begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use, and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset.Bars and clubs are closed until around 7pm and live music is not allowed as well as dance clubs being closed throughout the month of Ramadan. Some restaurants do not serve alcohol and places with a liquor license can still sell alcohol to people but only to drink at home. Everyone is required to not eat or drink in public during Ramadan or even smoke in the streets. Also some hotels will still serve food but there is curtains or blinds up in the room to avoid people in the streets seeing.
So many people are asking how they should dress up while in the UAE. Well, it is important not to overreact to the warning that it is a Muslim country. Yes, you have to respect the culture, especially during Ramadan, BUT it doens't mean that you cann't wear shorts, sleavless shirts, tight tops and mini-dresses. Just don't make it to the extreme and use the common sense: mini-skirt (it doesn't have to remind a wide belt though) can be work with more or less modest top or vise versa: tight top can be worn with not so narrow pants. This will help you to avoid the heat and still not to attract too much attention.Oh, forget about the strings in you swimsuit - it is absolutely unappropriate and vulgar here. Not to mentione the fact that you cann't go to the beach topless.
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Reviews and photos of Dubai attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Dubai sightseeing.
Q: Hi Does anyone know if there is always long queues to get tickets to go to the Observastion Deck of the Burj Khalifa and also...
A: No, there are not "always" lines. Actually there are rarely "lines" as the majority of people book online. However, tickets can often (and do often) sell out days in...
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