Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day  
January 21 Eid Al Adha
February 10 Islamic New Year
April 21 Prophet's Birthday
August 6 H.H. Sheikh Zayed's Accession Day
September 1 Ascension of the Prophet
November 3-5 Eid Al Fitr
December 2 National Day

Weekend - Friday

Weights & Measures

The metric system is followed in UAE.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, AC 50Hz, in Abu Dhabi and 240 volts elsewhere. Power sockets take three pin plugs.

Customs & Duties

The following articles may be imported duty free: 2000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2 kg tobacco, 2 litres of spirits or 2 litres of wine (for non Muslims), and a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use. Bringing into UAE of firearms and ammunition, and unstrung pearls (except for personal use) is forbidden. Bringing drugs into any Arab country including UAE is completely banned.

Post & Communications

The UAE postal service is very modern and the post offices here are the most efficient in the Gulf. Mail takes about a week to Europe or USA and 8 to 10 days to Australia. Post restante facilities are not available in the UAE, but American Express offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will hold mail for AMEX clients. The Telecommunication system here is excellent and you can get connected to any place even from remote areas. Coin operated and Card phones are used. The state telecom has offices in even the smallest town. The Country Telephone Code is 971.

Tipping

Tipping is not usually expected but is appreciated as most waiters receive very low salaries. The service charge that you pay in your bill goes to the management and not the waiters.

English Language Media

"Gulf Times" and "Khaleej Times", based in Dubai, are the two English language newspapers. "What’s On" is a monthly magazine catering to the expatriate community. It gives information about what’s new in UAE hotels, bars, clubs and discos.