13 Essential Tips Before Traveling to the UAE
Are you planning to visit Dubai whether for business or for a job search for the first time? Probably all you know about Dubai is Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. But that’s not all about Dubai. In this article, I will share essential tips you need to know before traveling to the UAE for the first time. Familiarizing yourself with these tips will help you have the best experience in Dubai and the UAE.
1. Dubai is Not a Country
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is not a country it is one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Other emirates include Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Abu Dhabi the capital city.
It is also essential to know that all these emirates have different laws and regulations that govern them independently. For example, every emirate has its vehicle registration process making vehicle plate numbers differ from one emirate to another.
2. No Eating During the Holy Month of Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims in the UAE normally refrain from eating food and drinking any beverages during fasting hours. Therefore, non-Muslim tourists or experts are not allowed to eat or drink in public areas during fasting hours to respect those who are fasting.
But it doesn’t mean that if you are not fasting you will not eat. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that remain open during the holy month of Ramadan, where you can go and have your breakfast and lunch. And eating at your home is not prohibited either.
3. Local Citizens are Few Compared to Non-locals
UAE citizens are only 10 percent of the UAE’s total population. The rest, 90 percent is made up of other nationalities expatriates with Indians being the largest population followed by Pakistanis and Bangladesh. Other Asian nations, Europeans, and Africans follow at a distance respectively. It is worth knowing that there are more than 200 nationalities that work and stay in the United Arab Emirates.
4. Public Display of Affection
Public display of affection in the UAE is prohibited. Kissing and intimate touching can make you a guest of the state. Therefore, when outside of your home compound you should not display excessive affection to your partner. If the love is too strong to resist contact with your partner holding hands is the least you can do.
5. There Is No Salary Tax
The UAE government does not tax the salaries of expatriates. Since the government doesn’t tax your salary you will have enough money to save and spend. It is important to note that there is a 5% VAT tax that applies to everything that is transacted in the UAE.
6. Summertime is Very Hot
If you are from a country like Kenya where daytime and nighttime temperature throughout the year ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius you will find UAE very hot. During summertime temperatures in the UAE can reach 50 degrees Celsius. This means you start sweating immediately after you leave your house for outdoor activities. Therefore, braze for some sunbaths daily when you arrive in the UAE.
7. Air Conditioner(AC) is a “Basic Need” in the UAE
The UAE is a desert country meaning the weather is always hot throughout the year. Therefore, for you to stay in a house you will need an Air Conditioner otherwise nature will force you outside that house. If you come from a relatively cold and warm country(like Kenya) forget about natural air conditioning and braze for artificial air conditioning.
8. There is Clean and Safe Drinking Water Everywhere
The UAE is a desert country therefore, you might think that drinking water is scarce and very expensive. But it is not! Municipal councils and well-wishers have installed free water dispensers in almost every corner of the UAE.
In addition, water in shops and supermarkets comes at an affordable price I dare say that water is the cheapest item in any shop or supermarket in the UAE. When I first landed in Dubai I was shocked at how water was cheap. Because I thought I will spend a lot of money buying water before traveling to the UAE.
9. The United Arab Emirates is a “Green Country”
I know this may appear trivial to some people but I need to point it out. Before traveling to the UAE I thought I will find sand everywhere because I didn’t expect anything to grow in a desert. It was a shocker to see grass and trees on roadsides and in people’s compounds. I was this naive! This point is important because I know there is someone who thinks there are no plants in the UAE.
10. You Can Buy and Eat Pork in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is a conservative Islamic nation you might think it is next to impossible to find pork within its territory. But sorry! You can buy, cook and eat pork in the UAE. Some selected supermarkets in the UAE sell pork to residents who love pork chops. If you enjoy making some pork chops you will need to visit one of the following outlets to purchase your pork:
- Al Maya Supermarkets
- Westzone supermarkets
- Spinney’s
- Baker Mohebi supermarkets
- Choithrams
11. You Don’t Need a License to Buy or Drink Alcohol
You no longer need a license to buy or drink alcohol in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Previosly before the government had put a ban on drinking alcohol without a license, it was illegal to drink alcohol without a license.
Drinking of alcohol is still limited to your house and authorized bars and pubs. As a result, drinking alcohol in public is strictly prohibited. Therefore you should only drink in public if you want to book a room in a jail cell.
12. Dress Decently When Going to Government Offices
You should dress modestly when visiting government offices otherwise you will be turned away at the entrance. For men, wearing of a short when going to seek government services in a police station for example. Will prevent you from getting the services because you will turned away at the enterance. Women, on the other hand, should not wear clothes that show offs too much of their bodies when seeking government services. Therefore, before traveling to the UAE make sure pack some decent clothes in your travel bag you might need them when vising government premises.
13. The UAE is a Safest Country in The World
The United Arab Emirates is the safest country in the world as crime rate is very low. You can walk on almost every street at anytime; day or night without worrying to be mugged. Therefore, If you come from a notorious neighborhood, you don’t have to arm yourself while walking at night in the UAE.
If you lost your wallet or other valuable items on a public bus, taxi, or in a mall chances of recovering them are very high. There have been countless cases of people returning lost items to police authorities or security guards.
Parting Shot
Certainly, there are other tips that you should familiarize yourself with before traveling to the UAE for the first time. For instance, taking people’s pictures without their consent. I found this kind of tip being cross country hence, not being unique to UAE.
With all said and done, I hope these tips that are unique to the UAE will give you a glimpse of the UAE and help you enjoy and avoid problems when you arrive in the UAE. You can also share this article with your friends who are still new in the UAE to serve as a guide to enjoy their stay and avoid breaking local laws.
