Opening up the UAE! Which emirate to choose? Useful tips. The most important “don’ts” in the United Arab Emirates, and is it possible to avoid these prohibitions? What can tourists do in the UAE?

After several high-profile arrests and regular fines, many UAE travelers began to ask what rules of conduct exist for tourists in Dubai and what will happen if they are violated? We want to answer this question in our article today, which contains all the norms, compliance with which is mandatory not only for residents, but also for guests of the country. Read and remember - what not to do in the UAE?

Note! Each emirate of the UAE has its own legislation - be sure to check them before your trip.

Don't break it!

Rules of conduct in Dubai transport

Important! Don't think that the comments are stupid, after two of them you will face a fine of about $100.

Dress code rules for UAE tourists

Although there are no laws in Dubai requiring foreign women to cover their heads or wear veils, we encourage you to dress modestly to show that you respect the moral standards of your host country. Girls dressed inappropriately may not be allowed into shops and attractions and may be reprimanded;
Swimwear may not be worn outside of beaches or swimming pool areas;
On the public beach, tourists are better off wearing modest swimsuits; on the private beach near the hotel, you can afford something more revealing;
In the UAE, you should never sunbathe topless - a tourist can be arrested for such a violation of the rules.

Rules of conduct in public places for tourists in Dubai

Tourists are also required to declare all paper books, magazines, photographs and CDs that they take with them on vacation. This list also includes money in the amount of 100,000 AED and gifts whose value exceeds 3,000 dirhams.

Rules of behavior in Dubai for tourists are not just restrictions, but an attempt to maintain a calm atmosphere in the country. Do not perceive them negatively, because it is thanks to them that you can walk the night streets of the UAE without fear and be confident in your safety. Have a nice trip!

Video: useful tips for those planning to visit Dubai.

The United Arab Emirates is a modern, rich, developed state of the Arabian Peninsula. Over the course of several decades, thanks to oil revenues, the well-being of its inhabitants skyrocketed, and the country itself turned into a fabulous caliphate, where colorful oriental bazaars and glass skyscrapers, Bedouin tents and villas worth tens of millions of dollars exist side by side.

The UAE sheikhs seem to have done everything to attract as many tourists as possible to their country. Six-star hotels decorated with rare types of stone and wood have been built here, comfortable beaches have been equipped, and collections of all world brands are presented in huge shopping malls.

The Emirates surprise even the most capricious travelers. The scale of the ambitious construction of luxury villas and skyscrapers on artificial islands is amazing. The amount of money invested in tourism infrastructure. The number of the most expensive cars in the world, everyday driving along sun-drenched avenues. A holiday in the UAE is a high-quality and inexpensive voyage to the snow-white shores of the Persian Gulf, shopping and enjoying impeccable service.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in the UAE?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.

The tallest skyscraper in the world, repeating the shape of a cave stalagmite. The height is more than 800 meters, the number of floors is 163. The tower houses offices, a hotel, a fountain system, and luxurious private apartments. The building has several observation decks offering breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai.

An artificial archipelago of three islands (Deira, Jebel Ali, Jumeirah) in the shape of date palms, a miracle of modern engineering. The islands were created from sand, limestone and stone quarried from the Persian Gulf coast. This is a large-scale and grandiose project, one of the most interesting attractions in Dubai.

One of the oldest districts of the city, dating back to the 19th century. In those days, pearl divers lived here (before the start of the “golden” oil rain in the UAE, this activity brought the main income to the residents). In Bastakiya you can see traditional Arab houses and wind towers that served as air conditioners.

The souk, located in the shopping area of Dubai, where guests from all over the world buy gold jewelry at almost the lowest prices. This pricing policy is possible due to low taxes. White, pink and yellow gold are bought here in kilograms by weight, rather than as individual items.

Located near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, it is another man-made miracle built with fabulous oil revenues. This is the world's largest fountain, which is illuminated by 6,000 sources. It is capable of throwing jets of water 150 meters high and creating more than 1000 shaped compositions from water columns.

Located near the emirate of Abu Dhabi on the artificial Yas Island. The facade of the building follows the shape of the legendary Ferrari GT model; it is painted red with the brand logo on the roof. The park presents all the achievements of the Italian company, all the latest and most famous car models, technologies, interactive installations, and copies of Italian landmarks.

This attraction was created with the aim of introducing tourists to the past of the UAE. The village exactly reproduces the Bedouin settlement as it was more than 100 years ago. Of great interest are the workshops where tools for working metal, fabric and clay are displayed. The gift shop sells authentic items, traditional baked goods and antique crafts.

The world's largest shopping and entertainment complex located in Dubai. In the Dubai Mall you can get lost in kilometers of shops, showrooms, markets, cinemas and attractions for tourists. It houses a huge Olympic skating rink and an aquarium with thousands of marine life listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Like many other attractions of the UAE with the prefix “the largest in the world,” this aquarium was created to capture the imagination of the country’s guests. More than 33 thousand species of marine life swim in the giant aquarium - there are about 400 sharks and rays alone. The entire structure weighs almost 250 tons and holds 10 million liters of water.

An indoor complex in Dubai, the only place of its kind in the region. This is an artificial ski resort where, in the absence of real snow and winter, fans of extreme skiing can enjoy the slopes. “Sky Dubai” can accommodate up to 1,500 people at a time, its infrastructure is convenient and well thought out, and all conditions for snowboarding and skiing have been created.

The building is made of snow-white marble, an example of modern Arabic architecture. The mosque was erected in honor of the first President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan El Nahyan. Specialists from Germany, the USA, and Italy participated in the construction and finishing of the building. The gilded chandelier of the mosque is decorated with precious stones, and the carpet with an area of 5.6 thousand m² was woven in Iran.

It is considered one of the most beautiful Islamic temples in the country. The structure was erected in 1979 from pink sandstone; elements of the traditional Fatimid style were used during construction. The mosque is open not only to Muslims - under the supervision of a guide, anyone can get inside and listen to a tour about Islamic traditions, prayers and foundations.

It is located in the strictest emirate of Sharjah in terms of compliance with Sharia law. The temple was built at the will and expense of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and was given as a gift to the authorities of Sharjah. Since then, the mosque has become an important religious center of the Emirate and its main Muslim temple.

A building in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on the border with Oman, located in the oasis of Al Ain (which means “green garden”). The fortress was built at the end of the 19th century to protect the oasis and the city of Al Ain, and over time it became the largest fort in the area. Today, Al Jahili has the status of a national monument.

Located in the small and less popular emirate of Ajman with tourists. The building was erected at the end of the 18th century. made of plaster and coral stone using African wood. The fortress served as the residence of the Sheikh's family until 1970, but after the ruler moved, it began to be used as the headquarters of the Ajman police.

Another historical building in Dubai, where the ruler of the emirate, Sheikh Said Al Maktoum, lived. This is a palace by the sea on the shore of a bay, from where the sheikh could observe the movement of ships. Now the building houses a museum where you can see interesting exhibitions and learn more about the history of the UAE.

It is located in the center of Dubai and is the oldest surviving building in the city (according to sources, the fort was built at the end of the 18th century). Once upon a time, the thick walls of the fortress protected the inhabitants from the invasion of warlike tribes of wild Bedouins and from sea raids. Only small fragments of Al-Fahidi have survived since the city walls were dismantled.

Previously it served as the residence of the ruling family of the emirate of Sharjah Al-Qasimi and at the same time as a prison. This building from the beginning of the 19th century was used to protect against attacks by enemies that were frequent in those days. In the fort museum you can see collections of weapons, items belonging to representatives of the ruling dynasty, and other historical exhibits.

An iconic landmark of Abu Dhabi, one of the symbols of the history of the UAE and the former residence of the rulers of this emirate. The building appeared at the end of the 18th century, but most of the buildings are renovated buildings no older than 30 years. Sometimes the interior decoration contains elements from a century and a half ago, but this is rare.

A reserve where representatives of Arabian fauna and flora are collected, which is also called the “Arabian wildlife park”. It was created at the behest of Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan. 8 million trees were planted on the deserted island, rare animals and birds were brought in, and restaurants and hotels were built for visitors. In just a few years, the lifeless area turned into a lively oasis.

Futuristic Tower in Abu Dhabi, designed to be a symbol of the unity of the future and the past. The structure was built at an angle, so it seems that it “falls” like the famous tower in Pisa. But the architects did not seek to copy this technique; they simply used stepped structures during construction, creating a tilting effect.

One of the best water parks in the East, located in one of the prestigious areas of Dubai. The design was based on fairy tales about Sinbad the Sailor, so visitors find themselves in a fairyland where, it seems, all wishes come true. The water park has attractions for children of all ages and experienced instructors.

A luxurious hotel whose architecture resembles a sail flying in the wind. Located in the emirate of Dubai on an artificial island. Positions itself as a “seven-star” hotel, although according to the international classification it is classified as 5*. The height of the skyscraper reaches more than 300 meters, the maximum height of the hall ceiling is more than 180 meters.

A luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi and a real palace with green territory and a dozen beautiful fountains. High-ranking officials and very wealthy tourists like to stay here. The hotel's interior is decorated with gold, and there are antique furniture in the halls and rooms.

Luxury resort on the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah (Dubai). The room capacity is more than 1,500 rooms designed for VIPs and wealthy guests. A convenient infrastructure has been created for guests with children. The hotel can host conferences and other large-scale events, as it has all the necessary equipment.

Resort selection

If you come to the UAE for a beach holiday, then first of all you should pay attention to the resorts of Ajman, Fujairah and Sharjah. The latter, by the way, is also known for its attractions, as well as ample shopping opportunities. Tourists also love to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which, in addition to beach holidays, offer a wide excursion program.

Brief information about the country

The UAE, or United Arab Emirates, is located in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. The state is washed by the Ottoman and Persian Gulfs.

The capital of the UAE is the city of Abu Dhabi, located in the emirate of the same name. Other major cities are Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.

Time in the UAE coincides with Moscow.

The climate in the UAE is very hot and there is little rainfall. There is no snow even in winter, so the seasons are divided only by air temperature. From December to February there is a relatively cool winter with temperatures up to +20 °C. It can also be windy and rainy in winter. The remaining months are much hotter; in July the temperature sometimes reaches +50 °C.

The official language in the country is Arabic. Many speak English, and in tourist areas you can meet Russian-speaking staff and see signs and menus in Russian.

The official religion in the UAE is Islam, the majority of the population there is Muslim. Among the immigrants there is a small proportion of Hindus and Christians.

Holiday seasons

· High season – from October to April. In winter, between holidays, prices for trips drop slightly, and the best months for relaxing on the beach are October, November, March and April;

· Low season – from June to August. In summer, the UAE is too hot for a comfortable holiday, but the prices are much lower;

· Beach season – you can swim all year round, even in winter, although in winter the water is a little cool;

· Sales season – January-February and July-August – is the best time for shopping in the Emirates.

What you need to know and do before your trip

There is no need to get vaccinated before traveling to the UAE. Remember that the UAE is a Muslim country, so don't bring a lot of revealing clothing. Be sure to pay attention if you are traveling to the country during the month of Ramadan, which falls in mid-to-late summer, in which case you will have to be especially discreet. Be sure to bring sunglasses and cosmetics to protect your skin from the sun's rays.

Road

You can get to the Emirates by plane. Direct regular flights to Dubai operate from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk almost daily. From Moscow you can also fly directly to Abu Dhabi. The flight from Moscow will take five hours, and from St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk – approximately six hours.

Charter flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and some other resort cities depart from most major airports in Russia.

Airlines transporting passengers to the UAE include Aeroflot, AeroSvit, Somon Air, IFly, Emirates Airlines and some others.

Flight

During the flight, be sure to figure out something to do with yourself - you can read a book or watch a movie on your laptop. If you plan to sleep, then take a sleep bandage with you - they may run out on the plane, and you most likely won’t be able to sleep without a bandage. If you are flying during the day, you can also take earplugs.

Visa, Customs

A tourist visa to visit the UAE can be obtained either through a travel agency or tour operator, or at the UAE consulate if you have an inviter from the Emirates. Sometimes a visa is issued through a hotel or airline - in this case, the same documents are required as when applying for a visa through a travel agency. A visa can also be obtained at the Dubai Visa Application Centre, but this is a rather complicated procedure.

To apply for a visa through an intermediary, you must provide documents in electronic form:

· A scanned passport valid for at least three months after the end of the trip;

· Application form in English or Arabic;

· Scanned color photograph 3x4;

· Married women under 30 years of age who are traveling to the country without a husband or have different surnames from their spouse are required to have a copy of their marriage certificate;

· A copy of the child’s birth certificate if he or she is entering the country.

An unmarried woman under 30 may be denied a visa. To avoid this, it is better to go on a trip with your mother or father. If a married tourist under 30 books a room alone in a two- or three-star hotel, she will have to pay a deposit of $1.5 thousand to the travel agency.

The consular fee for a visa to the UAE is 70-75 dollars. A visa is usually issued within 4 working days. It is not possible to extend a tourist visa; it is valid for 30 days.

You can enter and exit the UAE with a tourist visa through the same airport. In addition, visas are not issued to those who have an Israeli passport.

You can import 2 thousand cigarettes, two kilograms of tobacco or 400 cigars, as well as two liters of wine and two liters of strong alcohol into the country duty-free. It is also allowed to import personal items in reasonable quantities. It is prohibited to import goods made in Israel and South Africa, weapons, pornography and propaganda literature. The importation of narcotic and psychotropic items is strictly punished by the local court. Be careful when importing medicines - many medicines that are sold in Russia even without a prescription are prohibited in the UAE.

Staying in a foreign country

Accommodation

The UAE is a country very popular among tourists, so all the resorts here have many hotels of different categories.

The cost of staying at a hotel is affected by both the season and certain amenities in the hotel itself: the presence of a nearby beach, etc.

Checkout time in UAE hotels is 12 am, at which time tourists check out of their rooms.

Usually only in hotels you can buy alcohol, especially during the month of Ramadan. Also, on the territory of the hotel there are more free morals than even in resort towns. This does not apply to the Emirate of Sharjah - you cannot buy alcohol anywhere here, and the rules of behavior are especially strict.

In the UAE you can rent a room or a villa, which will be slightly cheaper than a hotel room.

Nutrition

Groceries in the UAE are quite expensive, so eating in cafes and restaurants is quite expensive. For example, lunch in an inexpensive cafe will cost 200-500 rubles per person. Eating in hotels, if meals are not included in the price of the tour, is quite expensive. Plus, even if you take an all-inclusive tour, the food will most likely be very limited.

Please note that a high price does not guarantee good quality food and service - be sure to read reviews from tourists.

Muslims do not drink alcohol, so you can usually buy it only in hotel restaurants - it is not sold in regular catering establishments. To save on alcohol, take it with you or buy it in duty-free.

Buffet at the hotel

Leisure

Mostly people go to the UAE for a beach holiday. Most large cities and tourist centers are located on the coast, and almost the entire coastline is a well-maintained civilized beach. There are both city beaches and those owned by hotels. The latter are usually cleaner and less noisy.

Thanks to the sea in the UAE, tourists have access to almost all types of active water recreation. This is especially true for the emirate of Dubai with its yachting, fishing and surfing opportunities, etc. Diving is also widespread in the UAE, although it is quite expensive here. Standard water sports like jet skiing are also available.

In addition to active recreation on the water, the UAE offers tourists horse riding, active sports and much more.

The Emirates are good for families with children. There are several water parks here that will be equally fun for both kids and their parents. In general, UAE water parks are definitely worth a visit, even if you are traveling without children - this type of recreation is very popular here.

Excursions

In general, the UAE is a fairly young country, so there are not many attractions here. However, lovers of excursions will definitely find something to see. In addition, most large cities are located on the coast, which means that an excursion holiday can be combined with a beach holiday. Tour prices start at $35 and sometimes reach $100.

Shopping

The leaders in shopping in the UAE are the emirates of Sharjah and Dubai. You can also buy well in Abu Dhabi. In other emirates, if you wish, you can also buy a lot of interesting things, but you shouldn’t go there specifically for shopping.

In the Emirates, you can bargain in markets and small shops, or you can make purchases in a civilized manner in huge shopping malls - whichever you prefer.

Market in the UAE

At Dubai Airport there is the world's largest duty-free shopping center, where you can buy everything at ridiculous prices. In Dubai, prices for goods are generally very low, since the import duty there is, in principle, very small. And in the port of Abu Dhabi there is a free economic zone, where goods are also sold at very low prices. In general, it is better to come to the markets in the UAE for impressions, rather than for purchases - you can easily be deceived there, and the prices will not be much lower than store prices.

Mostly branded items are brought from the UAE: clothes, shoes, watches, jewelry, and interior items. Here you can find goods of any brand, and at a very low price.

If you want to purchase a typically “Emirati” product, you can buy a gold bar (they can be small) or gold jewelry. They also sell aromatic essences and spices, which will be an excellent souvenir. You can bring copper products, silk fabrics, a hookah, an Arabic coffee pot or a product made of camel hair from the UAE.

What to do in the UAE

· Take a helicopter tour over Dubai - this is the only way you can appreciate the scale of this city;

· Visit Ferrari World - a huge theme park with rides and all kinds of entertainment;

· Visit the Yas Waterworld water park, which has several unique water attractions;

· Visit the Dubai World Cup races;

· Look at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which looks amazing both during the day and in the evening, in the light of artificial lights;

· Organize a luxurious shopping experience in Dubai shopping centers;

· Ride a jeep through the desert.

Health

Medicine is very well developed in the UAE, so tourists can count on qualified medical care, of course, for money or with insurance. Pharmacies in the UAE are very good and it is easy to buy the necessary medications.

The main problem for tourists in the UAE is sunburn and sunstroke. Do not stay under the scorching sun for a long time, always wear long sleeves and hats, and be sure to use sunscreen on the beach. Also be careful with overly spicy local dishes - you can get an upset stomach. You can only drink bottled water; vegetables and fruits should be washed before consumption.

Safety

The UAE is the safest Arab country. For comparison, it ranks 33rd in terms of security out of 153 countries, while France ranks 36th and Russia 147th. Recently, cases of pickpocketing have become more frequent in large cities, but following basic safety rules will be enough - just don’t wear Bring original documents and large sums of money with you.

The main danger facing tourists is non-compliance with local moral standards and laws.

It is forbidden to swear or show rude gestures on the streets - you could end up in jail. The same awaits you for kissing in a public place and walking around the city in revealing clothes or a swimsuit. Be sure to carry a photocopy of your passport with you, as documents are often checked. Drinking alcohol and being intoxicated on the street is also prohibited. Girls are not recommended to be alone on the streets - there is no need to fear harassment from locals, but certain problems and misunderstandings still sometimes arise.

Actions in case of emergency

In the event of an emergency, you should immediately contact a police officer - the problem will be resolved immediately. If you have lost your documents, contact the embassy by phone or in person.

Telephone

To call from the Emirates to Russia you need to dial 9-007 area code-phone number. To call the Emirates from Russia, you need to dial the 8-971 area code-phone number.

Major city codes:

· Abu Dhabi – 02;

· Al Ain – 03;

· Dubai – 04;

· Ras Al Khaimah – 07;

· Korfakan – 070;

· Sharjah – 06.

Official contacts

· Ambulance and police – 999;

· Fire service – 997;

· Russian Embassy in Abu Dhabi – 02-6723516.

Currency

The currency of the UAE is dirhams equal to one hundred fils. One dollar is equal to approximately 3.6 dirhams, this rate has been maintained for many years. Currency can be exchanged at a hotel or exchange office. It is not very profitable to exchange in hotels. Exchange offices in the UAE usually open from 8 am to 8 pm.

If you do not plan to do shopping, but will only eat outside the hotel and attend several excursions, then 700-800 dollars will be enough for you for seven days, including taxi trips. If you want to have a more luxurious holiday and do more shopping, then take more money with you.

Transport

Public transport in the UAE is very poorly developed - the local population usually travels by car. There are buses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but their routes are very confusing. It will be more convenient for tourists to travel by taxi.

It is easy to rent a car in the UAE - all you need is an international license. Often local drivers do not follow traffic rules, so be careful.

Tips

Tipping in the UAE is not necessary; moreover, it is often included in the price of the bill in a cafe and amounts to 15% of the order value. You can leave a couple of dollars for the hotel maids. But you don’t need to give money at the reception.

Cloth

The climate in the UAE is very warm, so don't take a lot of clothes with you. At the same time, keep in mind that you won’t be able to walk around the city in shorts and a T-shirt - the UAE has strict clothing standards. Everyone, especially girls, should dress very modestly, not expose the body and not wear translucent T-shirts or other similar clothing. At resorts, girls can wear fairly long shorts and skirts; in provincial cities, on the contrary, they should dress as closed as possible. A swimsuit is only acceptable on the beach.

National characteristics and traditions

The UAE is a religious country, so you should behave especially carefully here. If you follow traditions, then there should be no problems - otherwise you may stumble not only on misunderstanding of the local population, but also on a fine or imprisonment.

All basic actions must be performed with the right hand - the left is considered “unclean”. When entering a house or mosque, you must take off your shoes. Men should be greeted with a bow; a handshake is not accepted here. You cannot run along the streets. Also, you should not walk in front of Muslims performing prayer. Photographing local residents is prohibited. Women should not let their hair down in public places.

All these rules should be observed especially strictly during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins in mid-to-late summer. At this time, you shouldn’t even talk loudly or chew gum on the streets.

The local religion must be treated with special respect, not disturb those praying and not insult their shrines. It is better not to start conversations about religion with locals at all.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Return

Customs

To export carpets and jewelry, you need to have a receipt from the store where they were purchased. You cannot export items of the country's historical heritage, palm fruits and seeds, and wild animals. Anything prohibited for import cannot be exported from the country either.

Opening up the UAE! Which emirate to choose? ﻿ Useful tips. The most important “don’ts” in the United Arab Emirates, and is it possible to avoid these prohibitions? What can tourists do in the UAE?