United Arab Emirates

Time: GMT +4.

Electricity: 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. The most frequently used plugs are the square three-pin type.

Language: Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely used

Health: No vaccinations are required for entry to the UAE, however a certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from an affected area. Tap water in the major cities is safe to drink, but elsewhere only bottled water should be drunk. Medical care is excellent in the main cities, but extremely expensive, while medicines and medical care are not always available in the outlying areas. Health insurance is essential.

Tipping: Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, 10% is adequate.

Safety: Most visits to the UAE are trouble free. Crime is not a problem, but there is deemed to be a threat of terrorism against Western interests and gathering points, particularly entertainment venues. It is therefore wise to be vigilant when frequenting these. It is also wise to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Al Qaeda continues to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including references to attack Western interests, such as residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.

Customs: The Emirates states are all Muslim, therefore alcohol is not served except in hotels. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in public and penalties are severe. Dress and behaviour should be modest, particularly during the month of Ramadan when it is disrespectful to smoke, drink or eat in public between sunrise and sunset. In public women's clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE. In general, the country has a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but local laws and sensitivities should be respected.

Communications: The International code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. The outgoing international code is 00. City codes must also be dialled (Abu Dhabi 2, Dubai 4). Calls made within each state are free of charge. The Etisalat mobile phone network provides wide GSM900 coverage throughout the country and Internet cafes are widely available.