With 100,000 British residents in the UAE, many of the 1 million tourists per year are visiting family and friends. They take the opportunity to hang out in the sun, enjoy the vast shopping malls, the unique skyline and the huge selection of restaurants and bars. I know how much visitors get out and about, having on many an occasion seen weary hosts stagger into the office for some rest!
Those resident here know the local laws and customs. They are aware of what is and isn’t acceptable, and that some activities considered acceptable in the UK can result in arrest here. They also know they need medical insurance to cover unexpected health issues. But it is just as important that visitors prepare and inform themselves too before they arrive. I wouldn’t recommend waiting for your hosts to tell you how things are over that first shared cup of tea: do your research before you arrive. It’s important to know, for example, that all classifications of drugs are illegal here, including some medications available in the UK, either through prescription or bought at your local pharmacy. An elderly gentleman had some prescription medication taken from him on his arrival at the airport. Had he sought prior clearance from the UAE authorities, he would’ve been able to keep his important medication with him. And travel insurance? A few precautionary pounds can save you a handful. A grandmother who came to visit her first grandchild in Abu Dhabi had a heart attack and her hospital stay left her family with a hefty £4,500 bill.
But don’t let these stories worry you. The vast majority of visitors have an enjoyable and memorable stay. Just make appropriate pre-travel arrangements. Familiarise yourself with local laws and culture, and what is and isn’t acceptable. This will not only help you stay on the right side of the law, but increase your understanding and enjoyment of the country you are visiting.
For those who really want to immerse themselves in the culture, I suggest the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Dubai and The Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which both offer great insights into Emirati life. There is a fascinating culture underneath all the shine and shopping malls: it would be a shame to miss it.
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