| Local name: Al-Imarat al'Arabiya al-Muttahida |
| Surface : 83, 600 sq.
km (32,400 sq. miles) the UAE has 700 km of coastline, 600 km along
the Arabian Gulf and 100 km bordering the Gulf of Oman. |
| Population : 2.260.000
inhabitants |
| Climate: Straddling the Tropic of Cancer,
the UAE is warm and sunny in winter and hot and humid during the
summer months. Winter daytime temperatures average a very pleasant 26°C,
although nights can be relatively cool, between 12–15°C on the
coast, and less than 5°C in the depths of the desert or high in the
mountains. Local north-westerly winds (shamal) frequently develop
during the winter, bringing cooler windy conditions. Summer
temperatures are in the mid-40s, but can be higher inland. Humidity in
coastal areas averages between 50 and 60 per cent, touching over 90
per cent in summer and autumn. Inland it is far less humid. The
best time to visit the UAE is from October up until May. In October
the weather may still be quite hot (up to 35C), blue skies are the
norm and the evenings are warm. At this stage the tourist season is
well under way. |
| VISAS: Required
by all except the following:
nationals of the UK
with the endorsement ‘British Citizen’ for a maximum of 30 days;
nationals of EU
countries for a maximum of 30 days; nationals
of Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Iceland,
Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand,
Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Vatican
City for a maximum of 30 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. Passport
valid for a minimum of 3 months from date of arrival required by all.
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.
The Government of the UAE refuses entry and transit to nationals of
Israel. |
| Electricity: 220V (240V
in Abu Dhabi), 50Hz |
| Capital : Abu
Dhabi (pop 500,000) |
| System :
The
United Arab Emirates is a constitutional federation of seven emirates:
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and
Fujairah. The highest federal authority is the
Supreme Council of Rulers comprising the absolute rulers of the seven
emirates. Decisions reached by the Council must have the agreement of
at least five members, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two largest
members. The council appoints a president to act as head of state.
There are no political parties. |
| Languages : The
official language of the UAE is Arabic.
Other languages spoken are English, Hindi, Farsi. |
| Religions : Mostly
Muslim, of which 16 per cent are Shiite and the remainder Sunni. |
| Money : The
United Arab Emirates currency is called the Dirham.
Arab Emirate Dirham (=Dhs. or AED) 100 Fils = 1 Dirhams |
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