The United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprise the seven member states with Abu Dhabi as the capital.

• Dubai
• Sharjah,
• Ajman
• Umm Al Quwain
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah.

Climate
The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate with infrequent and irregular rainfall, amounting to less than 13 centimetres a year. UAE enjoys 365 days of warm sunshine, with cooler evenings and occasional showers in the months between November to March.Temperatures range from a low of 10 degrees (Celsius) to a high of 48 degrees. The average daily maximum is 24 degrees in January, rising to 42 degrees in July.

Area
The total area of UAE is approximately 30,000 sq miles.

History
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the two big cities and are the commercial centres. The seven independent emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah,
Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah came together to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the year 1971.

Location
UAE is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the South West corner of the Arabian Gulf.

Population
UAE is home to a little less than 5 million residents from over 200 countries.

Transport
UAE offers public transportation but for convenience it is better to arrange your own transport.

Economy
The UAE is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and has the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world. While oil and gas production form its foundation, UAE is increasingly broadening its economic activity to include: real estate, tourism, trading and manufacturing.

Cultural Mix
More than 80% of the population are expatriates from across the globe and the city is home to almost 200 nationalities who live together in peace and harmony.

Currency and Credit Cards
The official currency of the UAE is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED or Dhs). Each Dirham is divided into 100 fils and is held constant against the US Dollar at an average of 3.67.
All banks operate from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm, Saturday through Wednesday and 8.00 am to 12.00 noon on Thursdays. Currency exchange houses are open until late in the evening. All international credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Dress Code
Visitors are free to dress according to their personal choice. Dress sensibly, without wearing too much revealing clothes in public places or places of worship. Most Emirati men and women still choose to wear the traditional national dress. Lightweight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter.

Shopping
UAE boasts many attractive shopping Malls.

Electricity
The standard electricity supply is 220/240 volts. American appliances may need a transformer.

Hospitality
UAE is extremely well known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, and the Emirati people are welcoming and generous in their approach to visitors.

Languages
While Arabic is the official language, English is very widely spoken, especially in business. Given the large size of the expatriate population, several other languages are also used in everyday life.

Photography
Photography of buildings and sights is widely acceptable. Local people, especially the women, do not take kindly to being photographed without their prior permission.
In general, it is best to avoid taking photographs (or video footage) of any individual in a National Dress.

Safety and security
UAE is a very safe city for visitors and residents alike, with minimal chances of untoward events. However, locking your car and minding your personal belongings is always recommended.

Visa regulations
Travellers holding passports with a right of residence in the following countries can get a visa on arrival at any UAE International Airport - a visit visa valid for 30 days is stamped directly in your passport by immigration officials: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, GCC Countries, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vatican City