Area
77,700 sq. km. (30,000 sq. miles)
Location
Middle East
Population
4.3 million (as per estimates of 2004) and Population Density of 55.3 per sq. km
Capital City
Abu Dhabi with a total population of 1.7 million (as per estimates of 2004)
Language
Arabic is the official and most popular language of UAE. However, several international business dealings are conducted in English.
Electricity
AC 220 – 240 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are commonly used.
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED; Symbol AED). 1AED = 100 Fils
Notes prevalent = AED 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000
Coins prevalent = AED 1; Fils 5, 10, 25, and 50 (5 and 10 Fils coins are used rarely)
The UAE Dirham is tied to US Dollar
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at most hotels. The visitors are advised to avoid unauthorised and illegal moneychangers who may offer better rates.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, etc. are widely accepted. ATMs are also conveniently situated at most places in the country.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted. In order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Banking Hours
Banks in UAE normally function from Saturday to Wednesday from 0800-1300, and Thursday from 0800-1200. However, some banks are also open from Saturday to Wednesday from 1630-1800.