The United Arab Emirates on the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula is a bit of an anathema in the Middle East.  This union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms was formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971, and today it is a modern, trend setting conglomeration of high rise cities with state of the art tourist infrastructure, magnificent beaches and a paradise of duty free shopping.  Unlike other Arab states, the UAE actually courts and encourages tourists, constantly adding and upgrading events and attractions to complement its renown as the shopping capital of the world.

PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS
Australian passport holders may stay in the UAE for up to 30 days with a visit visa, which can be obtain on arrival.  An extension of a further 30 days is possible.

CURRENCY
The currency of the UAE is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils.  There are no currency regulations in the UAE and all major currencies are readily exchanged at banks and large hotels.  The dirham is fixed against the USD. The best exchange rates are found at private money changers who operate throughout the territory, particularly in the more popular souks (markets) and shopping centres.  Most major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques (best carried in USD or pounds sterling).  ATMs are common throughout the UAE.  Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.

LANGUAGES
Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely used. 

VOLTAGE
220-240V AC at 50Hz. Standard sockets are small rounded 2 or 3 pin.

TIME DIFFERENCE
The UAE has only one time zone - it is 4 hours ahead of GMT.

HEALTH REGULATIONS
No vaccinations are required for entry to the UAE, however a certificate is require for cholera and yellow fever is 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.  

TIPPING
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world.  Where no service charge is included, 10% is adequate and many hotels and restaurants add a service charge, so it is best to check the bill.

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.  Women's clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs.  Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or show a public display of affection.  In general, the country has a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but local laws and sensitivities should be respected.