Practical Info A-Z

Alcohol is legal but strictly regulated in the UAE. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you can order alcohol in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants — however, prices are high (beer 40–70 AED/10–17 EUR, cocktail 60–100 AED/15–25 EUR).

Where to buy: Cheapest at duty-free upon arrival (max. 4 liters of spirits or 2 cartons of beer). Licensed shops: African + Eastern (A+E) and MMI — you need the free "Barcode" app for purchase.

Where not: Alcohol consumption is prohibited in public (street, beach, park). In the entire emirate of Sharjah, there is no alcohol — not even in hotels.

Driving: 0.0 blood alcohol level, no tolerance. Penalty: imprisonment, deportation, license revocation.

Public drunkenness: Punishable. Even if you "only" come from a bar — behave discreetly.

The UAE is liberal compared to neighboring countries, but there are clear expectations:

• Beach & Pool: Bikini and swim trunks are normal — in hotels, at public beaches, and beach clubs.
• Malls & Restaurants: Shoulders and knees covered. In practice, this is not always enforced in Dubai, but signs at entrances remind you. In Sharjah, it is handled more strictly.
• Mosques: Long pants/skirt, covered arms, women with headscarf. At Sheikh Zayed Mosque, abayas and scarves are lent for free.
• Public buildings & authorities: At least shoulders and knees covered.
• Clubs & Bars: Smart casual to chic. Flip-flops and shorts are often not accepted.

Tip: Always carry a light scarf or cardigan in your bag — practical for air-conditioned malls (often icy cold!) and spontaneous mosque visits. → Create a packing list

Photography is generally allowed in the UAE, and the UAE is extremely photogenic. But there are important restrictions:

• Allowed: Attractions, skylines, landscapes, your own group, food, souks (most vendors are happy about photos)
• Ask: Always ask for permission before photographing Emiratis (especially women in Abaya). Most politely decline. Respect that.
• Prohibited: Military installations, government buildings, rulers' palaces, police stations, airport security areas. Penalty: fine, confiscation, in extreme cases arrest.
• Drones: Drone flights in the UAE require approval. Without a license from the GCAA (General Civil Aviation Authority), high fines (up to 20,000 AED/5,000 EUR) and confiscation are threatened. Application process via the DCAA app (takes 5–15 working days). Most tourist areas in Dubai are no-fly zones.

The currency of the UAE is the UAE Dirham (AED), sometimes also written as "Dhs" or "د.إ". The exchange rate is pegged to the US dollar (1 USD = 3.6725 AED, fixed), the euro rate fluctuates slightly around 1 EUR ≈ 4.0 AED.

Cash

• ATMs: Available everywhere — in malls, hotels, souks, on the street. All accept Visa/Mastercard/Maestro. Fee: 5–10 AED (1.25–2.50 EUR) per withdrawal + your home bank's fee.
• Exchange offices: Al Ansari Exchange and UAE Exchange offer the best rates — significantly better than hotels or airports.
• Need cash? Not necessarily. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. But for souks, Abra rides, small cafeterias, and tips, cash is practical.

Card Payment

Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere — in hotels, restaurants, malls, taxis (RTA), supermarkets. Apple Pay and Google Pay work in most shops and restaurants. Contactless payment is also standard.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but customary and appreciated:

• Restaurants: 10–15% (sometimes a "Service Charge" of 10% is already included — then no additional tip is necessary, but an extra 5% is appreciated)
• Taxis: Round up or 5–10 AED
• Hotel staff: 10–20 AED per piece of luggage for the porter, 20–50 AED/day for room service
• Hairdresser/Spa: 10–20% is common

The UAE has an excellent healthcare system — hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the best in the world. But: Medical treatment is expensive.

Before the Trip

• Travel health insurance: Absolutely necessary! A hospital stay can quickly cost 5,000–50,000 EUR. The insurance should cover repatriation.
• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany. Recommended: Hepatitis A + B, refresh Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio. For desert adventures optional: Rabies.
• Medications: Caution! Many medications freely available in Germany are controlled substances in the UAE — including codeine (in cough syrups), certain sleeping pills, and ADHD medications. Bring a medical certificate (in English) and the original prescription.

On Site

• Heat: The greatest health hazard. Drink at least 3–4 liters of water per day, wear sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and sunglasses. Heatstroke symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea): Immediately move to shade, drink water, cool down.
• Sunburn: UV radiation is extreme — even on cloudy days. Sunbathing for 30 minutes without protection at the beach can lead to second-degree burns.
• Air conditioning: The constant change between 45°C outside and 18°C inside strains the circulation and can cause colds. A light sweater for indoors is sensible.
• Tap water: Technically drinkable (desalinated seawater), but the taste takes getting used to. Most people drink bottled water (1.5L from 2 AED/0.50 EUR in the supermarket).

Hospitals & Pharmacies

Top hospitals: Mediclinic City Hospital (Dubai), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, American Hospital Dubai. Pharmacies are on every corner — many are open 24 hours (e.g., BinSina, Aster, Life).

The UAE has excellent mobile coverage — 5G in all cities, 4G even in the desert. Two providers dominate: Etisalat (e&) and du.

Tourist SIM Cards

• du Tourist SIM: Available at the airport and in du shops. Packages from 49 AED (12 EUR, 1 GB + calls) to 149 AED (37 EUR, 10 GB + unlimited local calls, 14 days). Recommended: "Visitor Line Plus" for 99 AED (25 EUR, 5 GB, 14 days).
• e& (Etisalat) Visitor Line: Similar packages. At airport terminals 1 and 3, in malls, and e& shops.
• eSIM: If your phone is eSIM-capable, you can purchase an eSIM in advance via Airalo, Holafly, or the du app — without queuing at the airport.

WLAN

Free Wi-Fi is available in all hotels, most restaurants and cafes, in malls, and on the Dubai Metro (limited). Speed is generally good to excellent.

VPN & blocked services

Important to know: The UAE blocks certain internet services:

• WhatsApp calls and FaceTime: Partially blocked (text messages work). Alternative: Botim or C'me (local VoIP apps, paid subscription approx. 50 AED/12 EUR per month).
• Skype: Works with limitations.
• VPN: Use is legal for individuals, but misuse (e.g., for illegal content) is punishable. Most VPN services work in the UAE.
• Gambling sites, pornography, government-critical sites: Blocked.

The UAE has a hot desert climate (BWh according to Köppen) — sunny all year round, almost no rain, extreme heat in summer. The humidity on the coast makes the heat even more unbearable.

• Winter (November–March): The best travel time. Daytime temperatures 24–30°C, nights 14–18°C. Perfect for outdoor activities. Rarely a rainy day.
• Summer (June–September): Extreme. 40–50°C during the day, 30°C at night. Humidity 80–100% on the coast. Outdoor activities are hardly possible during the day. Everything takes place in air-conditioned rooms.
• Transition (April–May, October): 30–38°C, still/barely bearable. Good travel time for budget-conscious travelers.
• Sandstorms: Rare but possible (mostly February–April). The sky turns orange-brown, visibility drops to under 100 meters. Stay indoors, set car air conditioning to recirculate.
• Rain: On average 5–10 rainy days per year (!). When it rains, it's often heavy — the infrastructure is poorly prepared for rain, roads can quickly become flooded (like the flood in April 2024).

Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE — the law theoretically provides for prison sentences of up to 10 years. In practice, tourists are rarely prosecuted, but the risk exists and the situation should be taken seriously.

What this specifically means:

• Same-sex relationships are not recognized. Same-sex couples do not receive a double room as a "couple" (book a room with two beds or as friends).
• Public affection between same-sex partners (holding hands, kissing) can lead to arrest.
• Transgender travelers may encounter issues at passport control if their appearance does not match the registered gender.
• Social Media: Posts that could be interpreted as "promoting homosexuality" can theoretically lead to prosecution.
• Dubai is relatively liberal in practice — many LGBTQ+ expats live here, and there is a (discreet) scene. But the legal risk remains.

Our recommendation for LGBTQ+ travelers: Research thoroughly in advance. Be discreet in public. Avoid posting on social media from the UAE anything that could be deemed problematic. Carry an embassy emergency number with you. In doubt: Other destinations offer more safety.

The Dubai Metro is the most practical means of transport for tourists. Two lines (Red and Green) connect all major attractions. Fully automatic, clean, air-conditioned, punctual.

• NOL Silver Card: 25 AED (6 EUR, of which 19 AED credit). The best choice for tourists.
• Operating hours: Sat–Wed 5:00–0:00, Thu 5:00–1:00, Fri 10:00–1:00
• Prohibited: Eating, drinking, chewing gum in the metro and stations (200 AED fine!)
• Women’s carriage: Last carriage is reserved for women and children. Men pay a 100 AED fine.
• Gold Class: First carriage, double the price, wider seats, less crowded.

During Ramadan (fasting month, dates vary according to the lunar calendar), special rules apply, which are also binding for non-Muslims and tourists:

• No eating, drinking (not even water!), smoking, or chewing gum in public from sunrise to sunset.
• Restaurants are closed during the day or have curtains over the windows — you can eat inside.
• Hotels serve breakfast and lunch normally, but discreetly (no poolside buffet).
• Loud music and parties are inappropriate during the day. Clubs and bars have reduced hours or close.
• Working hours are shorter (legally max. 6 hours for those fasting).
• Clothing should be particularly modest — more covered than usual.

The positive side of Ramadan: The Iftar buffets (breaking the fast at sunset) are culinary experiences. Hotels offer opulent Iftar dinners (150–300 AED/37–75 EUR). The atmosphere after sunset, when the whole city comes together to eat, is special and inviting.

The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world — the crime rate is extremely low, violent crimes against tourists are virtually unknown. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are safer than most major European cities.

• Theft: Rare. Nevertheless: Do not leave valuables openly in the car, do not leave your wallet unattended on the beach.
• Fraud: In the souks, counterfeit goods are sometimes sold as genuine (gold, watches, branded clothing). Insist on a certificate of authenticity in the Gold Souk. Taxi fraud is rare thanks to meters.
• Women alone: Safe. The UAE is one of the safest travel destinations for solo female travelers worldwide. Pink taxis (driven by women), women’s metro carriages, and strict police presence contribute to this.
• Road traffic: The greatest real danger! Despite speed limits, many drive aggressively. Drive defensively, always wear a seatbelt.
• Terrorism: The UAE has an extremely tight security network. The risk is minimal.

Emergency numbers:

• Police: 999
• Ambulance: 998
• Fire Department: 997
• Coast Guard: 996
• Tourist Police Dubai: +971 4 800 900 4

The UAE uses the British plug type G (three-pin, rectangular) — as a traveler from DACH, you need an adapter!

• Voltage: 220V, 50Hz (identical to Europe — only the plug is different)
• Adapter: Type C/F (Europe) → Type G (UK). Buy cheaply at duty-free or supermarket (10–20 AED/2.50–5 EUR). Many hotels also have universal sockets or lend adapters for free.
• USB charging stations: Standard in modern hotels, malls, and cafes.

Tipping is not mandatory in the UAE, but it is customary and appreciated — especially since many service employees (from India, the Philippines, Nepal, etc.) have low base salaries.

• Restaurants: 10–15%. Often a "Service Charge" of 10% is already included in the bill — check the bill. An additional 5–10% in cash directly to the waiter is a nice gesture.
• Hotels: Porter 10–20 AED per piece of luggage, room cleaning 20–50 AED/day (leave on the pillow), concierge 20–50 AED for special help.
• Taxi/Uber: Round up or 5–10 AED. Possible via the Uber app.
• Spa: 10–20% of the treatment price.
• Safari Guide: 50–100 AED per group is common.

The good news: Germans, Austrians, and Swiss receive a free visa for 90 days upon entry — simply collect the stamp at the passport counter. No prior application necessary.

Entry Requirements

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel date. ID card is NOT sufficient.
• Return or onward flight ticket: May be required (rarely, but possible).
• No criminal record for drug possession: Can lead to entry refusal.
• Israeli stamp in passport: No longer a problem — since 2020, the UAE has diplomatic relations with Israel.

Embassies in the UAE

• 🇩🇪 German Embassy Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Markaziyah West, 14th & 15th Floor. Tel: +971 2 596 7700. Web: abu-dhabi.diplo.de
• 🇩🇪 German Consulate General Dubai: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Office Tower. Tel: +971 4 349 8888.
• 🇦🇹 Austrian Embassy Abu Dhabi: Tel: +971 2 694 5500.
• 🇨🇭 Swiss Embassy Abu Dhabi: Tel: +971 2 627 4636.