The UAE is a fairly young state, formed in 1971 as a result of the unification of 7 principalities (emirates) into a confederation: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman. The capital is Abu Dhabi. The UAE is bordered by Qatar to the northwest, the Sultan of Oman to the east, and Saudi Arabia to the south.
According to electronicsmatter.com, the emirates are located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, except for the emirate of Fujairah, which is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The total area of the country is 83.6 sq. km, but a significant part of it falls on the desert regions of Arabia. The population is 2.1 million people (Arabs – 42%, Iranians, Pakistanis, Indians).
The UAE is a country with a dry subtropical climate. The best season is from October to May. It sometimes rains during the winter months. Average monthly temperatures from +20*С to +35*С (maximum up to +50*С).
Time
From the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of September, the UAE time does not differ from Moscow. In the remaining period, it is ahead of Moscow by 1 hour. All public institutions are open from 08:30 to 12:30. Shops are open from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 21:00. Some supermarkets are open 24/7. Thursday and Friday are official days off.
Language, religion, laws
The official state language along with Arabic is English. Urdu and Hindi are also widely spoken.
The state religion is Islam.
The way of life in the UAE is completely subject to the main source of laws – Sharia, based on the instructions of the Koran. In addition, there are certain rules in the country that all visitors should adhere to. Gambling is prohibited in the country. Visitors to the country are also required to refrain from smoking, eating and drinking in public places or in front of others during the fast of Ramadan. Offenses involving death, bodily injury, and drug cases are under the jurisdiction of the Muslim court. It is not recommended to photograph people (especially women), government agencies, military installations.
Emirate of Dubai – Decree of the Supreme Council on the Ban on Smoking in Public Places
As of May 31, 2007, a new decree regarding the ban on smoking in public places comes into force. The Dubai Municipality has declared May 31, 2007 as the start date of the “World No Smoking Day” campaign. According to the decree, people under the age of 21 are not allowed to visit smoking areas.
This decree comes into force in connection with the decision of the Supreme Council of the Emirate of Dubai.
On July 1, 2007, the new Salik toll system will be introduced in the UAE.
Salik in Arabic means pure, transparent.
At a distance from the Shaikh Zayed Road (starting from the fourth traffic intersection near the Mall Of Emirates) to Al Garhoud Bridge, turnstiles will be installed in both directions in a 24-hour operation system.
Motorists crossing the Al Garhoud Bridge or entering the Shaikh Zayed Road are required to pay a toll of 4 Arab dirhams (Dhs), (approximately USD 1,096) per entry.
Motorists entering the Al Garhoud Bridge and leaving the fourth traffic intersection and vice versa are also required to pay a round-trip toll. The section of the highway between the turnstiles will not be subject to tolls.
According to the observations of the city authorities, after the introduction of the Salik turnstile system, traffic congestion will decrease by 25%. Currently, about 130,000 vehicles use the Shaikh Zayed Road and approximately 8,000 vehicles per hour cross the Al Garhoud Bridge in both directions during peak hours.
The main objective of the introduction of the Salik transport system is to reduce congestion on the Shaikh Zayed Road, which is considered the most popular among motorists and the most crowded in the city. It is also the goal of the Salik system to provide motorists with a choice of detour routes and the use of other modes of transportation.
Guests and tourists wishing to rent a car should be sure that there are sufficient funds on the Salik credit card.
