Middle East and North Africa

In 2009, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start around 20/21 August and to end around 28 days later (precise timings will depend on sighting of the new moon).  Ramadan is an important time for all Muslims.   Fasting during Ramadan is one of the "Five Pillars of Islam" and observant Muslims not only abstain from food, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk, but in general practise restraint from all activities or behaviours that are not compatible with Islamic values.  Muslims are instructed to behave more patiently and tolerantly than usual and more time is spent on religious instruction and reflection.  

Ramadan also has implications for non-Muslims in the UAE.  You should take care to show respect to those who are fasting and pay particular attention not to offend Islamic values.  You should note the following:

• Do not eat, drink or smoke in public view during daytime (including in your car). This is considered highly disrespectful and even sips of water should be taken discreetly.   Pregnant and nursing women, and young children are exempt from this provision, but discretion should be exercised.
• Be careful about your attire during Ramadan.  Skimpy clothes should not be worn at any time in the UAE, but standards may be policed even more carefully than usual.
• Many eating and drinking establishments will be close during daylight hours.  Others will be screened from public view.   Please plan accordingly.
• Driving may be more erratic than usual, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening.
  

Local laws reflect the fact that the UAE is a Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs.

Women should dress in a modest way, particularly in Sharjah and Ajman Emirates where Islamic law is rigorously enforced.  Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public.  Sex outside of marriage is illegal, and problems will be encountered if an unmarried woman gives birth in the UAE.  These problems can range from a refusal to issue a birth certificate to arrest and imprisonment.  A marriage certificate has to be provided to the UAE authorities to obtain a birth certificate.  Cohabitation, adultery and homosexual behaviour are also illegal.

Swearing or making rude gestures is considered an obscene act and offenders can be prosecuted.  It has been known for offenders to receive a six-month jail sentence for such an act.  Particular caution should be exercised when dealing with the police and other officials.

You should exercise the same caution as you would in the UK in not accepting lifts from strangers and in only using licensed taxis or other recognised forms of public transport.  In Abu Dhabi, it is advisable to avoid the gold, green and white street taxis, which can be badly maintained and erratically driven.

Residents can obtain liquor licences to consume alcohol in private homes.  These licences only permit the holder to purchase or consume alcohol in the Emirate that issued the licence e.g. a permit issued in Abu Dhabi is not valid in Dubai.  Alcoholic drinks are served in licensed hotels and clubs.  But it is a punishable offence to drink or to be drunk in public.   The legal age for consumption of alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, although a Ministry of Tourism by-law only allows hotels to serve alcohol to over 21s, and 21 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, except Sharjah where any alcohol consumption is illegal.

 

It is an offence in the UAE to drink and drive (no matter how small the amount).  There is zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving, and the penalties can be severe.

 

The importation of narcotics, pork products and pornographic books and material is forbidden.  Videos, books and magazines are subject to scrutiny and may be censored.

The penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling and possession, of even residual amounts, of drugs are severe.  The possession and/or import of even the smallest amount of drugs can result in a minimum prison sentence of four years.  The presence of drugs in the  blood stream is counted as possession.

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in the UK are considered to be controlled substances in the UAE.  Any such medication is not allowed into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health.  If a passenger arrives in the UAE without prior approval and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and the person may be subject to prosecution under the laws of the UAE.

Under FAQ's on the English pages of the UAE Health Ministry's website (http://www.moh.gov.ae/en/default.aspx ) it says: " Individuals may bring medicine in to the country for their personal use. Up to three months supply of a prescription item can be brought in to the country by a visitor and 12-months supply by a resident if they can produce a doctor's letter or a copy of the original prescription. Narcotic items should not be brought in to the country. In exceptional cases they can be brought in to the country but only with prior permission from the director of medicine and pharmacy control who will assess the individual case. These guidelines relate to medicines brought in by an individual through an airport or border crossing and medicines arriving by post."

The Embassy therefore recommends that you contact the Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD) to check whether your medication is on the controlled list and as such requires prior permission for importation. The Customer Service Centre of the DCD can be contacted by e-mailing drugcl.csc@moh.gov.ae, by telephone on (00) 971 2 611 7240 or by fax (00) 971 2  632 7644.

The Embassy is unable to make these enquiries on your behalf.

If you want to buy property in the UAE, you should, as in the UK, seek appropriate professional advice.    A list of lawyers for Abu Dhabi and Dubai can be found on our website, www.ukinuae.fco.gov.uk.

Fraud, including bouncing cheques and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), is regarded seriously in the UAE and can often result in imprisonment and/or a fine.  Bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE who are arrested for crimes involving fraud. Convicted debtors will not generally be released from jail until the debt is paid or waived.

Photography of certain government buildings and military installations is not permitted.  You should not photograph people without their permission.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.