Questions about holidays in the UAE. United Arab Emirates: what a Russian tourist needs to know. What clothes to take with you in the UAE

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 sights, as well as wide opportunities for shopping. Also, tourists like to visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which, in addition to a beach holiday, offer a wide excursion program.

Brief information about the country

The UAE, or the 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, with 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. Also in winter it is windy and it often rains. In other months it is much hotter, in July the temperature sometimes reaches +50 °С.

The official language in the country is Arabic. Many speak English, 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 are Muslims. 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 tours fall slightly, and October, November, March and April are considered the best months for relaxing on the beach;

· Low season - from June to August. Summer in the UAE is too hot for a comfortable stay, but the prices are much lower;

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

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

What you need to know and do before you travel

There is no need to vaccinate before traveling to the UAE. Remember that the UAE is a Muslim country, so don't bring too many revealing clothes with you. Be sure to pay attention to whether you are going to the country during the month of Ramadan, which falls in mid-to-late summer - in this case, you will have to behave with particular restraint. Be sure to bring sunglasses and cosmetics that will protect your skin from the sun's rays.

Road

You can get to the Emirates by plane. Direct regular flights to Dubai are made 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 - about six hours.

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

Passenger transportation to the UAE is carried out by such airlines as Aeroflot, AeroSvit, Somon Air, I Fly, Emirates Airlines and some others.

Flight

In flight, be sure to figure out what 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 most likely you will not 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 issued either through a travel agency or tour operator, or at a UAE consulate if you have an inviting person from the Emirates. Sometimes a visa is issued through a hotel or an airline - in this case, the same documents are required as when applying for a visa through a travel agency. A visa can also be issued at the Dubai Visa Application Center, but this is a rather complicated procedure.

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

Scanned passport, valid for at least three months after the end of the trip;

· Questionnaire in English or Arabic;

· Scanned color photograph 3x4;

· Married women under 30 who travel to the country without a husband or who have different surnames with their spouse require a copy of the marriage certificate;

· A copy of the birth certificate of the child, if he enters 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 travel agency a deposit of $1,500.

The consular fee for a visa in the UAE is 70-75 dollars. A visa is usually processed within 4 business days. It is impossible to extend a tourist visa, it is valid for 30 days.

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

You can import 2,000 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 items for personal use in reasonable quantities. It is forbidden to import goods made in Israel and South Africa, weapons, pornography and propaganda literature. The importation of narcotic and psychotropic things is strictly punished by the local court. Be careful with the import of medicines - many medicines that are sold in Russia even without a prescription are banned in the UAE.

Stay in a foreign country

Accommodation

The UAE is a country very popular with tourists, so there are many hotels of different categories in all resorts.

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.

The check-out time in the hotels of the UAE is 12 am, at this time tourists are evicted from their rooms.

Usually only in hotels you can buy alcohol, especially for 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 conduct are especially strict.

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

Nutrition

Food in the UAE is quite expensive, so food 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. Also, even if you take an all-inclusive tour, meals are likely to be very scarce.

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

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

Buffet in the hotel

Leisure

Mostly people go to the UAE for a beach holiday. Most of the major cities and tourist centers are located on the coast, and almost the entire coast is a well-maintained civilized beach. There are both city beaches and those that belong to hotels. The latter tend to be cleaner and less noisy.

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

In addition to outdoor activities on the water, the UAE offers tourists horseback riding, active sports and much more.

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

Tours

In general, the UAE is a fairly young country, so there are not so many attractions here. Nevertheless, fans of excursions will definitely find something to see. In addition, most of the major cities are located on the coast, which means that sightseeing holidays can be combined with beach holidays. 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 buy well in Abu Dhabi. In other emirates, if you wish, you can also buy a lot of interesting things, but you should not go there especially for shopping.

In the Emirates, you can bargain in markets and small shops, or you can shop in a civilized manner in huge shopping malls - as you like.

Market in the UAE

Dubai Airport is home to the world's largest duty-free shopping center, where you can buy everything at ridiculous prices. In Dubai, in general, very low prices for goods, since the import duty there, in principle, is 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, and not for shopping - you can easily be deceived there, and prices will not be much lower than store prices.

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

If you want to buy a typical "Emirati" product, you can buy a gold bar (they are small) or gold jewelry. Aromatic essences and spices are also sold here, which will be an excellent souvenir. You can bring copper products, silk fabrics, a hookah, an Arabic coffee pot or a camel wool product from the UAE.

What to do in the UAE

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

· Visit Ferrari World - a huge theme park with rides and all sorts 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 at night, in the light of artificial lights;

Arrange luxurious shopping in shopping malls in Dubai;

· Drive 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 insurance. Pharmacies in the UAE are very good, it is easy to buy the necessary medicines in them.

The main problem of 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, be sure to use sunscreen when on the beach. Also be careful with overly spicy local dishes - you can earn indigestion. Water can be drunk only bottled, vegetables and fruits should be washed before use.

Security

The UAE is the safest Arab country. For comparison, it is ranked 33rd for safety out of 153 countries, while France is ranked 36th and Russia is 147th. Pickpocketing in large cities has become more frequent recently, but it will be enough to follow basic safety rules - just do not wear with original documents and large sums of money.

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

It is forbidden to swear and show rude gestures on the streets - you can end up in jail. The same awaits you for kissing in a public place and walking in skimpy clothes or a swimsuit around the city. 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 on the streets alone - you can not be afraid of harassment from the locals, but certain problems and misunderstandings still sometimes arise.

Actions in case of emergency

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

Telephone

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

· Embassy of Russia in Abu Dhabi - 02-6723516.

Currency

The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the dirham, which is equal to one hundred fils. One dollar is equal to approximately 3.6 dirhams, and this rate has been holding 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 are usually open from 8 am to 8 pm.

If you do not plan to do shopping, but will only eat out of the hotel and visit a few excursions, then 700-800 dollars will be enough for you for seven days, along with taxi rides. If you want to relax more luxuriously 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 - you only need an international license for this. Often local drivers do not follow the rules of the road, so be careful.

Tips

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

clothing

The climate in the UAE is very warm, so don't take too many 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 - in the UAE there are strict clothing standards. Everyone, especially girls, should dress very modestly, not bare their bodies and not wear translucent T-shirts and other similar clothes. In resorts, girls can wear fairly long shorts and skirts; in provincial cities, on the contrary, they should dress as closed as possible. Swimwear is only acceptable on the beach.

National features and traditions

The UAE is a religious country, so you should be especially careful here. If you follow the traditions, then there should be no problems - otherwise you can stumble not only on a 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, shaking hands is not accepted here. You can't run on the streets. Also, do not walk in front of Muslims who are praying. Photographing local residents is prohibited. Women should not let their hair down in public places.

Especially strictly all these rules should be observed in the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, which begins in mid-late summer. At this time, it is not even worth talking loudly or chewing gum on the streets.

The local religion must be treated with special respect, not to interfere with those praying and not to offend their shrines. Talking about religion with the locals is better not to start at all.

sheikh zayed mosque

Return

Customs

To take out carpets and jewelry, you need to have a receipt from the store where they were bought. It is forbidden to export objects of the country's historical heritage, fruits and seeds of palm trees, wild animals. Everything that is prohibited for import cannot be exported from the country either.

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.
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

Go to the reception, where you will be given a registration card.
Fill out the registration card in English.
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).
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).
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.
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 told to you by the attendant (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

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

Check in for the flight (provide your passport and ticket).
Drop off your luggage at the check-in desk.
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).
Go through passport control (provide a foreign passport, a copy of the electronic visa).
Proceed to the departure hall where you will be waiting for your flight boarding announcement.

Helpful 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.

Behavior rules

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 can apply for a visa on arrival valid for 90 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

If you have problems dialing the support number, please report it to the 24-hour telephone 8-800-700-7878 (calls from any regions of Russia are free).

Resort selection

Brief information about the country

The UAE, or the 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 official language in the country is Arabic. Many speak English, 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 are Muslims. 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 tours fall slightly, and October, November, March and April are considered the best months for relaxing on the beach;

· Low season - from June to August. Summer in the UAE is too hot for a comfortable stay, but the prices are much lower;

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

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

What you need to know and do before you travel

Road

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

Passenger transportation to the UAE is carried out by such airlines as Aeroflot, AeroSvit, Somon Air, I Fly, Emirates Airlines and some others.

Flight

Visa, Customs

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

Scanned passport, valid for at least three months after the end of the trip;

· Questionnaire in English or Arabic;

· Scanned color photograph 3x4;

· Married women under 30 who travel to the country without a husband or who have different surnames with their spouse require a copy of the marriage certificate;

· A copy of the birth certificate of the child, if he enters the country.

The consular fee for a visa in the UAE is 70-75 dollars. A visa is usually processed within 4 business days. It is impossible to extend a tourist visa, it is valid for 30 days.

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

Stay in a foreign country

Accommodation

The UAE is a country very popular with tourists, so there are many hotels of different categories in all resorts.

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.

The check-out time in the hotels of the UAE is 12 am, at this time tourists are evicted from their rooms.

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

Nutrition

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

Buffet in the hotel

Leisure

In addition to outdoor activities on the water, the UAE offers tourists horseback riding, active sports and much more.

Tours

shopping

In the Emirates, you can bargain in markets and small shops, or you can shop in a civilized manner in huge shopping malls - as you like.

Market in the UAE

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

What to do in the UAE

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

· Visit Ferrari World - a huge theme park with rides and all sorts 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 at night, in the light of artificial lights;

Arrange luxurious shopping in shopping malls in Dubai;

· Drive a jeep through the desert.

Health

Security

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

Actions in case of emergency

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

Telephone

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

· Embassy of Russia in Abu Dhabi - 02-6723516.

Currency

Transport

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

Tips

clothing

National features and traditions

The local religion must be treated with special respect, not to interfere with those praying and not to offend their shrines. Talking about religion with the locals is better not to start at all.

sheikh zayed mosque

Return

Customs

Duty free import
The country is allowed to import 2000 pcs. cigarettes, or 400 cigars, or 2 kg of tobacco. Alcohol is allowed to be imported (for non-Islamic adults) in the amount of 2 liters of spirits or 2 liters of wine. Perfumes - in reasonable quantities. No duty is charged on personal items.

Car rental and transport
Any guest of the country who has a valid international or European driver's license can easily rent a car. In addition to the driver's license, you must present your passport. Driving in the UAE is on the right.

Photographing
Tourists can take pictures of their favorite tourist places without any restrictions. However, some state and public objects are not allowed to be photographed. Before photographing local men, you should ask permission. It is not recommended to take pictures of Arab women, this may be perceived as an insult.

clothing
Most of the year you can wear light summer clothes. However, during the winter months or in the evenings, sweaters and jackets can come in handy. Unlike some countries in the Middle East, the UAE does not have strict dress codes. However, revealing clothes should not be worn, as this may be regarded as an insult. Swim trunks, bathing suits and bikinis are perfectly acceptable in the pool and on the beaches. Good quality sunglasses are recommended, and for those who wear prescription glasses, chameleon lenses are recommended. Hats or other headgear should be worn when in the sun.

It is not customary to eat standing up or on the go, as well as to look into the face of a person busy eating. Bread is usually broken by hand. Take food, money and things with your right hand. The soles of the feet should not point in any direction. During the handshake, you should not look into the eyes of the interlocutor, and you should also not keep your other hand in your pocket or wave it vigorously in the air (especially with a cigarette). It is considered impolite to refuse an offer of coffee. To refuse additional servings of coffee, you should shake an empty cup or say "shukran". You can not bypass the worshipers in front. Shoes should be removed when entering mosques and houses.

The Koran prohibits the use of alcohol, but concessions are made for foreigners in the UAE. The only emirate where alcohol is completely banned is Sharjah. Being in a public place in a state of intoxication is considered a strictly punishable act, which threatens with a large fine or arrest and deportation. In all emirates there are only a few shops where foreigners can buy alcohol. The removal of alcohol on the street can be considered by the police as selling it and severely punished. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the restaurant or bar at the hotel, but only for residents of this hotel, as well as visitors. Takeaway sales are not allowed. Drunk driving is considered a serious offense and is punishable by heavy fines up to and including imprisonment.

The fine for trash thrown on the street is 500 dirhams, even if you just missed the bin. Excessive attention to a woman (as well as actions that may be considered as such) can lead to imprisonment or a fine of up to 60 thousand dirhams. Swearing in a public place or uttering threats against an interlocutor (even rhetorical ones!) Can result in a prison term of up to 7 years. The use of drugs is punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years, and their importation and sale - the death penalty.

Photographing government institutions, sheikhs' palaces, military facilities and structures is strictly prohibited. You can not take pictures of local women, men should be asked for permission to take pictures. Clothing should be modest. Women should not wear provocative clothing. In accordance with the law of the emirate of Sharjah, women must wear clothes that cover their hands, neck and knees. Appearing in public places in sportswear or beachwear is considered extremely indecent. Even on the beach it is forbidden to appear in the nude or "topless". In Sharjah, women are not allowed to be on the municipal beaches in bathing suits.

Documents, and preferably their photocopies, are always better to carry with you - most of the police work without a uniform and rather meticulously monitor compliance with traditional norms. However, the concept of "presumption of innocence" is not considered a fundamental element of local legislation. Checks of documents in public places and provocative actions of agents in civilian clothes are not uncommon. You should not get into a car with law enforcement officers at their first request and without specific charges.

Although drinking water purity standards are impeccably observed, tap water should not be drunk. Be sure to use protective sunburn creams and drink plenty of fluids, preferably mineral water or fresh juices. Humidity during the hot months causes glasses and camera lenses to fog up when leaving air-conditioned rooms. On the street, you must use a hat, protect your eyes with sunglasses that do not transmit ultraviolet light. Even under a beach awning, solar radiation, reflected from water and sand, has a fairly high level. The most dangerous time to be outdoors is from 11.00 to 14.00. Do not forget about the dangers of air conditioners, which usually operate at full capacity, and after a long stay under the sun can easily "provide" a cold. Many local dishes can also cause an unexpected reaction in an unadapted organism.

When swimming, keep in mind that the beaches are located on the ocean coasts, so the tides are quite strong, and coastal currents are often unpredictable. Diving should only be done with local instructors who are familiar with the nature of the surrounding waters.

The mains voltage is 220/240 V., 50 Hz. English-type sockets with three pins are standard.

The metric system is officially adopted in the country, but some outlets may use local measures, as well as American and British "inch" standards - gasoline at gas stations is measured in gallons, and fabrics in stores - in yards (0.9 m.).

Tipping in many restaurants is included in the cost of service ("Service charge", 15%). If there is no mention of this in the menu, then you can add 10% to the bill amount. You can leave 5-10 dirhams for a porter at the airport or hotel, depending on the amount of luggage. Tips are not accepted in taxis.

Everywhere, especially in private stores and markets, you should bargain - it's easy enough to knock down the price twice.