PRACTICAL EMIRATES
PRACTICAL EMIRATES
THE 7 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
ABU DHABI, AJMAN, DUBAI, FUJAIRAH, RAS AL KHAIMA, OUMM AL QAIWAIN, SHARJAH
THE 7 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
ABU DHABI, AJMAN, DUBAI, FUJAIRAH, RAS AL KHAIMA, OUMM AL QAIWAIN, SHARJAH
EMIRATES TIME
The Emirates are in the GMT+4 time zone. It is therefore 3 hours later than in Paris in winter and 2 hours later in summer.
Depending on the time change in France, the time difference with the Emirates is different, as Emirati time does not change.
CHANGE
EMIRATES TIME
The Emirates are in the GMT+4 time zone. It is therefore 3 hours later than in Paris in winter and 2 hours later in summer.
Depending on the time change in France, the time difference with the Emirates is different, as Emirati time does not change.
The currency of the Emirates, the Emirates dirham (AED), has a history of over 800 years and is one of the oldest currencies in the world. It became the official national currency in 1973.
The dirham is divided into threads, with 1 AED equivalent to 100 threads. Banknotes are available in denominations of AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 400, while coins are available in denominations of AED 1, 1 thread, 5 threads, 10 threads, 25 threads and 50 threads.
The exchange rate between the euro and the dirham may fluctuate depending on current exchange rates. If you want to get a quick idea of the value of your money in euros, simply divide the price of the items by 4.
Bank cards are widely accepted in Dubai. You can withdraw money from ATMs in Dubai, but there may be a charge for this.
VISA
French tourists must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Emergency passports are not recognised. Entry to the country may be refused.
No visa is required. When you enter the Emirates, the stamp in your passport entitles you to stay for a maximum of 90 days on one or more occasions, over a period of 180 days from your initial date of arrival.
In the Emirates, as in any other part of the world, knowing the dress code is a must and a sign of respect. Although modern and international, the Emirates differ from Western customs. Men are divided between traditional dress (dishdasha or kandoura) and Western dress. Women wear the abbaya with or without veil (shayla), the burqa and the niqab, as well as skirts and trousers.
As a tourist, it is advisable to dress in accordance with local customs, avoiding cleavage and short shorts. In public places, shopping centres and attractions, respect for local culture is important.
DRESS CODE
HEALTH
Passengers travelling to the Emirates are no longer required to present a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 or to undergo a PCR test.
Health system: Dubai has many high-quality public and private hospitals that meet international standards. General practitioners and pharmacies are also easily accessible. Please note that healthcare costs can vary considerably from one establishment to another.
Emergency number: In the event of a medical emergency, dial 998. It is essential to communicate in English or Arabic. An ambulance will be dispatched if necessary.
Vaccinations: There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Emirates. However, it is advisable to check that your vaccinations recommended in France are up to date. Double vaccination against Covid-19 is no longer compulsory.
Medicines: Some medicines that are legally available in Europe may not be available in the United Arab Emirates. If you are carrying medicines containing codeine, a prescription is required, even for small quantities.
The Emirates offer a multitude of culinary styles to suit all tastes and budgets. Historically, Bedouin dietary choices were limited, consisting mainly of dates from the palm groves and milk from their camel herds. Inhabitants living near the sea fished to supplement their diet with fish.
UAE gastronomy reflects the diverse influences that have contributed to Emirati culture. This is evident in the abundant use of spices such as turmeric, saffron, coriander and dried lemon in the preparation of dishes. Meat, fish and rice are the mainstays of this cuisine.
The most famous dish is machbous, derived from ghouzi (a festive dish), made from mutton or chicken and served with spicy rice. Another emblematic dish is madrooba, a fish served with melted butter.
Meals, synonymous with sharing and generosity, play an essential role in Emirati society. If you have the opportunity to dine with an Emirati, you will be surprised by the variety of dishes generously served.
In the restaurants, you will probably be introduced to oriental cuisine, often inspired by Lebanese cuisine. Starters, known as mezze, include delicacies such as tabbouleh, hummus and mustabal. These dishes are usually accompanied by Arabic bread, fresh from the oven, which you will find in both upmarket restaurants and simpler establishments.
The Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in particular offer a foray into cuisines from around the world.
GASTRONOMY
ALCOHOL
In the Emirates, the consumption of alcohol is subject to strict rules under Muslim law.
Non-Muslims over the age of 21 are allowed to consume alcohol. This reflects the openness towards tourists of all religions.
You may only consume alcohol in specific areas, including hotels, golf clubs, hotel bars and restaurants. It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public, in the street or on the beach.
Alcohol may only be purchased in licensed shops such as liquor shops, supermarkets and department stores. You must have a valid alcohol licence to buy alcohol. The sale of alcohol is now permitted in six of the seven emirates.
The French and Emirati plugs are different. French plugs are standard for the euro zone and are type C. Those in the United Arab Emirates are G-type sockets.
You will need an adapter to charge your phone, computer, camera, etc.
Note that the electrical current is 220/240 volts and 50 Hertz.
ELECTRICAL SOCKETS
CHANGE
The currency of the Emirates, the Emirates dirham (AED), has a history of over 800 years and is one of the oldest currencies in the world. It became the official national currency in 1973.
The dirham is divided into threads, with 1 AED equivalent to 100 threads. Banknotes are available in denominations of AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 400, while coins are available in denominations of AED 1, 1 thread, 5 threads, 10 threads, 25 threads and 50 threads.
The exchange rate between the euro and the dirham may fluctuate depending on current exchange rates. If you want to get a quick idea of the value of your money in euros, simply divide the price of the items by 4.
Bank cards are widely accepted in Dubai. You can withdraw money from ATMs in Dubai, but there may be a charge for this.
VISA
French tourists must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Emergency passports are not recognised. Entry to the country may be refused.
No visa is required. When you enter the Emirates, the stamp in your passport entitles you to stay for a maximum of 90 days on one or more occasions, over a period of 180 days from your initial date of arrival.
DRESS CODE
In the Emirates, as in any other part of the world, knowing the dress code is a must and a sign of respect. Although modern and international, the Emirates differ from Western customs. Men are divided between traditional dress (dishdasha or kandoura) and Western dress. Women wear the abbaya with or without veil (shayla), the burqa and the niqab, as well as skirts and trousers.
As a tourist, it is advisable to dress in accordance with local customs, avoiding cleavage and short shorts. In public places, shopping centres and attractions, respect for local culture is important.
HEALTH
Passengers travelling to the Emirates are no longer required to present a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19 or to undergo a PCR test.
Health system: Dubai has many high-quality public and private hospitals that meet international standards. General practitioners and pharmacies are also easily accessible. Please note that healthcare costs can vary considerably from one establishment to another.
Emergency number: In the event of a medical emergency, dial 998. It is essential to communicate in English or Arabic. An ambulance will be dispatched if necessary.
Vaccinations: There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Emirates. However, it is advisable to check that your vaccinations recommended in France are up to date. Double vaccination against Covid-19 is no longer compulsory.
Medicines: Some medicines that are legally available in Europe may not be available in the United Arab Emirates. If you are carrying medicines containing codeine, a prescription is required, even for small quantities.
GASTRONOMY
The Emirates offer a multitude of culinary styles to suit all tastes and budgets. Historically, Bedouin dietary choices were limited, consisting mainly of dates from the palm groves and milk from their camel herds. Inhabitants living near the sea fished to supplement their diet with fish.
UAE gastronomy reflects the diverse influences that have contributed to Emirati culture. This is evident in the abundant use of spices such as turmeric, saffron, coriander and dried lemon in the preparation of dishes. Meat, fish and rice are the mainstays of this cuisine.
The most famous dish is machbous, derived from ghouzi (a festive dish), made from mutton or chicken and served with spicy rice. Another emblematic dish is madrooba, a fish served with melted butter.
Meals, synonymous with sharing and generosity, play an essential role in Emirati society. If you have the opportunity to dine with an Emirati, you will be surprised by the variety of dishes generously served.
In the restaurants, you will probably be introduced to oriental cuisine, often inspired by Lebanese cuisine. Starters, known as mezze, include delicacies such as tabbouleh, hummus and mustabal. These dishes are usually accompanied by Arabic bread, fresh from the oven, which you will find in both upmarket restaurants and simpler establishments.
The Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in particular offer a foray into cuisines from around the world.
ALCOHOL
In the Emirates, the consumption of alcohol is subject to strict rules under Muslim law.
Non-Muslims over the age of 21 are allowed to consume alcohol. This reflects the openness towards tourists of all religions.
You may only consume alcohol in specific areas, including hotels, golf clubs, hotel bars and restaurants. It is forbidden to drink alcohol in public, in the street or on the beach.
Alcohol may only be purchased in licensed shops such as liquor shops, supermarkets and department stores. You must have a valid alcohol licence to buy alcohol. The sale of alcohol is now permitted in six of the seven emirates.
ELECTRICAL SOCKETS
The French and Emirati plugs are different. French plugs are standard for the euro zone and are type C. Those in the United Arab Emirates are G-type sockets.
You will need an adapter to charge your phone, computer, camera, etc.
Note that the electrical current is 220/240 volts and 50 Hertz.
AIR TRANSPORT
PARIS CDG - DUBAI DXB
LYON LYS - DUBAI DXB
NICE - DUBAI DXB
PARIS CDG - DOHA - DUBAI DXB
PARIS CDG - ABU DHABI
AIR TRANSPORT
PARIS CDG - DUBAI DXB
LYON LYS - DUBAI DXB
NICE - DUBAI DXB
PARIS CDG - DOHA - DUBAI DXB
PARIS CDG - ABU DHABI