Information

About UAE

The United Arab Emirates is located in the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The country is a federation of seven states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Qawain, Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah.

The UAE is located between Latitudes 22° 50' and 26° North and Longitudes 51° and 56° 25' East.

Geography

The UAE is approximately 85,000 sq km in size. Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate at around 85% of the total area; Ajman is the smallest Emirate at around 250 sq km. The UAE borders Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman and has coasts on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The country’s geography ranges from sandy beaches, beautiful green oases and wadis, rugged mountain scenery to coastal salt plains, and vast areas of almost featureless desert bordering the Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia.

Climate

The UAE is generally hot and dry. Rainfall is fairly infrequent with an annual average of 120mm in coastal areas and up to 350mm in the mountains. The summer months of June through to September are characterised by temperatures in the mid 40s, sometimes peaking at 50 degrees, and with very high humidity. The winter months of January and February experience minimum temperatures of between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. Occasionally strong dust storms blow through the region, cutting visibility significantly.

Currency

The currency is the UAE Dirham, each of which is divided into 100 fils. Banknotes come in Dh 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Dirham denominations. Coins are 25 and 50 fils and Dh 1 denominations.

Local Time

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

Opening Times

Banks, private companies and shops are generally open from 8.00 or 9.00 am through to 1.00 or 1.30pm and will often reopen in the afternoon (not the banks or post office) from 4.00pm through to 7.00 or 8.00. In the major shopping malls most outlets will be open all day through to 10.00 pm every night. Many places are closed all day Friday, although some shops will be open later on Friday.

Holidays

The UAE observes both secular and religious holidays. The former are New Year’s Day (Jan 1) and National Day (Dec 2). The main religious holidays are Eida Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, the Prophet’s Ascension, Prophet’s Birthday and Islamic New Year; the dates vary every year according to the Islamic calendar.

Electricity

The voltage is 220/240 volts. British style 3 pin plugs are widely used.

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