Weekends in the Arab Emirates. UAE holidays and events. Working hours and days off in the UAE

Being busy with business does not exempt you from Friday prayers. Verse 62:9 of the Quran says: “O believer! If you heard the call to prayer on Friday, then remember Allah and leave your work.”

Friday prayer is long, and a sermon is added to it. As a result, Muslims spend more than an hour in the mosque.

In ancient times, Friday was especially important for the Arabs, because almost all people lived not in cities, as they do now, but in rural areas, fishing villages. It was a time of gathering of people in regional centers and at the same time a market day.

The ban on work and business activities only applies during Friday prayers. During other hours it is not forbidden to work.

In addition to prayer, other godly deeds are recommended for devout Muslims on Friday. On this day, it is recommended to wash, wear clean clothes, praise Allah and the Prophet Mohammed, read the Koran, especially chapter 18 “The Cave”.

Friday for tourists

Since Friday is the main day off, government agencies do not work at all. Banks are closed, with rare exceptions, however exchange offices work according to the usual schedule, as you can read about in our review “”. That is, it is not necessary to change the currency in advance.

Shopping centers usually operate the same as on other days of the week. Only some shopping centers and shopping centers close for 1-2 hours at lunchtime for a break for Friday prayers. For example, in the emirate.

Recently, Arabs have successfully adopted the experience of the American “Black Friday” phenomenon. It coincided very well with the Islamic holiday. As a result, sales are constantly held in the UAE with names not only “Black Friday”, but also “White”, “Red” and others. Soon the colors of the rainbow will end, we will have to somehow get out. Shopping centers can be crowded as in the photo below, click on the photo to enlarge.

Entertainment facilities - water parks or attractions operate according to their usual schedule. Sometimes there is a shift in the schedule, for example, on Friday the first show at 13:00 is not shown, instead the show is held at 13:30.

Shops, cafes and restaurants are different - some are closed altogether, some open with a long break for prayer, some open only after lunch. Friday is least noticeable in the most modern emirate.

Religious institutions are closed for tourists or have limited opening hours. In and not to get there at all. accessible to tourists only from 16-30.

There are no generally accepted schedule rules for attractions on Friday. Everything is individual! Read our articles about the attractions of the UAE, we indicate the exact schedule in each article.

Consider important point! Friday is a day off, when people try to get to attractions, water parks and shopping centers local residents and expats. All entertainment venues are crowded with people. In the park you can stand in line for an attraction all day.

Consent to the processing of personal data

I hereby, being the Customer of tourist services included in tourism product, and an authorized representative of the persons (tourists) specified in the Application, I give consent to the Agent and his authorized representatives to process my data and the data of the persons (tourists) contained in the Application: last name, first name, patronymic, date and place of birth, gender, citizenship, series, passport number, other passport data specified in the passport; residence and registration address; home and mobile phone; E-mail address; as well as any other data relating to my identity and the identity of the persons specified in the Application, to the extent necessary for the implementation and provision of tourism services, including those included in the tourism product generated by the Tour Operator, for any action (operation) or set of actions ( operations) performed with my personal data and the data of the persons specified in the Application, including (without limitation) collection, recording, systematization, accumulation, storage, clarification (updating, changing), extraction, use, transfer (distribution, provision, access), depersonalization, blocking, deletion, destruction of personal data, as well as carrying out any other actions provided for by current legislation Russian Federation, using automation tools, including in information and telecommunication networks, or without the use of such tools, if the processing of personal data without the use of such tools corresponds to the nature of the actions (operations) performed with personal data using automation tools, that is, it allows for in accordance with a given algorithm, searching for personal data recorded on a tangible medium and contained in file cabinets or other systematized collections of personal data, and/or access to such personal data, as well as transfer (including cross-border) of this personal data to the Tour Operator and third parties - partners of the Agent and Tour Operator.

The processing of personal data is carried out by the Agent and his authorized representatives (Tour Operator and direct service providers) for the purpose of fulfilling this agreement (including, depending on the terms of the agreement, for the purpose of processing travel documents, booking rooms in accommodation facilities and with carriers, transferring data to the consulate of a foreign state, resolving claims issues when they arise, submitting information to authorized government bodies (including at the request of courts and internal affairs bodies)).

I hereby confirm that the personal data provided by me to the Agent is reliable and can be processed by the Agent and his authorized representatives.

I hereby give my consent to the Agent and Tour Operator to send me emails/information messages to the email address and/or mobile phone number I have provided.

I hereby confirm that I have the authority to provide personal data of the persons specified in the Application, and undertake the obligation to reimburse the Agent for any costs associated with my lack of appropriate authority, including losses associated with sanctions of inspection authorities.

I agree that the text of my consent to the processing of personal data, given by me of my own free will, in my interests and in the interests of the persons specified in the Application, is stored electronically in a database and/or on paper and confirms the fact of consent to process and transfer personal data in accordance with the above provisions and take responsibility for the accuracy of the provision of personal data.

This consent is given for an indefinite period and can be withdrawn by me at any time, and insofar as it concerns a specific person, the subject of personal data specified in the Application, by the specified person by sending a written notice to the Agent by mail.

I hereby confirm that my rights as a subject of personal data have been explained to me by the Agent and are clear to me.

I hereby confirm that the consequences of withdrawing this consent have been explained to me by the Agent and are clear to me.

This Consent is an annex to this Application.

At least for a couple of days, touch the luxury and treat yourself to a holiday fashionable resorts allow weekend tours to the UAE offered by our travel company.

A weekend in the UAE is an opportunity to enjoy the sun and spend time on the coast at any time of the year, because there is no cold of winter or slush of autumn. You will also be able to get acquainted with the main attractions of this Arab state, each of whose cities has a special charm and enchants guests with fantastic sights.

The capital of Abu Dhabi, surrounded by greenery, combines modern futuristic architecture with colorful mosques, which are the symbol of the city. One of its most striking attractions is deservedly considered the “singing” fountain, which certain time begins his show by gracefully “dancing” and throwing out colorful jets of water.

By purchasing one of the weekend tours to the UAE from the managers of our company, you can spend a couple of unforgettable days in dynamic and cosmopolitan Dubai, offering many exciting entertainments. You will be delighted engineering miracle Middle East and the world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, as well as the Burj Al Arab, a majestic hotel building reminiscent of sails rising above the sea. artificial island Palm Jumeirah with artificial reefs and specially sunken old planes will appeal to all scuba diving enthusiasts.

More cozy place You might find yourself in the coastal emirate of Fujairah, offering nature walks and cycling, exciting wakeboarding and snorkeling with sea turtles and reef sharks. You will also be able to explore the cave system in Al Ain and the highest Hajar Mountains in the Arabian Peninsula, where the oldest Juma Mosque is hidden. Al Ain is also home to amusement park Wadi Adventure with artificially created conditions for rafting, kayaking and surfing.

Going to the UAE for the weekend, you can get a lot of positive emotions while walking through the narrow streets of the famous oriental bazaars, offering to buy aromatic spices, textiles, hookahs, national clothes, figurines, Arabian daggers and many other colorful products created by the hands of local artisans as souvenirs. You can enjoy a more civilized shopping experience in giant shopping centers filled with prestigious boutiques of famous brands, numerous cafes and entertainment attractions.

When planning to work abroad, it is important to know the specifics of local labor legislation in the UAE - this will help you avoid unpleasant consequences and problems with immigration law. This is especially relevant for the United Arab Emirates, since local labor legislation, due to centuries-old customs and traditions, has its own specifics. Let's try to figure it out in order.

Regulatory framework of labor law in the Emirates

The regulatory framework for the labor legislation of the Emirates was laid down in the early 80s, and since then it has been constantly improved and supplemented in accordance with changes in the requirements of the labor market. Specialized economic zones in Dubai and other Emirates have a special status, the number of which is growing every year. These are separate state territories that offer significant benefits for conducting international business activities.

The territory of the UAE specialized economic zones is distinguished by special tax, labor and customs government regulation. For example, in certain economic zones (Dubai Financial Center, Jebel Ali), labor legislation has some differences from general federal standards.

In general, it can be noted that the labor legislation of the United Arab Emirates is based on international experience and meets the basic requirements of international labor relations. At the same time, local labor legislation has characteristic differences that are inherent only in countries with a Muslim state system.

Foreign labor in the UAE

Hiring foreign labor involves providing a special period for obtaining a work visa and the corresponding work permit. During this time, the foreign worker must enter into a contract with the employer, as well as obtain a residence visa and a labor card.

Persons who have a UAE tourist visa or a visa for transit stay in the country do not have the right to work in the country. Violation of such requirements may entail liability under the laws of the United Arab Emirates, both for the employee and the employer.

Important: When going to work in the UAE, you must remember that here the law has a high priority, and government agencies strictly monitor compliance with current legislation.

Grounds for hiring a foreign worker

The basis for hiring foreign citizens is the corresponding labor contract between the foreign citizen and the employer. The form of this document was developed by the UAE Ministry of Labor. The employment contract is drawn up in two languages, Arabic and English respectively.

Concluding a contract and obtaining a work visa is the basis for a foreign worker to undergo a mandatory medical examination for health status. After a positive conclusion from the medical commission, a residence permit and labor card are finally issued for the foreign worker.

Resident visa and specific conditions

The residence visa is valid for two or three years, but can be terminated early. A residence visa can be canceled in the event of termination of an employment contract, deportation of a foreign worker, stay outside the state for more than six months without a break, etc.

The UAE residence visa provides foreign workers with the following opportunities:

The right to legal residence, entry and exit outside the country (taking into account the conditions of work);
The right to rent real estate;
The right to acquire ownership and registration of movable property in the UAE (in accordance with the rules of UAE law, for example registration Vehicle on employees, etc.).

As a rule, travel expenses for obtaining a labor card, work visa and residence permit are covered by the employer in the UAE.

Consequences of early termination of an employment contract

If the employment contract is terminated early at the initiative of the employer, all information will be entered into the central database of the Ministry of Labor. A foreign citizen, as a party to an employment agreement, may be subject to a six-month restriction on employment opportunities. That is why, when concluding an employment contract with one company, you should not expect that in the future you can simply quit and change your job.

Probation

If you arrived in the Emirates on a work visa, your probationary period should not exceed six months. Foreign citizens should remember that the labor legislation of Dubai and other Emirates directly states that during the probationary period, a negligent employee can be fired without prior notice. The basis for dismissal may be incompatibility with the position held and other factors.

Working hours and days off in the UAE

UAE labor legislation provides for a maximum eight-hour working day for adult workers, which equates to 48 hours per week. However, in certain market segments, such as hotel complexes, restaurants and shopping centers, the working day can be extended by one hour. Employees are entitled to one day off per week, most often Friday. For government employees and employees of some private companies, there are two official days off (Saturday and Friday).

Overtime work is paid additionally, on average such payment is - payment at regular hourly rates, plus 125 percent on top. If a person works between 9 pm and 4 am, he can count on an increase in hourly pay(150%) or an additional day off.

Paid holidays

Each employee is guaranteed annual paid leave of up to 30 calendar days. Annual labor leave is granted after a year of work. If an employee has worked for more than six months, the vacation period is calculated according to the following scheme - two days of vacation are added for each month worked.

Official holidays in the UAE

Regardless of the organizational and legal form and affiliation of companies and enterprises, there are calendar dates recognized as official holidays and days off, in particular:

Muslim New Year- 1 day;
UAE Independence Day – 1 day;
New Year – 1 day;
Waqf and Eid Al Adha – 3 days;
Eid Al Fitr – 2 days;
Prophet Mohammed's birthday is 1 day.

On official holidays, employees retain their wages. And after six months (probationary period), the employee can issue a paid certificate of incapacity for work. For sick leave, payment is made as follows: for the first 15 days, wages are retained in full, and for the next 30 days, 50% of the wage is paid, then sick leave is not paid. Confirmation of incapacity for work is the conclusion of a medical commission and the corresponding official certificate.

Medical insurance and conditions for terminating an employment contract in Dubai and other Emirates

Emirati citizens have a mandatory medical insurance policy, but medical insurance for foreign workers is not expressly provided for by federal laws. At the same time, some Emirates (Abu Dhabi) oblige employers to insure foreign workers and members of their families staying in the Emirates. However, other Emirates are also currently undergoing reform obliging employers to provide compulsory health insurance to employees.

The possibilities for terminating the employment relationship and terminating the contract largely depend on the type of contract concluded. If the concluded employment contract is fixed-term, termination before the end of the term is permissible subject to compliance with the terms of the contract; an open-ended contract can be terminated at the initiative of one of the parties to the contract. The law provides that a party must notify the other party of termination of the contract 30 calendar days before the intended event.

For persons with two years of continuous experience, as well as in cases where the contract is terminated by mutual consent of the parties, based on the relevant order of the Ministry of Labor, the six-month restriction on employment in another company does not apply.

In cases where the contract is canceled due to gross violations of labor laws or the terms of the employment contract, the restriction on employment in the Emirates can be up to one year.

Resolution of emerging labor disputes

Labor legislation restricts workers from conducting various strikes, walkouts and protests. The creation of trade union organizations is also prohibited. All labor disputes that arise are considered by the Immigration Service and the Ministry of Labor of the UAE. For persons who disagree with the decision made, there is the opportunity to appeal the decision in court.

Conclusion

The UAE labor market is ready to offer foreign citizens a wide choice of vacancies. It is worth noting that in the Emirates there is always a need for personnel in a variety of specialties, this is due to large-scale projects that are implemented annually in the UAE. Large personnel needs exist in the hotel and tourism sectors, construction, management and trade, and in the fields of entertainment and recreation. Among foreign workers, knowledge of languages, experience and professionalism are especially valued

The country of sheikhs - the United Arab Emirates - is located in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. The shores are washed by waters Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman).

Why go to the UAE

UAE - Dreamland, where among the sands of the endless desert skyscrapers made of glass and metal soar into the sky; a place where ancient customs combine with the latest technologies. If you love excellent hotel service, shopping from morning to evening, swimming in the eternally warm sea and are picky about the choice of entertainment - this is the place for you. The Emirates is home to the world's largest aquarium, ski resort in the desert, amazingly beautiful mosques and, of course, many shopping centers with thousands of shops.

UAE visa

A visa is not required to travel to the UAE. Upon arrival in the UAE, a tourist’s passport is stamped free of charge indicating their arrival in the country. The visa is valid for 30 days. In case of several entries/exits from the country, you need to obtain visas each time.

The country unites 7 emirates. The largest emirate is , the smallest is . All emirates, except , have areas on the coast of the Persian Gulf. located on the shores of the Gulf of Oman.

When choosing tours to the UAE, tourists give preference to the emirates and.

Weather in UAE

The season in the UAE lasts all year round- warm and practically no rain. The best time The best time to visit the Emirates is from the end of October to April, when it is not very hot. The sea water off the coast of the UAE is always warm: the temperature does not drop below 18°C. In winter, the water in UAE hotel pools is heated, its temperature is 25-27 °C. In summer, air temperatures can reach 50 °C and sea temperatures can reach 35 °C.

Round trip flights to the UAE

Prices for tickets per person departing from Berlin are shown.

Currency in the UAE

The currency in the UAE is the dirham. There are 100 fils in one dirham. For one dollar you can get about 4 dirhams.

Sights of the UAE

The Emirates cannot boast many historical attractions like cities in Europe or Asia. The country's rapid development began only half a century ago. However, the lack of ancient ruins and ancient houses of the UAE city is more than compensated by ultra-modern skyscrapers, luxurious amusement parks, beautiful embankments and, of course, oriental bazaars in air-conditioned shopping centers.

The best in the Emirates

If you definitely want to touch history and culture, then you should pay attention to the beautiful mosques - for example, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in - or the Bastakiya area, where clay houses, a fort building and the atmosphere of an Arab village have been preserved.

Picturesque oases are “scattered” throughout the emirates, and there are healing ones in the emirates mineral springs. For wildlife lovers, we recommend visiting the unique mangrove reserve, zoo and Sheikh's Palace in Al Ain in Abu Dhabi.

On an excursion to the UAE, you can go into the desert on jeeps and ATVs, travel around all the emirates and even visit the neighboring Sultanate of Oman, sail on a yacht on man-made islands or simply in the Persian Gulf, even fly in a helicopter near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper or on hot-air balloon over the surrounding area.

Shopping

People come to the UAE for quality shopping - there are many multi-storey shopping centers and markets. The most famous of them are Dubai shopping mall(The Dubai Mall), Mall of the Emirates, Souk Madinat Jumeirah next to Palm Jumeirah, Gold Souk in Dubai's Deira district, Abu Dhabi Mall.

Souvenirs

The most popular souvenirs that tourists bring from the UAE are chocolate and candies based on camel milk, amazing dates with and without filling, soft toys, seven sands - a bottle of multi-colored sand from different emirates, small carpets, hookahs, jewelry and jewelry.

Transport

Compared to Russia, public transport in the UAE is very poorly developed. This is explained by the fact that almost every resident has his own car. Buses and metro are mainly used by migrant workers and tourists. Regular city bus service Available only in Abu Dhabi. A bus ticket is inexpensive - about 1.5 dirhams.

Most often, tourists travel by taxi. Each machine is equipped with a meter. If you are traveling from one emirate to another, be prepared for the fact that a certain amount will be added for crossing the “border” (each emirate has its own, but no more than 5 dollars). You will also have to pay extra for toll roads.

The metro is popular with both locals and tourists. It is fully automatic, there are no drivers. The Dubai Metro has 2 lines in total; they are connected to each other and to the tram line. There are 3 categories of tickets for payment - “golden” (with a panoramic view and a guarantee seating area in the head/tail car, cost 2 times more than usual), women's and children's tickets (tickets for a specific section of the car) and regular tickets. Ticket prices range from 1.8 to 11 dirhams.

There is a tram line in the Dubai Marina area, and on the Palm Jumeirah there is a monorail, which tourists love to ride on. One trip on the monorail costs 15 dirhams.

To rent a car in the UAE, you will need an international driver's license and a credit card. All personalized cards issued in the Russian Federation are considered credit cards. In some cases, you can rent a car using a Russian ID and without presenting credit card. However, if you are stopped by the police, you will have to pay a huge fine. When renting, the amount on the bank card is “frozen” (750-2000 dirhams), it is important that it is available.

Alcohol

The UAE is a Muslim country where there is a ban on alcohol consumption. Each emirate sets its own law on alcohol - for example, it doesn’t even smell like it: you can’t not only drink it, but even transport it and store it. Surrounded by , there are a couple of liquor stores. You can find alcoholic cocktails on the menu, but be prepared that they will be expensive. Alcohol can be brought into your hotel room in some emirates. You can buy wine, beer and other drinks in duty-free shops upon arrival, but only a little. The quantity is monitored - lovers of strong drinks can easily be deprived of their favorite drink.

Customs and traditions

Religion in the UAE is Islam. Believers perform namaz 5 times a day. The call to prayer is heard through mosque loudspeakers and on radio and television.

Holy month Ramadan- a special period for Muslims, a time of fasting, humility and prayer. Its beginning is determined by the lunar calendar, each year a new date. In 2018, Ramadan lasts from May 15 to June 14, in 2019 - from May 5 to June 3.

During Ramadan, Muslims are prohibited from eating and drinking before sunset, so many cafes and restaurants are closed during the day. Tourists are not recommended to eat or drink on the street, and when going on excursions, they should take food rations with them. Many hotels are being renovated just in time for Ramadan. However, there are also advantages from visiting the UAE at this time, and considerable ones - there are almost no traffic jams in cities and on highways, there are no queues to attractions (many increase opening hours until late at night), there are fewer crowds in shops, and in hotels and on the beaches there are much more calmer and more spacious.

Women are strictly prohibited from appearing on the street in open or translucent clothing. Firstly, it is indecent, and secondly, the locals will immediately call the police and the “half-naked” tourist, according to the Arabs, will be fined a hefty sum (the morality police are especially fierce). We recommend dressing in such a way that your clothes cover your knees, elbows and décolleté. You cannot hug or kiss on the street in public places.

Kitchen

The UAE is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, so there will be plenty of seafood on the hotel menu: there are grilled lobsters, various fish, and shellfish. Many tourists like to try kebabs, hearty chickpea-based snacks, exotic fruits, and dates. In the emirates they sell ice cream made from camel milk and milk itself.

Useful to know about the UAE

The plane is flying from Moscow to about 5 o'clock. Transfer to hotels is about 1.5 hours, to Abu Dhabi hotels - about 2 hours.
Time in UAE ahead of Moscow by 1 hour.
In three emirates - , and - is charged tourist tax for accommodation. The tax is paid upon check-in at the hotel (in dirhams, foreign currency or by bank card). The amount of tax in and is from 2 to 6 dollars per night depending on the star rating of the hotel. In Abu Dhabi, tourists pay $5 per night, regardless of hotel category.
UAE Hotels do not accommodate tourists under 21 years old unaccompanied by adults(21 is the age of majority in the country). Therefore, when booking a tour or hotel, it is necessary that at least one guest over 21 years of age be indicated in the application.
In most hotels in the UAE upon check-in a deposit is taken. Depending on the hotel, the range can be very large: from $10 to $400 per night or from $50 to $600 per period. Sometimes the deposit is calculated based on the room rate (usually 50% of the nightly rate). The amount is refunded upon departure from the hotel. In some hotels, you can agree not to pay a deposit if you empty the minibar and turn off the phone.
It is not recommended to drink tap water in the UAE; it is desalinated or purified sea water. Bottled water is produced from oasis springs. Average water bottle price(0.5 liters) - 1.2 dirhams.
Religion in the UAE - Islam Sunni persuasion.
Language in the UAE - Arab. Most of the population knows English language, it also contains duplicated signs, road signs, and indicators.
It is strictly not recommended to photograph local residents without permission, especially women. Also refrain from taking photos near government agencies.
In the UAE, many objects do not have a permanent address - residents are guided by signs and nearby buildings.
If you get sick, contact the insurance service by phone specified in the insurance policy that you received when purchasing the tour. If you just call an ambulance, you can get a hefty bill.
The UAE is very strict about cleanliness. Fine for a discarded wrapper or cigarette butt on the street or beach is from 200 dirhams (3,200 rubles).
Friday and Saturday in the UAE - weekend, Thursday - shortened working day. Banks, post office and government agencies close early- the working day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m., sometimes at 1 p.m.
Mosquitoes and mosquitoes not in the UAE, so you can do without a fumigator. Most shopping centers and public places are equipped with powerful air conditioners. To stay warm, bring clothes with sleeves.
Snorkeling and diving in the UAE there is only in, in the rest of the emirates there is no vibrant underwater life. Those who come here on an excursion are given free fins and a mask.
Surprisingly, in the UAE cannot be imported nothing that was produced in Israel and even things with the Israeli logo will be taken away at customs and may be denied entry. If you have a favorite keychain with mogendovid or you are bringing Dead Sea cosmetics to someone, it is better to leave them at home or use the postal service. The list of items prohibited for export is standard: no weapons, antiquities or cultural heritage. From the unusual - from the Emirates palm trees cannot be removed Weather by month