What you need to know about holidays in the emirates. United Arab Emirates. Be prepared to pay a deposit for your stay

Let's figure out where it is better to relax in the UAE by the sea. What beaches are there at the resorts, what to do and what to see.

Map of resorts and beaches of the UAE

Beach holiday in Dubai

Where is the best place to relax in the UAE if you want to combine a beach holiday with shopping and excursions? Dubai is a versatile city and will suit you best, especially if you are there for the first time. It is convenient to go on excursions to other emirates, and in the city itself there is something to see on your own - we visited the beaches, Deira and the Old City, singing fountains and the Dubai Mall, and the aquarium. In Dubai you can live on different budgets - from quite modest to luxurious.

Shopping in Dubai is wonderful, there are plenty of shopping centers. In addition to the famous Dubai Mall (which can be considered a separate attraction), visit the Dubai Marina Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Outlet Mall Dubai, as well as the markets in Deira.

Dubai Mall. The famous aquarium can be viewed for free, but only partially, from the outside.

Interesting video! TV presenter and blogger Anton Ptushkin takes a video tour of the rich life in Dubai:

For those for whom it is important to live by the sea, we advise you to settle in Jumeirah - this is where there are great long beaches. In Jumeirah there is the Burj Al Arab sail hotel and the Atlantis water park hotel. Another beach area in Dubai is Marina Beach, a local Manhattan. Expensive yachts, glass skyscrapers, very beautiful.

When asked where to relax in the UAE with a child, the answer is the same - the best place is Dubai. The beaches there are good, the entrance to the water is smooth, and the infrastructure is developed. There are water parks and amusement parks for children - Wild Wadi and Wonderland.

Beach holidays in Abu Dhabi

Some believe that in the UAE it is better to relax in the capital - Abu Dhabi. It is in many ways reminiscent of Dubai: the same ultra-modern city with skyscrapers, there are also good beaches and shopping centers, and you can go on excursions.

If you just want to lazily lie on the beach, then Abu Dhabi has everything for this. The beaches are good and suitable even for small children.

Clear water in Abu Dhabi (Photo © Michaela Loheit / flickr.com)

What to do and what to see? Be sure to visit the sixth largest mosque in the world, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque. This marble shrine of 82 domes and 1000 columns can accommodate more than 40 thousand worshipers. Take your children to Ferrari World, Al Mushrif Children's Garden and Hili Fun City amusement parks, as well as Waterworld water park - lots of fun and delight are guaranteed!

Huge funnel on the Dawwama tornado slide at Yas Waterworld

Beach holiday in Sharjah

Some tourists believe that in the UAE it is better to relax at sea in the emirate of Sharjah. This is the cultural center of the country and an ideal place for a relaxed family holiday. There is no noisy entertainment here, like in Dubai, but there is a lot of greenery and excellent beaches. It’s also cheaper to live in Sharjah, and Dubai is about 30 minutes to 1 hour by bus or taxi! True, there may be traffic jams in the morning and evening, take this into account.

The beaches are clean and the entrance to the sea is smooth. The bottom is sandy and flat, so you can relax in Sharjah even with an infant - just like almost everywhere else in the UAE.

Beach in Sharjah (Photo © sophiemachin / flickr.com)

However, Sharjah has strict laws - you can sunbathe in a swimsuit only on hotel beaches, where entry is paid if you do not live in this hotel. Men are not allowed to come to public beaches on Mondays.

Alcohol is also prohibited, but you can drink in the hotels. For some, this is, on the contrary, a plus.

What to see? This is the oldest emirate, so there are many museums here - archaeological, ethnographic, historical. For children - Al Majas green park, Desert Park, national park, Adventureland theme park, oceanarium and water park.

Sharjah Desert Park (Photo © unsplash.com / @chinkinthearmour)

Beach holiday in Fujairah

Here's where it's best to relax in the UAE for families with children or lovers of solitude! The emirate of Fujairah is very, even too calm and quiet - mass tourism has not yet reached here and there is no noisy entertainment. But in the capital of the emirate and in the resorts next to it there are many good hotels, including all-inclusive ones.

Snoopy Island, Fujairah (Photo © nate2b / flickr.com)

It’s worth going to Fujairah just for a beach holiday, snorkeling and diving. The emirate has wide and clean sandy beaches - all owned by hotels. The best beaches are in the north, where it is better to snorkel and dive. Tourists prefer the beaches of Al Aqah Beach, Dibba Al Fujairah and Shark Island. The climate is milder, and you can relax at any time of the year, except summer.

What to see? See the fort and old city, Fujairah Museum and Madhab Ethnographic Park, mosque and

Heritage Village. Visit gardens, waterfalls and healing springs.

Al Aqah Beach in Fujairah (Photo © _ _steven.kemp_ _ / flickr.com)

Beach holiday in Ajman

Ajman is an alternative to beachfront Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Yes, there are no amazing skyscrapers, grand mosques or amusement parks here. However, if you just want a calm and relatively inexpensive holiday in the UAE by the sea, then this emirate is for you.

The beaches are clean, with fine white sand. Private closed beaches are well cleaned and have all the infrastructure there. Many hotels, cafes and restaurants.

Beach strip in Ajman (Photo © tutanh_blog / flickr.com)

Another advantage is that the laws are not as strict as in Sharjah, plus you can buy alcohol in a bar, restaurant or store.

Things to do? The list of entertainment is meager: go to the historical museum and ancient fort, admire the mosques and shipyard, visit camel racing and mineral springs. If you get bored, go to Dubai or Sharjah - they are nearby.

Camel on the beach in Ajman (Photo © Shelley M Lantz-Burrell / flickr.com)

Beach holiday in Ras Al Khaimah

In this little popular among tourists, but very colorful emirate of the UAE, you can have a good rest - there are the same long beaches as anywhere else on the Persian Gulf. And also - a beautiful canyon of the Hajar Mountains, sand dunes, desert villages, ancient valleys (wadis) with oases and archaeological sites, mangroves and picturesque hills.

There are no skyscrapers or luxury malls here yet, but there is a lot of nature and cultural and historical attractions. The infrastructure is developed - hotels, shops, cafes, there is enough of everything. You can stay in regular hotels on the first line, or in non-standard accommodation - for example, live in a nature reserve or in a Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert. In general, if you are bored with other emirates and don’t know where to go on vacation in the UAE, come to Ras al-Khaimah - a very authentic emirate!

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah in Al Wadi Desert (Photo © booking.com / The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert)

Beach holiday in Umm al-Quwain

Where else can you relax in the UAE in a varied way? The emirate of Umm al-Haiwain offers more than just a relaxing beach holiday. There is a lot of entertainment for almost all categories of tourists. The infrastructure is very developed, but the resort is quiet and peaceful.

What to do and what to see? If you are interested in historical sites, see the excavations of the cities of Tel Abraq and Ad-Dur, an old fort with a museum and watchtowers, a 19th century mosque and a market. If you want an active tourist, try diving, sailing, windsurfing, horse riding or fishing. You can ride a catamaran, boat and water ski.

Beach in Umm al-Quwain (Photo © niketa579 / flickr.com)

When is the best time to vacation in the UAE?

The Emirates has a dry subtropical climate and almost never rains. Starting in May, the heat is unbearable and lasts until September. Despite the fact that prices for tours decrease at this time, it is better not to travel to the UAE in the summer - the air temperature can exceed +50°C in the shade.

It is better to vacation in the UAE in October and November, when the thermometer drops to +30°C. Holiday prices during these months are the highest.

In December, January, February and March, the cost of tours decreases, as does the temperature - up to +25°C. The water also cools down a little, but for many this is not critical. In April, the heat gradually begins to return to the Emirates.

Review of Dubai beaches

Introductory image source: © unsplash.com / @darceybeau.

Before leaving for the airport

Don't forget to take your passport (PPA), travel documents, voucher, invitation (or visa copy).
Check-in for the flight begins 3 hours before departure. We ask you to fill out a customs declaration and go through customs control before registration begins.
If your flight is delayed, the air carrier is responsible for the flight delay in accordance with the rules of international transportation. We ask you to check in advance the validity of your passport, the presence of photographs of children included in the passport, and the presence of appropriate stamps on all photographs.
Children under 18 years of age traveling without parents or with one parent must have a notarized permission to make a tourist trip. Children over 14 years of age must have their own foreign passport. If the child included in the parents’ foreign passport is over 6 years old, then it is necessary to paste a photo of the child .
The flight from Moscow to Dubai is carried out according to the terms of the air ticket issued to you, which indicates the airline, flight number, and aircraft schedule. Check-in begins 2 hours before departure and ends 40 minutes before the flight departure time; Here you must provide visa confirmation. Don’t be late for check-in: transportation is carried out under charter/scheduled flight conditions, for which the cost of tickets is not refundable after they are issued; If you do not use the ticket, it is lost.

Attention! To obtain a tourist visa to the UAE, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of the tour.
A birth certificate must be sent for the child.
The visa is issued at the immigration service of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Along with a package of documents, you are issued a visa, which you present upon departure from Moscow at check-in. You also present it at Dubai airport when going through passport control. The visa must be retained until departure from Dubai.

Upon arrival in Dubai

Upon arrival in Dubai, you will be greeted in the arrivals hall by a representative of the host company (indicated in your voucher) with a corresponding sign. He gives you the original visa with which you go to passport control (the visa should be kept, as it must be presented when leaving the UAE), as well as a hotel voucher. Group transfer to the hotel is carried out by bus.
For questions about organizing excursions, as well as for additional information that interests you, you should contact a representative of the host company (all coordinates will be provided upon arrival). On the day of departure, the company serving you will provide transport to go to the airport. The exact time of delivery of transport to your hotel will be communicated to you the day before. Please be prepared to leave at this time as... the driver cannot wait more than 15 minutes. If you do not catch the transport provided for the transfer, you will have to take a taxi and get to the airport at your own expense.

Customs regulations

Customs restrictions on the import of certain goods into Dubai: cigarettes - 2000 pcs., cigars - 400 pcs., tobacco - 2 kg., alcoholic beverages - 2 liters of strong drinks + 2 liters of wine (for each non-Muslim adult), a reasonable amount of perfume.

We inform you that from May 13, 2014, Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 398 of April 29, 2014 “On invalidating paragraph 7 of Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 31, 2005 No. 866 “On labeling alcoholic products with excise stamps” comes into force ". In this regard, the import of any alcoholic beverages into the territory of the Russian Federation from abroad is prohibited. The exception will be alcoholic beverages purchased at airports in Duty Free shops.

General information

The United Arab Emirates is a federal state in South-West Asia. The capital is Abu Dhabi. The administrative center of Treaty Oman was Dubai. Total area approx. 83.6 thousand sq. km. Religion - Islam. The UAE is located in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula and borders the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman. The shores of the emirates are washed by the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs. The area of ​​the UAE is 83.6 thousand square meters. km. The UAE is a confederation of emirates that united on December 2, 1971. There are 7 emirates in total, they are listed below in sequence corresponding to the size of their territories: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman. The UAE is home to 2.1 million people.

Transport

The bus is the cheapest form of transport, but does not run very often and covers only part of the streets. Note that municipal transport in Dubai is used only by the low-paid part of the population. There are two types of taxis in Dubai: public and private. State taxis are light beige, with a tel. on the front door. Municipal taxi service: 331-31-31

The monetary unit is the dirham.
Rate 1$ = 3.66 dirhams.
Traveler's checks and currencies are exchanged by banks, exchange offices, travel agencies and large hotels. Credit cards are accepted, but not always. The import and export of foreign and national currency is not limited.

In winter – Moscow time + 1 hour, in summer – coincides with Moscow time.

The UAE is a country with a dry subtropical climate. Rains are extremely rare, occurring mainly in winter. The number of rainy days does not exceed 7-10 per year. Depending on the time of day and season, the temperature ranges from +10°C to +48°C. The average daily temperature in January is +24°C, in July +41°C.

The official language is Arabic. English is widely used. Hotel staff, as a rule, speak other European languages, primarily German and French, and sometimes Russian. In some shops and markets they may also speak Russian to you.

The UAE is a Muslim country living under Sharia law. Try to adhere to certain rules of behavior so that your stay in the UAE will be remembered only by pleasant moments. Men! You shouldn’t look closely at oriental beauties in black capes, much less point your finger at them. UAE law provides full protection for the peace of local women, and increased attention can have unpleasant consequences, including criminal liability. It must be remembered that you cannot enter a Muslim mosque in shorts, without a shirt, or in any other inappropriate clothing. When entering the temple, be sure to take off your shoes.
You cannot photograph local women or men - only with their permission. Photography of government agencies, military installations, ports, airports, embassies and consulates is prohibited.

Tips depend on your satisfaction with the service received. It is usually customary to leave 5-10% of the bill in hotels and restaurants. It is not customary to leave a tip in a taxi, but you can leave 1-2 DHS.

Electricity

Mains voltage 220-240 volts/50Hz. English type sockets with three pins are standard. You can get an adapter for using the usual two-pin socket from the receptionist or buy it at the supermarket.

Features of staying in the country

CITIZENS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TRAVELING ON TOURIST VACATIONS MUST REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:
The United Arab Emirates is a sovereign Islamic state, the regulation of social relations in which is carried out by national legislation, moral norms, religion, as well as customs based on the principles of Islam. The tourist should remember that he is responsible for all offenses in accordance with the laws of the UAE, regardless of citizenship (the principles of Sharia provide for fairly harsh, mainly corporal punishment for committing criminal offenses). Therefore, compliance with the laws of the host country is an important condition for the safety of tourists.
THE TOURIST IS RESPONSIBLE:
- treat the local population with respect, comply with the laws and customs of the country, as well as rules of conduct in public places and internal rules established in the host institution in the UAE (hotel, etc.); - obey the legal requirements of official representatives of the UAE authorities (police, customs, etc.) - women refrain from wearing clothes that are too short, open and tight-fitting.
CLOTH. There are no strict dress codes in the UAE. So, on the beach, swimming trunks and swimsuits up to a bikini are acceptable (but topless and nudist options are excluded!). However, people here are accustomed to sticking to certain traditions. Therefore, in public places you should avoid clothing that may be perceived as provocative or offensive to local traditions: women should not wear revealing clothing (bare shoulders, large necklines, miniskirts, very tight trousers), and men should not appear in swimming trunks or shorts , T-shirts and rubber slippers. It is especially advisable to carefully monitor your clothing during Muslim holidays and Ramadan, the month of Muslim fasting. In an expensive restaurant, men wear a jacket and tie, and women wear a dress. You can wear appropriate Asian style clothing. Foreigners are prohibited from appearing in public places wearing Arabic clothing.
THE SUN is very active, we advise you not to sunbathe during the midday hours, protect yourself and your children from harmful ultraviolet radiation with the help of protective creams, and use sunglasses.
DRINKING WATER. All tap water in Dubai is desalinated sea water and is, in principle, suitable for drinking. But most local residents prefer to use bottled water, which we advise you to do as well. Driving while intoxicated is STRICTLY prohibited. If the police stop you, you will face imprisonment.BikYU Eating pork is prohibited for Muslims. In supermarkets, a separate isolated counter is allocated for selling pork. A picture of a cheerful pig on your T-shirt or on your beach bag may not be viewed very positively.
TOURISTS ARE PROHIBITED:
- insult the national, religious and personal dignity of all persons living in the UAE;
- import pornographic materials. All video materials imported into the UAE are selected at customs control and returned after viewing them - after a few days. The importation and distribution of drugs is punishable by death; - any gambling is prohibited in the UAE;
- drink alcohol (Sharjah Emirate), appear drunk in public places; - photograph buildings of government institutions in the UAE without special permission, as well as women of the Muslim faith;
- swear in the presence of Muslims;
- eating in public places during the daytime during the religious fasting period of Ramadan (November-December).

UAE restaurants offer cuisine from all countries, including Russian. Everything, even the smallest establishments, is air-conditioned. All the world's FastFood systems are widely represented here. However, if you want to eat with alcohol, then you need to go to an establishment at the hotel. The Koran forbids Muslims to drink wine, so in Arab countries there are restrictions on alcohol consumption. In Dubai, alcohol is served in hotel restaurants and bars. Non-Muslim residents can purchase alcoholic beverages in specialized stores if they have the appropriate liquor license. It is prohibited for a Muslim to be in a public place or in a car with alcohol, to offer or sell alcoholic beverages. There is a prohibition law in the emirate of Sharjah. Carrying alcohol into this emirate is a criminal offense. Showing up on the street while drunk can result in a fine or even imprisonment. If you do drink a little more alcohol, try to stop a taxi and get to your hotel, do not disturb other guests, as well as the hotel staff.

Opening hours

In the UAE, as in other southern countries, there is a siesta - an afternoon rest in the hot part of the day. In accordance with Muslim traditions, the day off is Friday.
Government offices are open from 07:30 to 14:30 from Saturday to Wednesday inclusive. Thursday and Friday are days off. Private sector institutions work differently, but in general - from 08:00 to 13:00, then a siesta until 15:00 or 16:00 and again work until 18:00 or 19:00.
Trade establishments and markets - from 9:30 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 22:00. Shopping centers - from 10:00 to 22:00 without a break, on Friday - from 16:00 to 22:00.
Most supermarkets are open 7 days a week, some are open 24 hours a day. On Friday, all shops are closed during the midday prayer: from 11:30 to 12:30, but then many work without a break, and in the evening - until late.
During the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, shops open as usual in the morning, close in the evening for iftar (evening breaking of the fast), and then continue to open until midnight and beyond.
Public parks are open daily from 08:00 to 23:00; seaside parks have special days when they are open only to women and children.

Car rent

Cars for rent are provided with a driver's license and a credit card (preferably two). You can rent a car for at least 24 hours at the appropriate rent a car agency. It also issues a temporary driving license. You must be at least 21 years old, present a passport (sometimes a copy is enough), a credit card and a valid international license issued at least 1 year ago, and also provide 2 photos. A temporary driving permit is valid for the period for which the car is rented. When you are driving, always have your license and passport or a copy of it with you.
In the UAE, traffic is driven on the right. At many intersections, traffic is organized in a circle - dauar in Arabic, roundabout in English. When driving on a roundabout, those who are already on it have the right of way. Entering an intersection if it is occupied by vehicles ahead is prohibited even with a traffic light and is considered a gross violation.
In Dubai, it is a strictly enforced rule that both the driver and passenger must wear seat belts. Carrying alcohol in a car without the appropriate permit (license issued to residents) is punishable by law. The mileage is not limited, rental with a driver is possible. The estimated cost of renting a car is $20-80 per day. Purchase gasoline yourself, for cash at gas stations. One gallon of gasoline (4.5 l) in the UAE costs approximately $1.

Phones

All types of telephone communications in the UAE are paid. You can contact your country via automatic line using the code 007 + area code + telephone number. You can call abroad from any street pay phone. There are 2 types of calling cards in Dubai, each of which can be worth 30, 60 and 120 dirhams. Normal card is a regular telephone card; it can only be used in pay phones that have a corresponding slot for reading information. Having another card - Prepaid card - you temporarily open your own account with the telecommunications department, so you can call from any phone, incl. from the hotel, at the minimum rate (which is significantly lower than the hotel rate). The cost of telephone calls with Russia via automatic communication is 9DHS/min., during preferential times (from 0.00 to 7.00) - 7DHS/min., through an operator - 12.5DHS/min.

UAE
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Nuances

Before traveling to the UAE, you need to clearly understand that you will be going to a country where Sharia law is not only strict, but also strictly observed. Their implementation does not require any extra effort from tourists, but if you do not want to pay draconian fines, sit in a local prison and be deported from the country - and all these cases are not uncommon - then it is better to remember them in advance and calmly observe them. We will talk about the most important ones below.

First, a few general considerations, namely, which emirate to choose for vacation. They are all different not only in their mentality and their internal laws, but also, more importantly for tourists, they differ in their pricing policy, resort infrastructure and shopping. Therefore, before your trip, it would be a good idea to inquire about the features of holidays in each of the emirates.

Thus, Abu Dhabi is more suitable for those who love a high level of service and a relaxing holiday. The capital of the emirate of the same name is one of the most stylish cities in the world, immersed in both luxury and greenery. Thanks to the latter, the temperature here is even several degrees lower than in the desert. The hotels here are all high class, and the landscapes combine ultra-modern buildings with the exoticism of the ancient east. Shopping is not as developed as in some other emirates - at least there are no huge shopping centers here. But there are 90 fountains, most of which are located on the embankment, which is the largest park area in the East

Ajman is the smallest of the emirates, and is famous primarily for the fact that it has the only store in the UAE where tourists are served alcohol without any restrictions. The state is somewhat provincial, with small shopping centers and a small hotel base - however, there are well-known chain hotels here too.

Dubai is the most famous emirate in our market, the most democratic in its laws and optimally suitable for people accustomed to European resorts. Nightlife is well developed here, there are the largest shopping centers, there is a huge selection of hotels - from extremely cheap two-room apartments, designed mainly for shopping tourists, to luxury hotels located primarily in Jumeirah. And finally, this is where the most expensive hotel in the world is located - the seven-star Burj Al Arab. In a word, this is the most suitable Emirati resort for a Russian tourist.

Sharjah is the strictest emirate in terms of compliance with Sharia law. Here, not only the “prohibition” law, but even the presence of factory-sealed alcohol in luggage is considered a crime. There is no nightlife here at all, but this place is the best in the UAE for diving enthusiasts. And hotel prices here are quite affordable. In addition to divers, the emirate is well suited for lovers of a relaxing family holiday. In addition, there are large shopping centers here, so Sharjah is also suitable for shopping lovers.

Fujairah will be of interest to divers and those who want to fully experience all the delights of oriental exoticism and see the sights. There are good excursions and a lot of entertainment from a series of trips through the mountains or the beds of ancient rivers. And the reefs are interesting not only for divers - many beauties can be seen just by swimming with a mask.

In the other two emirates - Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Quwain - the hotel base is poorly developed, and it is better to go there only on excursions. The first emirate is visited for its natural landscapes, and the second, in addition to its natural beauty, is interesting for its ancient architecture and way of life, which has remained unchanged for many years.

If you are planning to visit the UAE during the high season - Christmas or New Year, then contact 1001 Tour to book a hotel in advance. This is especially important if you decide to go to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There is a shortage of hotels at this time in many countries, but they can find you some kind of replacement, albeit a little worse. In the UAE, at this time of year, it may happen that there will be no available hotels on the market at all. None.

Let's move on to local laws and customs. If you are traveling to the country during Ramadan - the month of Muslim fasting - then know that the faithful cannot eat or drink until the sun has set. The same restriction applies to tourists in public places - you should also not smoke there. You don't even need to chew chewing gum. The consequences for violating these taboos can be quite dire. However, on hotel premises, especially in Dubai, these restrictions do not apply. But in Sharjah you may have to fast all day. Ramadan comes at different times every year, so if you don’t want to remember these restrictions all the time, ask the managers of “1001 Tour” in advance about the time of its onset.

Although tourists are served alcohol on the premises of many hotels, they should not leave their premises and walk in public places while intoxicated. The consequences are simple - you will be sent to prison, and after serving time you will be deported from the country. Also, you cannot take alcohol outside the territory of bars and restaurants where it is sold.

When walking around the UAE with photo or video equipment in your hands, remember that it is prohibited here to photograph government institutions, sheikhs' palaces and military installations. True, you can shoot all the other places you like without any restrictions. Or, more precisely, there is one limitation - you can film local men only by asking their permission. And women - women, as you might guess, are better not to film - this can be regarded as an insult.

You should also avoid any physical contact with local ladies, and even more so, taking them by the arm or putting your hand on their shoulder.

In general, and especially in Sharjah, excessive attention to a local woman can most likely lead to either a fine of up to 60 thousand dirhams or imprisonment.

A really useful law for our tourists is that if you throw garbage on the street, such entertainment will cost 500 dirhams. Moreover, you will have to pay them even if you threw the garbage into the trash can, but missed.

The habit of swearing in the UAE will also empty your wallet - and this is at best. And so, swearing in a public place or making threats against an interlocutor - even if these threats are rhetorical - can send the offender to prison. For up to seven years.

After all this, it’s clear that it’s ridiculous to even talk about drugs in the UAE. But let's say - their use will send a lover of psychedelic sensations to prison for up to five years. And for the import or sale of drugs in the UAE there is no prison sentence - there is a death penalty for this.

Never, under any circumstances, offer, much less give, alcoholic drinks to local residents as a souvenir. This is regarded as an attack on the moral principles of the Islamic world.

Those who like to eat fast food on the go should remember that in the UAE it is considered indecent. Even eating while standing is considered indecent. As well as looking into a person’s face while he is busy eating food.

Another important point concerns the use of hands. More precisely, food, money and other things should be given and taken with the right hand. This rule is common in many Asian countries and is due to the fact that they do not use toilet paper. And after visiting the toilet, for hygiene purposes, they wash the loin, for which they use only the left hand, which is why it is considered “dirty”.

If you are sitting or lying on the beach, or in any other public place, try to ensure that the soles of your feet are not pointing in any direction.

When greeting a local male resident, the custom here is not a handshake, but a slight bow. If a hand is extended to you, then during the handshake you should not look into the eyes of your interlocutor. And don’t keep your other hand in your pocket, and don’t swing it, especially if you have a cigarette in your hand.

Remember that you are required to take off your shoes when visiting mosques. It is also supposed to be removed if you enter the house of a local resident. The rule does not apply only if the owner of the house enters the house in front of you and does not take off his shoes. When visiting, it is considered bad manners to refuse an offered coffee; it is also advisable not to refuse a second cup. To refuse further servings, you need to shake the empty cup or say “shukran”.

If, while walking around the city or somewhere else, you notice people praying, then remember that you cannot walk around them in front. But you can only do it from behind.

You should be careful when choosing clothes, especially in Sharjah. Women should avoid provocative outfits - it is advisable that the outfit covers their arms, shoulders and knees. Even sportswear is considered not entirely decent. In Sharjah, for example, women should not appear in swimsuits on municipal beaches - this does not apply to hotel beaches.

In general, here is a list of what is considered indecent in clothing. It is inappropriate for men to wear short shorts in public or to show open chests. For women, it is indecent to wear clothing that shows the stomach and back, tight or transparent clothing that emphasizes the curves of the body, and a dress or skirt that goes above the knees.

Naturally, it is forbidden to sunbathe and swim topless on the beaches, and even more so naked. In addition, keep in mind that almost all municipal beaches in the emirates have so-called women's days - usually Wednesday or Saturday - when men are prohibited from appearing on the beaches. In addition, there are a number of other places intended only for women, where they can do their business without the participation of men. Men should not appear in such places without a good reason, because... it violates social customs. It is better to inquire about these places in advance from the manager of “1001 Tour” before leaving, or to find out from the host party.

When planning to visit public places, it is advisable to take photocopies of documents with you. There are a lot of police officers on the streets, including those without uniforms, who meticulously monitor compliance with social and Sharia norms of behavior. Document checks are frequent.

However, it is better not to carry the original passport with you - losing the document can lead to major troubles. They may even arrest you for the period necessary to obtain a new passport or certificate from the consulate.

If the police are checking your documents and are dissatisfied with something, then you should not get into their car at the first request, unless you have been charged with specific charges.

Under no circumstances offer the police money - even if you have committed some kind of offense under local laws, it will most likely turn out to be less significant than attempting to give a bribe. But the police here don’t take money from tourists.

All these somewhat draconian measures of order also have their positive sides. The UAE is completely safe for tourists, and even pickpocketing almost never occurs. Which, however, is greatly facilitated by local laws - thieves here simply have their hands cut off.

In general, you shouldn’t be especially afraid of the police. They are here, among other things, to ensure your safety. Moreover, government agencies are tasked with providing assistance and explaining to tourists the features of Arab society. And finally, if you suddenly encounter poor service somewhere, which is rare in the UAE, then threaten to call the police. It works almost flawlessly.

If the service or service seems inappropriate to you in hotels or hotel restaurants, etc., then threaten the employee with a complaint to higher management. The servants here value their work, and all misunderstandings will almost certainly be resolved.

Tap water is said to be safe to drink. But it’s still better not to use it, so as not to cause stomach problems. Drink better bottled water.

Be careful with the sun, especially in the first days. The use of protective creams for a white person is a necessity. Even under a beach awning, solar radiation, reflected from water and sand, is quite high. It is believed that the most dangerous time for being under the sun is from 11 a.m. to two. Also keep in mind that the air conditioning systems in almost all establishments operate at full capacity, and there is a risk of catching a cold.

Be careful when swimming too. There is still an ocean here, and therefore the tides are very strong. Also, you should not swim far - there are many currents near the shores.

Due to ocean currents, you need to be careful when diving. To more or less protect yourself, dive only together or under the supervision of local instructors who are familiar with the peculiarities of local currents.

Everyone knows that the UAE is almost a shopping paradise. The main shopping centers are located in Dubai, Sharjah and partly in Abu Dhabi. In stores with non-fixed prices, it is customary to bargain. The discount can reach 50%, and even more during sales. The pricing policy of some stores is to first scare the buyer with the price, and then give him a special discount.

Dubai Airport has the world's largest duty free shopping center. In Dubai car dealerships you can buy a car inexpensively (delivery to Moscow via Helsinki), in jewelry stores you can buy gold items by weight at world market prices. A separate catalog should be published for all other products that can be purchased here.

The country officially adopts the metric system, but some retail outlets may use local measures, as well as American and British "inch" standards - gasoline at gas stations is measured in gallons, and fabrics in stores are measured in yards (0.9 m.).

Tips in many restaurants are included in the cost of service (“Service charge”, 15%). If this is not mentioned in the menu, you can add 10% to the bill amount. You can leave 5-10 dirhams for the porter at the airport or at the hotel, depending on the amount of luggage. Tipping is not accepted in taxis.

If you are a fan of bohemian entertainment or just fun, then it is worth visiting Dubai in February - at this time there is a Trade Festival, which includes international fashion shows and a film festival, various street performances, and the World Cup of Horse Racing. As part of the festival, one Rolls-Royce, one Nissan and one kilogram of gold are raffled off daily. It is worth getting to the drawing on the last day of the festival - there is a chance to win the main prize - 12 kg. gold.

In winter, many people plan to relax in hot countries - such a sharp climate change has a beneficial effect on a person’s psycho-emotional background. The UAE is one of the countries that can offer tourists luxury beach holidays during the coldest months of the year across much of the world. They most often visit Dubai, its mass of unique attractions, comfortable climate, clean sea and high level of service guarantee a quality holiday.

When is it cheaper to vacation in Dubai: summer, autumn

Dubai can be visited all year round - the air temperature here, even in the winter months, does not fall below 25 degrees Celsius, the sea remains warm, hotels and shops are open without holidays or weekends.

According to experts, the most unfavorable months for holidays in this eastern city are considered to be summer – in June, July and August the air temperature rises to 50 degrees Celsius.

It is especially important to know this nuance for those who have health problems - hypertension, any diseases of the heart and respiratory system are contraindications to such trips.

But experienced tourists claim that these months have several attractive features:

• the flow of tourists is decreasing - you can calmly stroll the streets of the city, visit the sights without crowds and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday;
• the cost of tours is low, even independent trips will be profitable - accommodation and meals in the summer in the UAE are very adequate due to the unpopularity of the season;
• stores offer huge discounts - shopping lovers will appreciate this moment;
• in August there is a three-day holiday after the end of Ramadan - interesting, fun and financially profitable, because sellers reduce the prices of their goods as much as possible.

And the heat in the summer months in Dubai is quite easy to bear - absolutely all buildings are equipped with air conditioning, they are even available at bus stops.

The most successful months for holidays in the UAE are October – March. The air warms up to a maximum of 35 degrees, the sea water temperature is within 21 degrees above zero - these are comfortable conditions for your stay. True, this season is considered the busiest, tourists come to Dubai from all over the world and “demand creates supply”: prices for accommodation, excursions and souvenirs rise to incredible levels.

There are two main seasons in the UAE:

• hot and humid - lasts from May to October, during this period you will have to not only put up with high air temperatures, but also stuffiness;
• warm with low humidity – begins in November and ends in April.

Also, a sand/dust storm can occur at any time of the year. It is always sudden, but short-lived and rarely brings discomfort into the life of a tourist.

How to save money on a trip to the UAE

Holidays in the United Arab Emirates, in particular in Dubai, cannot be called economical - you have to pay for comfort and pleasure. But there are a few “tricks” that will help you save money on your trip:

• Renting a car and taxis in Dubai are expensive; experienced tourists recommend paying attention to public transport. It works flawlessly in this eastern city - the tram, water bus and metro allow you to get to anywhere in the city. The transport is comfortable, equipped with air conditioning and moves strictly according to the route schedule. For even greater savings, you need to purchase a travel card.
• You need to buy The Entertainer Book, a collection of discount vouchers that contains 3,000 tourist attractions across the country. It costs a little more than $100 (about 6,000 rubles or 3,000 UAH), but the price “fights off” literally from the first purchases.
• For example, you can visit a water park or zoo with your children using tickets with a 30% discount; in some cases this can be done for free using vouchers. There are different types of books - for visiting spas/gyms/massage rooms, for visiting restaurants, for family holidays in parks, for excursions. This “treasure” is sold at the airport, or you can make a purchase online.
• Every guest of the city has the opportunity to take a free excursion. You can go on a 2-hour walking tour with a guide who conducts the program in English. Free trips to the most famous attractions are organized every day, in which the accompanying person tells the history of the state. You can visit the Jumeirah Mosque for free, which is open to non-Russians (all days except Friday), and the Pink Flamingo Sanctuary.
• For your own pleasure, you need to visit the fountains at the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. Every day at 18-00 there is a show, one performance lasts 15 minutes, then there is a break for the same time - and the audience watches the next program, there are no repeats. The Burj Khalifa fountain show is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world, and you can watch it for free.
• You can save money by using the Dubai Card. It provides discounts on excursions to the most popular tourist sites and free travel on public transport.

To avoid large expenses, you need to remember three important rules:

• Do not use a taxi that does not have a meter, or agree in advance on the price of the trip with the driver. Otherwise, the announced cost may greatly surprise and upset you.
• Throw garbage only into trash cans. Even accidentally dropping a piece of paper can result in a fine of $200 (approximately).
• It is better not to communicate with local women at all, or to be restrained in gestures and glances - this rule applies to male tourists. Violating it can result in a fine of $2,000 to $18,000 or arrest.

Watch the video about holidays in Dubai and useful tips:

What to see in Dubai

Dubai has a large number of attractions and interesting tourist sites. It is believed that even during a 2-week stay in this city, a tourist will not be able to see and appreciate every place. Experienced travelers and travel agents highlight several must-see attractions on your first visit:

• • • National Museum in Al-Fahidi Fortress. Guests who come here seem to be transported in time - there are exhibits here that tell about the centuries-old history of the emirate, household items, national clothing, and jewelry are presented. The cost of visiting is about 50 rubles (25 UAH).
    • Sheikh Said's house. This is the real residence of the sheikh, which has already been turned into a museum. The guide will tell you about the history of the ruling Maktum family, you will be able to appreciate the decoration of the rooms of the Arab nobility, and admire traditional Arab architecture. The cost of visiting is about 100 rubles (45 UAH), on Friday the house opens for tourists at 15-00, on other days - at 8-00.
    • Aquarium Mall. It is the largest in the world, as confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. Visitors move through a tunnel, which is surrounded by huge containers of water and inhabitants of the ocean depths. The view here is 270 degrees, it is allowed to take photographs and videos of the 33,000 representatives of marine fauna that live here permanently.

  The entrance ticket costs about 750 rubles (340 UAH), the aquarium is located in a shopping center, so you can combine useful things with pleasant shopping.

  • Dubai Creek Canal. You can take a leisurely walk along it on a small boat, it is better to do this in the dark - Dubai is simply luxurious when illuminated. By combining a trip with a walk along the embankment, you will be able to get maximum positive emotions, and there are cafes literally “on every corner”, so you won’t have to go hungry.
  • Such a walk on the water will cost only 15 rubles (about 8 UAH), but only if you hire a small boat for entertainment, and not a full-fledged excursion ship, the ticket for it costs several times more.
  • Dubai Butterfly Garden. It is better to plan a visit here on weekdays – there are few visitors, so you will be able to fully enjoy the view of the unique butterflies. They are large and small, brightly colored and soft pastel, they are happy to pose for guests - the photo shoot will certainly be successful. Entrance to the kingdom of butterflies costs about 100 rubles (45 UAH).
  • Museum of Women. Representatives of the fair sex in this Arab country appear to guests as modest and inconspicuous creatures. And you can find out whether it has always been this way and whether the role of beautiful representatives in the world of sheikhs has changed in the Women’s Museum. Paintings by the most famous UAE artists are also exhibited here. The cost of visiting the museum is about 300 rubles (140 UAH).

And this is only a small part of the attractions of Dubai! There are a lot of places that you can visit absolutely free - for example, the Coffee Museum. Here you will be able to see the traditional decoration of the rooms, dishes and tools for preparing an invigorating drink, hear its history and recipes from the attendant.

Dubai is a city that is perfect for family and romantic holidays. It optimally combines modern buildings and buildings of ancient architecture, shopping centers and a classic oriental bazaar. Adding to this the always sunny weather and the opportunity to save money, you can be sure of a comfortable stay.