United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the safest and most beautiful countries in the world. The UAE is known for its two largest cities, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which attract millions of tourists every year. Dubai, a regional business center known for its incredible skyscrapers, the popular Dubai Marina district, the world's largest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the world's largest Ferris wheel, the Eye of Dubai. Abu Dhabi is the seat of the Federal National Council and the national capital of the UAE. The main symbol of Abu Dhabi is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which many call the White Mosque.
UAE on map
Emirates
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. The Emirates take their names from the names of their main cities.:
Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate in terms of size and population. The main city of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the UAE Federation.
Ajman is the smallest Emirate. It covers an area of about 260 square kilometers. It is known for its cultural attractions, museums and beaches.
Fujairah is the only one of the Emirates that has access to the Gulf of Oman. Its special feature is the mountainous terrain and the famous Hajar range, which is also called the Omani Mountains. Fujairah is home to the oldest mosque in the UAE, built in 1446.
Sharjah is the cultural capital of the Arab world
Dubai is one of the most attractive, technologically advanced and modern cities in the world. UAE Tourist Center
Ras al Khaimah is a city rich in its cultural history and archaeological heritage.
Umm al-Qaywain is the least populated Emirate. One of the main attractions is the Dreamland Water Park, the largest in the Middle East, with an area of 20 hectares.
Climate and weather
The UAE is hot all year round. But it's very hot in summer. In winter, the daytime temperature is about 23 degrees, and in the evenings it is 14 degrees. The desert climate implies high temperatures and low rainfall. The exception is the mountainous territories of Ras al-Khaimah or Fujairah.
The most pleasant months for a beach holiday are November and April. But in July and August it is so hot outside (the temperature in the shade can reach 41 degrees) that the water in the sea warms up to 33 degrees. At this time, indoor pools with chilled water are the most popular.
Rains are rare in the Emirates, but they sometimes happen in winter.
Sometimes sandstorms occur, during this period it is not necessary to leave the premises without masks and swim in the sea.
What language is spoken?
Arabic is the official language of the UAE. Other official languages are Chinese, English, French, Hindi and Russian. They are the ones who take cases in the courts. All road and traffic signs, as well as signs of retail outlets, are in Arabic, but duplicated in English.
Population
The permanent population of the UAE consists of more than 200 nationalities. Expats make up about 80% of the population, including Indians (the majority), Pakistanis, East Africans, Iranians, and others.
Religion
Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi
Islam is the official religion in the UAE. Foreign residents practice their religions due to the UAE's policy of tolerance and coexistence, as well as religious integration.
Travel in the Emirates
It is most convenient to travel around the Emirates by car, which can easily be rented at rental offices. However, do not forget to get an international driver's license in advance. You will not be able to get a car for rent using a Russian driver's license - Russian car licenses in the UAE are not valid.
Currency and money in the UAE
The dirhams of the United Arab Emirates have been the official currency of the UAE since 1973. It is pronounced "Dirhams". It is officially designated by the abbreviation AED, but unofficial abbreviations can also be found, including Dh and Dhs. The dirhams are divided into 100 fils.
What do the colors of the flag mean?
The flag of the UAE
The flag consists of three equal horizontal lines and a wide vertical red ribbon in the direction of the flagpole. Each of the colors has a symbol embedded in it.:
Green symbolizes hope, joy, optimism and love. It symbolizes the prosperity of the country.
White represents peace and honesty. It is interpreted as a symbol of purity.
Black means victory over enemies, as well as fortitude.
Red represents endurance, bravery, strength and bravery. The vertical red stripe is interpreted as linking all the other values together.
Official holidays in the UAE in 2025
New Year's Eve Celebration
When going on a trip, be sure to remember about the holidays. Here are the most important ones. Please note that many holidays are linked to the lunar calendar and the dates change every year. Current information is below:
January 1, 2025 – New Year
April 29 - 1 – Eid al-Fitr
June 5 is the Arafat Day, which marks the end of the Hajj to Mecca. It is customary to spend time in prayer and service to Allah.
June 6 - 8 – Eid al-Adha
June 26 – Al-Hijrah– the Islamic New Year, is celebrated on the first day of the month of Muharram. The New Year does not begin at midnight, but with the evening call to prayer – the holiday is celebrated with prayers and abstinence from food.
September 4 – Mawlid al-Nabi – the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
December 1 is Commemoration Day. It recognizes the sacrifices and dedication of the sons of the nation who gave their lives for the UAE and abroad in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service.
December 2 and 3 is the National Day Holiday. It marks the founding of the UAE in 1971.
What is prohibited in the UAE
Quadrocopters and other types of UAVs. In no case should you take with you a fine of up to 50,000 dirhams or a prison sentence of up to 1 year. The import of these devices is possible only after obtaining an official permit.
Drinking alcohol and being intoxicated in public places. The punishment is up to 6 months in prison. A fine of up to 2000 dirhams.
Publicly consume food, drinks, or perform any act that violates the fast of Ramadan. During the day, tourists can eat behind closed doors, but you can get a fine for snacking or chewing gum in public places.
Take pictures of people, military or government facilities. In the UAE, it is forbidden to interfere in personal or family life through photography or audio recording. For taking a photo or recording a voice without consent, you can get up to 7 years in prison. It is strictly forbidden to photograph government and military installations.
Import, storage, or use of narcotic substances and prohibited medicines. The penalty is from 4 years in prison. We recommend that you find out in advance if your medicine is on the prohibited list. The UAE has special equipment that can detect traces of narcotic substances in airports and other public places.
To commit minor administrative violations, such as travel without a ticket, travel of men in women's subway cars, travel in "golden" cars without a corresponding ticket. Heavy fines are provided for each of the violations.
Go in swimsuits outside the beaches. This may be criticized, but in the Emirates of Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah, women should not wear swimsuits, even on beaches. Topless tanning or nudism is an article of the UAE Criminal Code and carries a prison term of up to 6 months.
Children under 5 years old staying in adult hotel pools. The ban has no exceptions, it is forbidden even under the supervision of parents.
Leaving children alone in the car. Not even for a minute. The fine can reach 1 million dirhams (about 16 million rubles)
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