WELCOME TO UAE

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 About UAE
UAE is made up of 7 different Emirates, the most
famous of which are Dubai & Abu Dhabi. Each Dialing Code
Government 971
Emirate has a different ruler and you will notice Federation of Seven Monarchies Member of UN, GCC, Arab League,
a few regulatory variations.
OIC, OPEC, WTO
The 7 emirates are

President Income Tax

Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan There is no individual Income Tax in UAE

A b u D h ab i A j m an D u b ai Ras Al Kh ai mah
Other Tax
Prime Minister There is no Tax on Investment, Property,
Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Capital gain, or any wealth Tax.

Fu j ai rah
Currency Sales Tax
UAE Dirham (AED) It is pegged to the There is no consumption Taxes or VAT in
U.S. dollar for most of the time. UAE, however individual. Emirates may
charge levies on certain products.

Sh arj ah
Municipal Tax
Time Zone Municipal taxes are levied in most Emirates,
GMT +4 the rates of which vary from state to state.

U mm-Al -Qu wai n

Currency Conversion
Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE. Arabic is the US $ 1 =AED 3.67 (please refer to link - http://www.uaeexchange.com/uae-currency-rates)
official language of UAE. Second language is 1 AED = INR 17.38 (please refer to link - http://www.uaeexchange.com/uae-currency-rates)
English. UAE’s population is around 9.4 million.
Expats make a huge chunk of the population.
UAE has the sixth largest oil reserves in the
world (2nd largest oil exporter).

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 Culture
The UAE is a cosmopolitan country with
its culture firmly rooted in Islamic
customs.

Islam is the largest and official state

religion of the UAE, though the

Weather gover nment follows a policy

tolerance towards other religions and
of

rarely interferes in the activities of Non-

The climate of UAE is generally hot and
Muslims. Non-Muslims are expected to
dry. During summers (May to
respect the religious customs of the
September), the temperature ranges
country.
between 35°C to 48°C.
However, it is illegal in UAE to spread
The weather is considerably more
the ideas of any other religion apart
pleasant between October and April
from Islam through any form of media
with temperature ranging between 7° C
as it is considered a form of
to 30°C.
proselytizing. There are approximately
31 churches throughout the country
and one Hindu Temple.

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 Etiquette in the UAE
Etiquette form a significant part of ones
identity in the UAE and one needs to
get acquainted with the etiquette of the
country. Politeness and respect to the
elders are generally expected when in
the UAE. If you visit the house of a
Clothing friend in the UAE you are expected to
enter the house bare footed or with a
Traditional Clothing, Men – Kandura & clean pair of socks. The ‘Locals’
Women – Abaya (Citizen of UAE) as they are commonly
referred to in the UAE, eat with their
Although many women wear the right hand. One is also not expected to
traditional hijab or abaya, expats aren't appreciate any showpiece at the house,
expected to follow this custom. But it's as the house owner feels obliged to gift
still important to dress modestly and it to the visitor.
cover your shoulders and legs when
you're out in public. Due to the development of tourism
industry, restaurants and night clubs
have flourished in many parts of the
UAE and especially in Dubai. People
can get alcohol in these restaurants.
Even local people can get in
restaurants and pubs but nobody is
supposed to look drunk on the street
and are expected to maintain the
peaceful environment.

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 Visas & Local IDs
Employment Visa is required to work in
UAE. Spouses on husband’s
s ponsorship need a valid labor contract
to work. Labor contract is an important
document to show that an expat’s
official working status. Male employees
can sponsor spouses & male children
up to age of 18 years/daughter until she
gets married.

Emirates ID/EID Card is a Residence

Identity Card. EID card must be carried Business Hours
at all times. Regulations do change
from time to time and, whilst we do
& Public holidays
endeavor to keep up to date with these
notes, please do not rely upon them for
complete accuracy. You should also
check with your HR and regional UAE
embassy or consulate for any The official weekend is on Friday and Saturday. Some smaller private companies only
clarifications. The UAE also does not close on Friday.
allow individuals post retirement age to
s tay within the country without a job or Gover nment offices open at 7.30 a.m. and close at 3.00 p.m. and Working hours are
a resident visa. reduced during the holy month of Ramadan, usually by two hours.

Public holidays in the UAE are listed below and the Companies announce these
holidays as declared by the Gover nment.

Islamic Public holidays are based on moon sighting.

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 Holiday

Occasion Date Holidays

New Year's Day 1-Jan 1

Al Isra'a Wal Mi’raj - Ascension day* 13-Apr 1

Housing
Eid Al Fitr* 14-Jun 2
There are many options for housing in
Arafat (Haj) Day* 20-Aug 1 UAE. Fur nished/Semi-fur nished or
unfur nished apartments are available for
Eid Al Adha* 31-Aug 3 an annual rent. Hotel apartments are
available for monthly rentals. Housing
Al Hijri - Islamic New Year* 21-Sep 1 rentals are allowed post completion of
residency visa formalities. Ejari is an
Commemoration Day* 30-Nov 1
attestation of housing rental agreement.
UAE National Day 2-Dec 2 Generally DEWA-Water, Gas & Electricity
are not a part of rentals.
Milad Un Nabi - Birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) * 21-Nov 1
• Living cost in the UAE as compared to
Dubai and Abu Dhabi it is cheaper in
Sharjah, Ajman or in other three emirates.
• Renting a Flat/Apartment/Villa is a
normal practice.
• Best way to search property is through
newspapers classifieds or real estate
agencies.
• Tenancy contracts are normally for one
year.
• Commission is required to be paid to Rental options in UAE
real estate agents on closure of the
deal. For property info: www.bayut.com
• In order to rent a property in the UAE, www.aldar.com
normally an individual has to pay for the www.bhomes.com
entire year of tenancy either in cash or www.dubai.du bizzle.com
postdated cheques. www.propertyfinder.ae
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 The local cuisine is traditional Arabic food but
all kinds of cuisine are available in UAE. There
are plenty of options for Vegan/Vegetarian &
Jain. A variety of inter national vegetables,
fruits & spices are available. For restaurant
info: www.zomato.com/uae
Cuisine http://www.restaurants-uae.com

Useful Information
• Inter net and Telephone access is
available only through state
telecommunication companies
Etisalat & Du telecom.

• Cable TV Connection is available

through E vision, Du services, OSN
and few other service providers.

• The Ministry of Education monitors

the education system up to the
secondary level. It consists of primary
schools, middle schools and
secondary schools.

• Utilities like Water, Gas and

Electricity are provided by the l ocal
municipality of all the seven emirates.
In Dubai and Sharjah commonly
known as DEWA or SEWA board.

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 Metered Taxis are available almost everywhere in
the UAE. Dubai Metro is also an effective public
transport.
Expats (from permitted countries can exchange
the Driving License for a local one. A new driving
license will involve attending driving
lessons/passing theory & road tests.

Expats also need to be prepared for plenty of

speed controls with high fines. In the UAE, traffic
regulations are strictly enforced.

Taxi contact no’s:

Sharjah Taxi: 600525252
Union Taxi: 65325555
Emirates Taxi: 25509511
Dubai Taxi Corporation: 42080808
Driving License
One can apply for driving license after having the
residency visa stamped on the passport.

Any resident from 18 years of age can obtain

driving license.

Eye test is a mandatory requirement to apply for

the driving license.

Test includes Signal test, parking test, driving

test and highway codes.

Comparatively getting a driving license in the

UAE is an expensive and tough process.

Please refer to RTA policy in UAE for recent

updates.

Exemptions

Citizens of 36 countries are eligible to transfer

their driving license to UAE driving license.

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Emergency
Contacts
P o lic e
F ire
A m bula nc e
D E WA (E le c t ri c i t y & Wa t e r)
Ga s
A ir po r t D ub a i
RTA
Te le pho ne D i re c t o ry E n q u i ri e s 1 8 1
Education
There are many inter national schools &
universities in UAE. Arabic is a
mandatory subject in most places.
There are also many Institutes that
offer vocational courses/classes in fine
arts.
Schooling options in UAE
(Abu Dhabi & UAE)
Many of the schools accept a limited
number of students each year. It is
particularly difficult to contact the
school administration between the end
of June and the end of August.
Make sure you follow up on admission
information requirements exactly as
requested by the schools prior to your
arrival. Failure to do so may result in a
delay in gaining admission.
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UAE- DO’S AND DON’TS
DO’S
• Make sure you have a valid passport and a visa to enter any emirate of the UAE.
You should have photocopies of your passport, visa and other important travel
documents, keeping them separate from the originals at all times.
999 • Once in the UAE on a residence visa, always keep a copy of any valid ID at all times.
The Emirates ID has replaced all the IDs and should always be carried on person.
997
• Leave a copy of your itinery with family or friends at home so that you can be
999
991
Endless Number contacted in case of an emergency. Also keep a list of the UAE emergency phone
numbers always with you.
8005224 of Things to do • There are no major health concer ns or specific vaccination required for visitors to the
0 4 - 2 2 4 5555 UAE. However you are advised to check the current health war nings prior to your
Irrespective of your age, gender, departure.
8 0 0 9 0 90
nationality or preferences, you are • Change your money only from authorized money changers or banks in Dubai. As there
bound to find something fun to do in are no currency restrictions in UAE, all major world currencies can be exchanged,
the UAE. UAE is the home to the with several inter nationally renowned banks and hotels.
world’s largest shopping malls with • Always drink bottled water that is easily available everywhere in UAE. Tap water is
unique structures charm. All these
malls across UAE have thousands of
desalinated and safe for drinking, but drinking bottled mineral water is advisable.
• Use sunglasses and sun cream, as sun bur n is common in the UAE and heat
restaurants, branded shops, a movie sometimes can be unbearable.
theatre and an amusement play • Always be careful of the belongings you carry with you during the holiday.
area/skating rink.
Imagine the opportunities the entire
country has to offer! Whether its
DON’T’S
shopping, outdoor sports, culinary
• Don’t eat in public places during Ramadan. During Ramadan all Muslims fast from
classes, or language immersion
sunrise to sunset, and eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during day light
programs there’s bound to be
hours should be avoided.
something to spark your interests!
• Don’t carry any drugs in UAE. It may invite a death penalty. Betel leaves, poppy
seeds are prohibited. Some common pain medications like codeine are prohibited.
The most visited places in the UAE are
• Taking of photographs can be sensitive; ask permission and avoid secure areas
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa along with colorful
(airport, military camps, official buildings etc.).
fountain show, view of costliest hotel
• Respect local cultures and traditions of the UAE, and never try to make any mockery
Burj Al Arab along with beach, Dubai
of local traditions. Avoid commenting on dress of the local people.
Marina walk, capital city Abu Dhabi
• Don’t behave in a manner that might insult Muslim customs or beliefs. Don’t swear-
Grand Mosque, scenic view from Al Ain
as you can get fined and sent to jail.
Hatta Mountains, Desert Safari, Ras Al
• Don’t use your left hand while greeting or handing over things to people.
Khaimah & Fujairah Beaches/ Resor ts,
• Don’t bring alcohol or por nography to the UAE, Videos and Books are often checked
Dibba Mountains, Sharjah/ Al Ain
and may be retained by customs officials.
historic museum portraying the UAE
• Don’t touch anyone head as it is considered offensive in the UAE.
culture and the list goes on.
• Don’t participate in local demonstrations.
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