Holidays in Dubai: travel tips from Andrey Burenok

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So that your arrival at the airport does not end at the customs post, it is worth remembering some simple rules about what you can and what you should not carry with you.

You can import into Dubai without a declaration:

  1. Foreign and national currencies, but all amounts over 100,000 dirhams (€25,000 or $27,225) must be declared
  2. Gifts worth up to AED 3,000 (€750 or $815)
  3. Personal hygiene items and personal belongings
  4. Allowed to import 400 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 500 grams of tobacco for each adult (over 18) non-Muslim
  5. You can import no more than 4 liters of alcoholic beverages or 2 blocks of beer (each block maximum 24 cans, each can maximum 355 ml)
  6. Carriage of liquids in hand luggage is allowed, provided that their volume does not exceed 100 ml and the container is packed in a transparent plastic bag
  7. Medicines: for a maximum of 3 months for your personal use. In this case, you need to have a prescription from a certified doctor. All medicines must be in their original packaging and with a valid expiration date. It is forbidden to import any psychotropic drugs (even for personal use, with a prescription or in small quantities)!
  8. Video cameras (as well as cassettes for them), computers, laptops
  9. Baby strollers
  10. Sports Equipment
  11. Wheelchairs.

It is forbidden to import:

  1. Narcotic drugs and substances.
  2. Goods produced in .
  3. Printed publications, paintings, photographs, sculptures that are contrary to the norms of Islam or insult Muslims.
  4. Homemade products (homemade food).
  5. Sharp objects and weapons.
  6. Military equipment, ammunition and equipment.
  7. explosives/fireworks/firecrackers/crackers and so on
  8. Flowers, their seeds, trees (and their seedlings), soil.

Written declaration required:

  1. Import of pets (need to obtain permission from the Ministry of the Environment). An imported pet must have an international veterinary certificate indicating all vaccinations and their dates.
  2. Importation of animals (or their skins, stuffed animals, etc.) belonging to rare or endangered species.
  3. Special radio equipment and other similar devices.
  4. Movies, CDs, books and other media.
  5. Gifts worth more than 3000 dirhams.
  6. National or foreign currency in the amount of more than 100,000 dirhams.

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Get ready for the original check at Dubai Airport: in addition to passing through customs and passport controls, they also scan the retina here. Your data is entered into the state register, and if you commit a crime and are deported from the country, you will definitely never return back. The procedure itself is completely painless and short. You will have to wait in line for no more than five minutes.

In Dubai: Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. The cheapest way to get to the city from there is by bus or metro.

Bus

From Dubai International Airport, the city center can be reached by bus, which stops in front of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The ticket costs 3 dirhams (€ 0.70).

So, bus number 401 goes along the route "Airport - Deira City Center" with stops at DNATA Airline Center, Al Mak-um Road, Deira taxi station, Al Sabkha bus station.

Bus number 402 goes along the route "Airport - Center" with stops Deira City Center, Al Karama, Golden Sands, Al Mankhool, Al Ghubaiba bus station.

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There are also night buses running from 23:30 to 06:00. In Dubai they make several stops: Al Rashidiya bus station, Gubaiba bus station, Al Qusais bus station, Gold Souq bus station, Satwa bus station.

A free 24-hour shuttle runs between Terminals 1 and 3 (every 20 minutes).

Bus number F55 runs from Al Maktoum Airport to Battuta Metro Station (every hour during metro operation). There is also bus number F55A running between the airport and Satwa bus station when the subway is closed.

Underground

You can also get to the city by metro: a train runs from Terminals 1 and 3 every 10 minutes. The metro opens at 05:50 (at 05:30 on Thursday) and runs until midnight (until 01:00 on Thursday and Friday). On Friday morning, the subway is closed and starts working only from 13:00.

The Dubai Metro is mostly ground-based and has only two lines, and the stations are conveniently linked to public transport stops. Tickets can be purchased at the airport station (the price depends on the number of zones you are going to pass).

Attention! The metro does not serve Al Maktoum Airport. But there are regular bus routes from the airport to Battuta Metro Station

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On a note! On the Dubai Metro, the first train cars are "gold class": they do not have a driver's cab, and you can admire the city through the windshield. But you will have to pay more for travel in them.

To simplify your life, you should purchase Nol Card - a card that allows you to pay for travel in any form (buses, metro, trams and water buses), as well as parking. For cardholders, travel will cost less, and certain categories of people will have a reduced fare (for example, travel for the disabled is free, and students are entitled to a 50% discount).

There are several types of Nol Card:

Silver Card

It costs 25 dirhams (€6.25). Can be purchased at any ticket kiosk. The maximum amount for replenishment is 5000 dirhams (€1250). Allows you to use any public transport, as well as change from one to another.

Gold Card

The same conditions and price as for the "silver" card, only with a bonus - the opportunity to use the "gold" subway cars at a premium price.

Personal card

The same set of functions as the previous two (however, without the premium travel in the "golden" subway cars). Plus, the function of SMS notifications about card transactions (account replenishment, balance, and so on), blocking the card in case of its loss / theft, discounts for privileged categories of card holders.

The cost is 70 dirhams (€17.50 euros).

red card

For those who do not plan to use transport often. A maximum of 10 trips can be credited to the card. This type of ticket can only be used for travel on one mode of transport (for example, only on buses or only on the metro).

Sold in any ticket machines and costs 2 dirhams (€0.50).

More information about the cards can be found (site in English).

There are two mobile operators in Dubai - Du and Etisalat. For guests of the city, the most profitable option would be to buy a prepaid SIM card (Wasel). You can do this online, at the supplier's offices or in stores with the Wasel logo/newsstands/tobacco shops.

When buying, you need to present a copy of your passport with a visa and pay an entry fee of 165 dirhams (€41), 10 of which will be immediately credited to your account. It is better to immediately ask the seller to activate your SIM card, as this must be done within an hour after purchase.

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The tariffs for both operators are different: for Etisalat it is about 30 fils per minute (1 dirham = 100 fils). Du charges per second. Incoming calls are free, but only if you are in the country. The cost of SMS to local numbers is about 18 fils per message, to foreign numbers - about 60 fils.

You can top up your Etisalat account at self-service terminals or operator's offices. Prepaid SIM cards are replenished with an electronic voucher.

You can top up your account with Du at the operator's store, at the terminal or by bank transfer. You can also register a credit card in the operator's system for online debiting of payment from the account.

The ancient and confusing (for many) traditions of the United Arab Emirates have long been a living legend among travelers. What you need to know in order not to get into a mess while visiting Dubai?

  1. If you are invited to visit, it would be impolite to refuse - by doing this you will show your disrespect to the invitee.
  2. It is not customary to refuse if they want to treat you to coffee (for example, at a party): among locals, offering a cup of aromatic drink is considered a sign of good manners and disposition towards the guest.
  3. When entering a mosque or someone's home, you need to take off your shoes.
  4. If you decide to sit down to rest, it is worth remembering that your soles should not be directed in any direction. The same rule applies to mosques.
  5. While in the mosque, you need to observe silence and not attract too much attention to yourself. Remember also that it is impolite and insulting to go around the worshipers in front.
  6. It is also not customary to eat while standing or on the go, and also to closely examine a person who is busy eating.
  7. Take food, money or other things only with your right hand.
  8. Walking the streets in beachwear or sportswear is considered the height of indecency.

A traditional ship along the coast with ultra-modern buildings has its own symbolism. This is an opportunity to take a clear look at the past and present of the Persian Gulf, because when the details are covered with a night veil, only a sparkling boat from past centuries and brilliant skyscrapers remain.

But, don't be surprised, in chic Dubai you can find quite budgetary cafes and restaurants, lunch in which will not hit your tourist wallet. Here is some of them:

Shetty Lunch Home Restaurant

The menu includes Indian and Chinese cuisine: appetizers, soups, main courses, desserts and drinks will delight you with variety. You can take your order with you. The minimum order value is 40 dirhams for two (€10). The institution accepts cards and cash and is open from 12:00 to 00:00. Address: Al Karama, near the Talal supermarket.

The diner offers a wide selection of rolls, pastries, pizzas and salads, as well as desserts and drinks. The menu includes Arabic, Libyan and Central Asian cuisine. The average price for an order for two is 50 dirhams (€12.50). Opening hours - from 08:00 to 22:00. Address: Jumeirah Lake Towers, J2 Tower, Cluster J.

In Dubai, there are a number of rules, the observance of which will greatly facilitate your vacation in this emirate.

  1. Alcoholic drinks. Visitors are not forbidden to drink alcohol, but only in designated places (cafes, restaurants, and so on). Being drunk on the street will result in a fine or even arrest and deportation. It is also forbidden to take out alcohol and drink it on the street.
  2. Walking around the city, you should always have documents or (better) photocopies of them with you. The local police quite often check them on tourists, especially in public places.
  3. You should not get into a police car at the first request of the officers of the order, unless a specific charge has been made against you.
  4. When getting into a taxi without a meter, agree in advance with the driver about payment.
  5. The fine for trash thrown on the street is 500 dirhams (€125), even if you just missed the bin.
  6. Excessive attention to a woman (or misinterpreted behavior) can result in a fine of up to 60,000 dirhams (€15,000) or even imprisonment.
  7. Foul language in a public place is severely punished (up to 7 years in prison).
  8. Photographing local women is prohibited.
  9. During the holy month of Ramadan, you should refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during daylight hours.

The United Arab Emirates (Emarat al-Arabiya al-Muttahid) is a state in Western Asia. It is located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Oman and Persian Gulfs. The UAE borders the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and Qatar. This state was founded as a result of the unification of six principalities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain on December 2, 1971 and a year later Ras Al Khaimah. The capital of the country is Abu Dhabi. The population is approximately 3.48 million.

It is important to remember that the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country and for proper relations with the population it is necessary to honor the customs, traditions and mores of this people. Islam is the second most important world religion. Religious holidays are celebrated according to the lunar calendar adopted in Islam. The Koran defines the basic norms of behavior and customs of Muslims from the moment of birth to death - Sharia ("the path along which one should go"). The laws of most Arab countries (including the UAE) are built on the principles of Sharia. Muslims are required to pray five times a day. It is not recommended to shoot them with a video or camera during prayer. It is also not worth entering the mosque in defiant clothes.

Greeting and saying goodbye, shake hands - this is a sign of special friendliness. Take off your shoes before entering your home. The presence of women at the same table with men in Arab homes is not accepted. During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, smoking, eating, drinking and chewing gum are prohibited in public places until sunset. Do it in your hotels.

Attention! In Ramadan, any disrespect for tradition can result in imprisonment or a fine.

Particular attention should be paid to clothing. Beachwear is allowed only by the pool in hotels and on the seashore. Gambling is prohibited in the country. Take food, money, any other goods and offer only with your right hand. Avoid objects such as the police station or Arab women in your camera lens. You should not be the first to start a conversation with a woman, look at her intently or for a long time, and also give her a hand.

The UAE has a subtropical, dry climate; clear cloudless weather is almost all year round. Rains usually occur in winter, the temperature ranges from 13.5 to 45 degrees Celsius. It rains more often on the east coast of the UAE in the emirate of Fujairah. The water temperature of the Persian Gulf ranges from +19 in winter to +35 in summer.

The traditional clothing of the local male population is a wide long white shirt - kondura (or dizhash). The cover for the head is called gutra, it is held with the help of two black bundles of wool - agala. Black veils for women completely hide the female figure from head to toe. Arabs are one of the most hospitable nations in the world. Whenever you appear on the threshold of an Arab dwelling, you will certainly be treated to dates and coffee with cardamom (kahwa).

Most government agencies are open from 08.00 to 13.30, days off - Thursday and Friday. Banks are open from 08.00 to 13.00 from Saturday to Wednesday, on Thursday from 08.00 to 12.00, the day off is Friday. Most of the shops are open from 09.00 to 13.00 and from 16.30 to 22.00, practically seven days a week (only half a day on Friday). Private firms work according to their schedule. Restaurants close at 1 am. Night clubs are open until three in the morning. All establishments are air conditioned.

Restaurants in the UAE are a gourmet paradise, but if you prefer food along with alcohol, then you are better off choosing a hotel restaurant. But the transport of the hotel is better to prefer the services of a municipal taxi, which has a meter. The official language of the UAE. is Arabic. English, as well as Hindi and Urdu, is widely spoken among the population, so it is possible to explain yourself if you wish.

Dubai is a free trade zone with very low import duties, often imported goods are cheaper than their original in the country of origin. Credit cards are accepted by all major stores and most smaller ones, but paying in cash makes bargaining possible. The monetary unit of the UAE is the Dirham (1 Dhs = 100 fills), whose rate against the US dollar is 3.67 dirhams per 1 USD. Most banks have offices in the UAE, so transfers and other banking transactions are easily accessible. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign and national currency.

Telephone

If you call from the hotel to Russia: you need to dial the number "9", then, after waiting for a beep, - the code of Russia (007), then - the area code (for Moscow - 495). An international call on a pay phone is 4-5 times cheaper than the price of a hotel. In order not to get lost while walking, it is better to have a business card of the hotel or a phone number with you to clarify the address, although taxi drivers usually know most of the places of interest to tourists.

Visa

To enter the country it is necessary to obtain a visa secured by a sponsor's guarantee, i.е. organization, company or individual entitled to apply for an entry visa. Tourists who come to rest in the UAE receive a visa certified by the guarantee of a travel company. The exception is citizens of the AGCC (Gulf Commonwealth: Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), who do not require a visa. British citizens can also enter the country for up to 30 days without a visa. Two types of visas are valid: transit - for 14 days and regular entry - for 30 days. A visa or other stamps of the State of Israel in the passport may serve as a reason for denial of entry. There were cases when the authorities denied the right to enter already upon arrival at the airport in the UAE. The UAE authorities reserve the right not to explain the reason for the refusal of a visa. Emirates is a visa country (the so-called simplified visa regime, when to open a visa we need a tourist passport, a questionnaire, a copy of its first page, the official required validity of the OZP is 3 months from the start of the trip). The visa is issued at the immigration office of the city of Dubai. The visa fee is $40. Penalties imposed on a company whose tourist did not leave the UAE on time - $ 1,500 + $ 30 for each day of stay over the validity of the visa.

Customs restrictions

  1. Check the information about your flight on the information board and go to the check-in desks, the numbers of which are indicated on the board. Please present your passport and ticket when checking in.
  2. After checking in and announcing the start of boarding, you must go to the appropriate areas for international flights.

Passengers of international flights go through customs, passport control, as well as security control, after which they await the departure of the flight in the sterile zone of the gallery of international airlines. Passport and boarding pass are presented at the checkpoint.

When transporting animals or plants, it is necessary to pass phytocontrol / veterinary control.

Rules for conducting pre-flight and post-flight inspections

In accordance with Appendix No. 1 of the Rules for conducting pre-flight and post-flight inspections, approved by order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated July 25, 2007 No. 104 forbidden to carry on board the aircraft by passengers in the checked baggage and in the belongings of the passengers, the following hazardous substances and items:

Permitted to carry on board the aircraft by crew members and passengers, in compliance with the required conditions, the following items and substances:

  • in checked baggage in the cargo and baggage compartments of an aircraft with isolated passenger access to baggage during the flight:
    • crossbows, spearguns, checkers, sabers, cleavers, scimitars, broadswords, swords, swords, bayonets, daggers, knives: hunting knives, knives with ejected blades, with locking locks, imitators of any type of weapon;
    • household knives (scissors) with a blade (blade) length over 60 mm; alcoholic beverages containing more than 24%, but not more than 70% alcohol by volume in containers with a capacity of not more than 5 liters, in containers intended for retail trade - not more than 5 liters per passenger;
    • liquids and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of not more than 24% by volume;
    • aerosols intended for use for sports or domestic purposes, the outlet valves of which are protected by caps from spontaneous release of contents in containers with a capacity of not more than 0.5 kg or 500 ml - not more than 2 kg or 2 liters per passenger;
  • in things carried by passengers:
    • medical thermometer - one per passenger;
    • mercury blood pressure monitor in a standard case - one per passenger;
    • barometer or mercury manometer, packed in a sealed container and sealed with the seal of the sender;
    • disposable lighters - one per passenger;
    • dry ice for cooling perishable products - no more than 2 kg per passenger;
    • 3% hydrogen peroxide - no more than 100 ml per passenger;
    • non-hazardous liquids, gels and aerosols: in containers with a capacity of not more than 100 ml (or an equivalent capacity in other volume units), packed in a securely closed transparent plastic bag with a volume of not more than 1 liter - one bag per passenger.

Liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 100 ml will not be accepted for carriage even if the container is only partially filled. Transportation exceptions are for medicines, baby food and special dietary needs.

Liquids purchased at duty-free shops at the airport or on board the aircraft must be packed in a securely sealed (sealed) plastic bag that allows identification of the contents of the package during the flight and has reliable confirmation that this purchase was made at airport duty-free shops or on board the aircraft on the day(s) of travel. Keep your proof of purchase. Do not open the package either before boarding the cabin or during the flight.

The administration of the airport, airline, operator has the right to decide on the introduction of additional measures to ensure aviation security on flights with increased danger, as a result of which it is prohibited to carry the following items in the aircraft cabin:

  • corkscrews;
  • hypodermic needles (unless medical justification is provided);
  • knitting needles;
  • scissors with a blade length of less than 60 mm;
  • folding (without latch) travel, penknives with a blade length of less than 60 mm.

Upon arrival at Dubai Airport, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi

Upon arrival at the airport of Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, follow the step-by-step instructions:

Please note that at the airport the waiting time for the transfer bus is 2 hours after the plane has landed.

Upon arrival at the hotel

  1. Go to the reception, where you will be given a registration card.
  2. Fill out the registration card in English.
  3. Hand over the completed registration card, voucher (1 copy), foreign passport (the foreign passport will be returned to you after making a photocopy, check at the reception when you can pick up your passport).
  4. Expect settlement. Check-in at the hotel takes place at 15:00. If you want to check-in to a room earlier than the specified time, you must pre-book a room a day earlier than your arrival date (for example, you arrive in the UAE at 5:00 am on September 10, so as not to wait until 15:00, you can book a room not from September 10, and from September 9. In this case, you will be settled in the room as soon as you arrive at the hotel).
  5. When checking into most hotels, guests are required to leave a cash deposit at the reception (the amount is determined individually by each hotel) or a copy of a credit card. The hotel takes this amount/credit card details as a deposit against the tourist's future expenses. If the guests did not have any expenses at the hotel, this amount is returned to the tourist. If there were expenses, then the amount spent is deducted from the deposit. If you left a copy of a credit card as a deposit, the hotel will always ask you how you want to pay, in cash or by card. No transactions will be made with your credit card without your permission. In some hotels, a refund of a deposit left in cash can be made in local currency (check in advance in what form the refund will be made). In some hotels, you can leave your passport as a deposit.
  6. After checking into your room, check the information provided by the hotel. Pay attention to what services are paid and how much they cost (as a rule, the information is in a folder and lies on a table or bedside table).

tourist tax

From June 1, 2016, the emirate of Abu Dhabi will levy a tourist tax (the so-called "tourist dirham") from all tourists staying in hotels of any star rating, including apartments. The fee is charged to all guests staying in hotels and hotel apartments of the emirate in the amount of AED 10 per day for each room in the room, regardless of the category of the hotel.

From March 31, 2014 in the Emirate of Dubai, from November 1, 2015 in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, a tourist tax is levied on all tourists staying in hotels of any star rating, including apartments. The tax is charged per room per night (in local currency) at the time of check-in or check-out.


Meeting with the hotel guide

The time of meeting with the hotel guide will be reported to you by the accompanying person (transfer) on the way to the hotel or by the meeting representative at the airport. At the appointed time, you must approach the hotel guide, who will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby (some hotels have a separate room for info meetings). Take a voucher and a return flight ticket with you to the meeting.

For all questions and problems, please contact the hotel guide or the hotel reception.

If there are few tourists in the hotel, the guide comes to the hotel upon request (an information meeting with the guide upon arrival will be held without request).

The day before the flight home

  1. Go to the reception, check if you have unpaid bills for additional services (use of the minibar, telephone, etc.). If you have debts, pay them off.

On the eve of the departure day, an information letter will be delivered to your room, which will indicate the time of departure from the hotel. If for some reason the letter was not received, please contact your hotel guide or office representative by phone +971 50 450 3399 or call the hotline 800 839 839 .

Departure from the hotel

On the day of departure, the rooms are vacated until 12:00. Before the set time, return the keys to the reception.

You can leave your luggage in the hotel's storage room.

We kindly ask you to avoid being late and come to the transfer at the specified time. The tourist's waiting time for the transfer is 10 minutes, after which the driver or accompanying person leaves for the next hotel to collect the rest of the tourists.

Arrival at the airport of Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi for departure

  1. Check in for the flight (provide your passport and ticket).
  2. Drop off your luggage at the check-in desk.
  3. Get your boarding pass. Pay attention to the exit number and the time for boarding the aircraft (in the boarding pass, the exit is indicated by the word GATE, the time is TIME).
  4. Go through passport control (provide a foreign passport, a copy of the electronic visa).
  5. Proceed to the departure hall where you will be waiting for your flight boarding announcement.

Useful information

Flight time

Flight time Moscow - Dubai, Moscow - Abu Dhabi is 5-6 hours.

Medical service

Medical care is paid. If during your holiday you need medical attention, then immediately contact your insurance company. The phone number of the company is indicated on the insurance policy. The insurance company employee will tell you which medical center or hospital to go to.

first aid kit

Before the trip, form and take a first aid kit with you, which will help you with minor ailments, save you time looking for medicines and get rid of the problems of communicating in a foreign language, in addition, many medicines can have different names in different countries.

Rules of behavior

To visit most public places and religious sites, you must follow a special dress code: covered shoulders and knees for women and men.

During the holy month of Ramadan (Islam adheres to the lunar calendar, so the beginning of Ramadan falls on different days), Muslims observe strict rules: from sunrise to sunset, refrain from eating, smoking, entertainment and completely devote themselves to prayers. Adherents of other religions should respect the religious feelings of Muslims - it is necessary to refrain from drinking, eating, smoking and noisy entertainment on the streets. It is advisable to wear closed clothes in soft colors.

Purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages

In the UAE, alcohol is available in restaurants and bars at hotels that have a special license. In the emirate of Sharjah, the sale of alcohol is prohibited.

The consumption of alcohol is prohibited for Muslims. This ban does not apply to visitors, if they do not practice Islam. It is strictly forbidden to offer or give alcohol to Muslims, as well as to drive while intoxicated. Drinking any alcoholic beverages in public places (on the street, in the park, on the beach) is a crime and punishable in accordance with the laws of the country.

Money

Arabic dirhams

Dirham is the local currency of the OAE (AED - Arab Emirates Dirham). 1 dirham = 100 fils. You can pay in the UAE both in dirhams and in US dollars. You can buy local money at any currency exchange office. 1 US dollar is equal to 3.67 dirhams.

The shops

The widest selection of goods and affordable prices are the main reasons why many people flock to the UAE. No wonder the Emirates are called "a paradise for shoppers". Free trade zones and low duty ensure business prosperity in this country. The shopping festival is held annually in Dubai and attracts with amazing discounts, extensive entertainment programs and various lotteries.

Souvenirs and shopping

The most common souvenirs and purchases are dates, camel figurines, pearl and gold items, hookahs, Arabic coffee and coffee pots, perfumes and incense, spices, sweets.

Taxi

In the UAE, you can freely use taxi services, in which payment is made by the meter. Landing is charged from 5 dirhams in Dubai, from 3 dirhams in Sharjah. The minimum cost of a taxi ride in Dubai is 12 dirhams.

Hotels

Most hotels require a deposit (cash or credit card) for additional charges that are not included in the room rate - use of the minibar, long distance calls, and so on. The deposit is returned on the day of departure in dirhams minus the amount you spent.

Beaches

The UAE has both free public beaches and paid ones. Paid beaches are usually equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, which can be rented for an additional fee. Some beaches have women's days when men are not allowed to enter.

Visa

From February 1, 2017, citizens of the Russian Federation planning tourist trips to the United Arab Emirates do not need to apply for visas in advance.
Upon arrival at any airport in the UAE, citizens of the Russian Federation issue a visa on arrival for a period of 30 days free of charge. A visa can be extended once for 30 days by contacting the immigration department in the UAE in advance, for an additional fee.
More information in the Visa section.

Time

Time ahead of Moscow by 1 hour.

Weekend

Government offices are closed on Friday and Saturday. The day off in the offices of private companies is Friday. Shops, shopping and entertainment centers are open seven days a week.

Mains voltage

The voltage in the network is 220/240 V, the current frequency is 50 Hz. Appliances not manufactured for the UAE market will require an adapter.

Religion

The state religion of the UAE is Islam.

Tips

If tips are not included in the bill, it is enough to leave 10% of the total amount.

When moving around the country, it is not necessary to have a passport with you. It is enough to have copies of your passport, visa and insurance. It is better to leave the originals in a safe - in the hotel room or at the reception. If the foreign passport is lost, you must immediately contact the police station at the scene of the incident and file an application about the circumstances of the loss of the foreign passport, after which you will receive a document from the police about the loss of your passport, which must be presented at the Consulate General when submitting documents for issuing a certificate of entry (return) to Russia or a new foreign passport to replace the lost one.

Customs

Per one adult, the UAE is allowed to import up to 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco. Non-Muslims may bring up to 2 liters of spirits and the same amount of wine for personal consumption. It is forbidden to import photographic and video materials, as well as printed materials of reprehensible and frivolous content. The import of drugs, weapons, psychotropic substances, and certain drugs is strictly prohibited.

Important!!! To obtain permission to import medicines (according to), having in their composition into the territory of the UAE, you must create a profile on the website of the Ministry of Health, download and fill out the form, () and upload the necessary documents (doctor's prescription with translation into English), description of the drug ( with English translation), proof of length of stay = voucher to be reviewed and approved by the ministry within one business day. At the end of the check, in case of a positive decision, a certificate will be issued, which must be printed out and taken with you. Medicines will be checked upon entry into the country by inspectors in cooperation with customs.

Phones

The international code for the UAE is 971.

To call from the CIS countries to the UAE, dial: 8-10-971 + area code + subscriber number.
Emirates codes: 02 - Abu Dhabi, 03 - Al Ain, 04 - Dubai, 06 - Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, 07 - Ras al-Khaimah, 09 - Fujairah. 05x - mobile phone. To call from an emirate to an emirate or from a landline to a mobile number and vice versa, dial: 0 + area code + subscriber number.

You can call from the hotel to another country through "9", after dialing the country code (007 - Russia), then the area code and the number of the subscriber you need. Such a conversation can be ordered from the operator by dialing "0".

Useful Phones

Consulate General of the Russian Federation (Dubai):
Address: Dubai, Umm Al Sheif, Street 6B, Villa No. 21
Tel.: +971 4 328 53 47
Fax: +971 4 328 56 15
Emergency assistance: +971 50 454 77 54 (24/7. This number is intended exclusively for cases related to a threat to the life, health and safety of Russian citizens in the UAE)
Consul General of the Russian Federation in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Fomin Oleg Olegovich.

Ambulance: 998 or 999
Fire Department: 997
Police (Police): 999

TEZ TOUR Tourist Support Phones in the UAE

24/7 hotline number (toll-free for all local numbers within the UAE):

800 839 839

Hotline for calls from abroad:

+971 50 450 33 99

24/7 telephone in Russia

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Regularly named as one of the most expensive cities in the world, the budget traveler can also enjoy a holiday here. As the city gears up for Expo 2020, mid-range hotel chains like Rove and Hilton Garden Inn are thriving. Taxis are cheap by international standards, or you can take the subway. There are also many inexpensive cafes in the city, especially around Al Murakkabat Road and Al Rigga Road in Deira.

There is a cultural life here

Contrary to popular stereotypes, it's not just shopping and skyscrapers. Look deeper and you will discover a rich cultural heritage that combines Bedouin, Arabic and Islamic traditions. For a brief history lesson, visit the Etihad Museum and the Dubai Museum, then head to the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding for an informal Q&A session on culture. Meanwhile, explore the contemporary contemporary art scene on Alserkal Avenue and catch a production at the duo-shaped Dubai Opera.

There is no alcohol ban in Dubai

Think you can't drink? Alcohol is available in licensed bars and restaurants that are usually attached to hotels (as well as high-quality eateries in the Dubai International Financial Center and City Walk). Most bars have happy hours and the legal drinking age is 21, so don't forget your passport. Women's night, usually on Tuesdays, means women can help themselves to drinks for free.

Dubai is the first place for gourmets

You can wear whatever you want in many places

It is a cosmopolitan city with almost 85% of the population. You don't have to cover your hair, shorts and T-shirts are allowed in many places, and you can wear a bikini to the beach or by the pool. It's a glamorous city, so dress to impress at brunches and clubs. In malls, mosques, and some other places, you must respect the local Islamic culture by dressing modestly, which means that your shoulders and knees must be covered.


Dubai sees prospects and develops

Forget about cities filled with nothing but black gold. successfully diversified its economy away from oil to become a thriving hub for transportation, trade, finance and tourism. What's more, the government is working with high-tech companies to develop self-driving cars, flying taxis, and 3D printing of organs. One of the most interesting partnerships is Hyperloop One, a project developing a supersonic transport system that could link Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 12 minutes.

Weekend in Dubai - Friday and Saturday

Most people have work on Friday when Muslims gather for prayers. On Fridays, even the subway only runs from 10 am, and offices traditionally close for a few hours during the day, although many remain open all day. If you're going to a party, remember that the busiest nights of the week are Thursdays and Fridays, and malls are also filled with shoppers until midnight.


Dubai is a safe city

According to the World Economic Forum, despite unrest in the region, it is the second safest country in the world. very safe compared to other major cities around the world and street crime is rare here. It is safe to take a taxi and walk in the evening in many areas of the city. The biggest danger, perhaps, is motorists ignoring pedestrian crossings.

A new super high-rise tower is being built in the city

A city that loves an excellent atmosphere. Not content with the tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa (828m), the emirate is building yet another epic skyscraper. Located on the Dubai Creek, the Tower will stand 928 meters high. completion of construction is scheduled for 2020. The tower will house a 360-degree observation deck, as well as a hotel, restaurants and vertical gardens. The tower already has a rival: Jeddah Tower, almost a kilometer high, will also open in Saudi Arabia in 2020.


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At the moment of greeting, the Arabs use a handshake, but be prepared for the fact that it is longer than we are used to. By the way, when you say goodbye, the ritual should be repeated. With friends and people who are dear, a two-handed handshake is used. Meanwhile, all these rules apply mainly to men. For it is not customary for Arab women to shake hands first, a handshake is permissible only in case of initiative from women.
Regardless of which of the local residents and for what period of time you came, in the UAE it is customary to treat guests with at least drinks (tea, coffee, non-alcoholic chilled aperitifs). You can’t refuse treats, otherwise the owner will think that you are offended by him or take such a step as disrespect.
Since you understand that you will have to taste something, then get ready for what drinks you can offer. Coffee in the Emirates has been elevated to the rank of cult drink, it is drunk several times a day and brewed in a special way - of course, by hand. Then they are poured into small bowls - cups without a handle. Tea is also served in similar dishes, often black with mint or green with herbs. As a rule, drinks are brought to the table already moderately sweet, but without cream or milk.
When you enter an Arab house, it is customary to take off your shoes. While sitting, the soles should not be directed towards the owners, this position is considered offensive to the locals.
It is customary for Arabs to pass and receive both drink and food exclusively with the right hand.

If you want to show respect for the inhabitants of the Emirates, then follow the rules of the wardrobe. For walking along the city streets, men are not recommended to wear shorts and a T-shirt, and women are not recommended to wear clothes with an open stomach, back, neckline, mini skirts or see-through dresses. Even if you dressed inappropriately, you may not be reprimanded in a hotel, shopping center or restaurant, but near mosques, in the subway and residential areas, you may be approached with a warning.

After 2 verbal warnings, a fine of about $100 may follow. As for mosques, here, fortunately, visitors are offered temporary clothes: abayas (long dresses) for women, special long shirts for men. Meanwhile, for example, in Dubai, the dress code is not so strict, here tourists are treated more loyally.
As for beachwear, topless sunbathing is not allowed in the Emirates. Exposing the chest is considered not only a violation, but also a corrupting act. Nudists in the UAE are also not tolerated, which is good, you can end up behind bars.

In the Emirates, it is not customary to kiss on the street, passionately hugging in crowded places, and even more so to do something more serious in the direction of a romantic relationship. Even a girl sitting on a guy's lap is a gross violation of law and order. For such actions, they can be punished, for example, with a 10-day voyage behind bars. Exceptions to these rules can only be made in nightclubs (clubs, discos) and hotel bars.
If you travel by public transport, keep in mind that there are exclusively women's carriages and places only for women with babies. Men are not allowed to enter these zones, and it doesn’t really matter which country you come from. If you prefer to move side by side with your soul mate, then simply choose areas for common use in transport.

However, there is good news for lovers: couples can walk hand in hand. Not only that, local romantics do the same. Lovers who do not arrive in an official marriage are allowed to live in one room, local law enforcement agencies delicately and understandingly “turn a blind eye” to such details.
As you understand, it is better not to flirt with the locals, frivolous love relationships are not welcome among Muslims.
Moreover, it is not recommended to start a conversation with Arab ladies on your own initiative - even if you have a tragedy, such actions can be regarded by local law enforcement officers as sexual harassment.

As you know, Muslims are a non-drinking people. Meanwhile, our tourists, who are accustomed to liberties in Turkey and Egypt, sometimes do not believe that in other Arab countries they can be infringed on in alcohol matters. Meanwhile, having arrived in the Emirates, you will understand that everything is quite serious here - alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Of course, there are exceptions for non-Muslim travelers, but also with a lot of conventions, which it doesn’t hurt to know about before the trip.
Let's start with the fact that tourists should not abuse alcohol on board an aircraft flying to the UAE. Otherwise, you risk returning to your homeland without setting foot on Arab soil outside the airport. Despite the fact that 1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine can be freely imported into the country, it is forbidden to transport them in public transport or openly carry them in public places. Meanwhile, in different emirates, the severity of alcohol consumption varies. So, for example, if in Sharjah they actually don’t sell alcohol anywhere and strictly punish for appearing in public in a state of “under the fly”, then in Dubai, for example, you can safely savor your favorite alcohol in a hotel bar or in a hotel room. Meanwhile, if you go out into the street in a tipsy state, then you will be unhappy, you may pay a fine, receive a warning, or even go to jail. And what about those who were at a disco or in a restaurant at another hotel and “took on their chest” a little? Just calmly and quietly walk to the exit and immediately get into a taxi, return to your place of residence without incident. Do not try to get behind the wheel of a rented car while drunk; you risk paying a fine of about $ 5,000.
By the way, do not try to present our legendary vodka or other strong treats (regardless of where they come from) as a gift to local residents, such surprises are not welcome here.

It is not allowed to photograph Arab women in the UAE. In general, some Muslims consider the process of photographing a sin (haram). So avoid taking pictures of men, especially those with a bright appearance, in national clothes, with a beard. It is possible that you will come across a strict Muslim who will feel offended.
Filming of public buildings and government offices is also prohibited, these actions can be equated with espionage. It is not customary to photograph mosques, as well as people performing prayers.
Not all beaches allow you to take pictures even of yourself or your family. If you see a prohibition sign, don't risk it. Meanwhile, the desire to capture yourself on the sand "as a keepsake" can be realized on other beaches, where it is allowed.


It is not customary to speak loudly on the phone on the streets and in public places of the Emirates.
In the process of talking with local Arabs, it is not recommended to ask questions about the wife, meanwhile, you can ask about the family of the interlocutor as a whole.
It is not necessary to carry the original passport with you, a copy of the passport and visa is sufficient. The originals are best kept in a hotel safe.
Do not try to bribe the local police - this is considered a crime, it is possible that even more serious than what they tried to punish you for.
Fighting, cursing (believe me, the local police have already studied all the colorful Russian curses) and showing obscene gestures in the Emirates is strictly prohibited - a fine of $ 1,000 or even 7 years of "rest" behind bars can be imposed for this.
For some violations, you may be permanently banned from entering the country. Moreover, changing your passport will not help in this matter, because at the entrance they do a retinal scan, so in the event of deportation for violations, you will never be able to visit the Emirates again.

Meanwhile, the inhabitants of the UAE are very good-natured and hospitable people, and their sincerity is natural, because the locals, as a rule, are wealthy people, regardless of the income that tourism brings to the country.

Now that you know all the intricacies of staying in the country, your vacation will be "correct", comfortable and interesting.