No, if you require a medical treatment, you or your travel insurance company has to cover the costs.

As per UAE federal law, all visitors travelling to UAE must have a medical insurance.  In case of emergency, treatment to stabilize the condition is free.  Other treatment must be covered by cash or insurance card for covered individuals.

In case of medical emergency, Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (+971 2 610 2000) and Al Noor Hospital (+971 2 626 5265) both have Accident and Emergency units. If you are injured in a traffic accident, you will automatically be taken to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, as it has the best A&E treatment facilities.

No, however it would be wise to check beforehand if you are traveling from a health-risk area. Tetanus inoculations are usually recommended if you are considering a long trip. Polio has been virtually eradicated in the UAE and hepatitis is very rare and can be avoided by taking precautions. Hepatitis A is transmitted by contaminated food and water, Hepatitis B, C, D through sexual contact, the use of unsterilized needles and blood transfusions.

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in different countries are controlled substances in the UAE. Some of medication is not allowed in the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health. Check the list of prohibited medication via http://www.moh.gov.ae/en/.

Islam is the official religion and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and there are various places of worship including churches and temples.

The local currency is the UAE dirham (AED or Dhs) which is divided into 100 fils and is pegged against the US $ (US$ 1: AED 3.67)

Most shops, hotels and restaurants in the UAE accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is prudent to confirm acceptance of credit or debit card payments with staff especially if there is no visible signature indicating acceptance of credit card payments at the store premises or at the counter.

The UAE is four hours ahead of UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time – formerly known as GMT) and there is no daylight saving.

Many businesses offices work on a two-shift system (e.g.8:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00). As in all Muslim countries, Friday is the weekly day off. The weekend for office staff starts traditionally on Thursday afternoon, sometimes on Friday but a growing number of organizations have changed over to a five-day week with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, normal working hours are reduced by two to three hours per day.

UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is sporadic, falling mainly in winter (November to March) and averaging 12 cms per year in most of the Emirate. Rain is more common in the “Oasis City” of Al Ain, the second largest city due to its proximity to the Hajar mountains.

Temperatures range from a low of around 13C (50F) on a winter’s night, to a high of around 42C (118F) on a summer’s day. The cooler months, November to April are the most pleasant time to visit, when temperatures are around 24C (75F) during the day and 13C (56F) at night.

Most of the UAE hotels offer complimentary internet access to their guests or paid access to non-guests. There are a growing number of establishments outside of hotels – such as coffee shops and restaurants that also offer wireless internet access. Visitors who don’t have their own laptop can drop by internet cafes in malls and along most busy streets.

The emergency phone number for the UAE Police is 999. Whether you need police assistance, an ambulance or for any other emergency situation, this is the number to call. Calls to this number are free of charge.

While normal tourist photography is acceptable; it is polite to ask permission before taking photos of people, particularly women. Photographs of government buildings, military installations and ports and airports should not be taken. Also, cameras may be banned in public areas designated for women and children only.

A modest dress code should be followed in public places.