What to take in the UAE in February. What to take with you on vacation in the UAE. Major city codes

Import and export of foreign and national currency is not limited, all amounts over 100 thousand dirhams (about $27,200) must be included in the declaration.

Allowed duty free import up to 400 cigarettes (for a total amount of no more than 3,000 dirhams) or up to 2 kg of smoking tobacco, perfumes - for an amount of no more than 3,000 dirhams, as well as hygiene items and personal items - within the limits of needs. The import of alcohol in each of the emirates is regulated in its own way: in Fujairah you can import up to 4 of any alcoholic beverages per non-Muslim, in - 24 cans of beer or up to 4 liters of any other alcoholic beverages, in Sharjah - up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages and 1 package beer.

The import of weapons, drugs and drug-containing drugs (including some drugs containing codeine), pornographic products, as well as videos and books that contradict Islamic norms is prohibited. Customs may seize materials that they consider suspicious for censorship review for up to several days. Violation of this prohibition is prosecuted and severely punished, including long-term imprisonment. If you have problems with customs, you should under no circumstances try to bribe a customs officer - the punishment will be, at the very least, deportation from the country.

The import of any fruits and vegetables is prohibited to Fujairah, and to Sharjah - seafood, fruits and vegetables from areas where cholera is spread. The importation of any live birds or their carcasses from all Asian countries.

Pets (at least 4 months old) must be accompanied by a permit issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (UAE MAF, registration fee is 100 dirhams), as well as an international veterinary certificate with mandatory indication of all vaccinations and their dates. The import of some dog breeds is prohibited.

The export of cultural and cultural objects is prohibited historical heritage countries, wild animals, seeds and palm fruits. The export of gold and silver jewelry purchased at local markets must be accompanied by a sales receipt (however, local customs officers only pay attention to really large quantities of jewelry).

Separately for medications: Before traveling to the UAE, you should carefully check your first aid kit, and if there are prescription medications in it, then it is better to have a translated prescription from a doctor with you to enter the Emirates with them. The import of narcotic drugs prescribed by a doctor is possible only with a special permit, which must be obtained in advance. The import of unregistered medicines into the UAE is prohibited.

Currently, the UAE Ministry of Health directive (see attached files) imposes the following restrictions:
- Any medicines issued with a doctor's prescription can be imported in quantities required for a maximum of 3 months of consumption by one person.
- Medicines containing psychotropic substances can be imported with a prescription and in the amount required for 3-month consumption for non-residents and 1-month consumption for residents (of course, per person). In case of unavailability of any medicine in the UAE, the amount for residents is increased to 3 months' consumption.
- Medicines containing narcotic substances can only be imported with the prior permission of the UAE Medicines Control Department. Each request is considered individually.

There is a complete ban on drugs in the UAE, and to this end airports undergo thorough searches using highly sensitive equipment. The detection of even small quantities of prohibited substances in the possession of passengers entering or transiting through will result in a prison sentence of four years. Checks at the border are random, tourists are rarely checked, but still it’s not worth the risk.

Many tourists are unaware that codeine is prohibited throughout the UAE. Accordingly, importing medicines containing codeine may result in serious fines or even imprisonment. Codeine is found in many cough suppressants, antipyretics and pain relievers. Thus, it is an integral part of the tablets “Pentalgin”, “Sedalgin”, “Nurofen +”, “Solpadein”, “Caffetin”, “Terpinkod”, “Tetralgin”, etc. The list of prohibited drugs includes not only codeine-containing drugs, but also a number narcotic and sedatives. For example, the widely used Valocordin and Corvalol contain phenobarbital, which is prohibited in the UAE. And the popular anti-diarrhea drug Imodium contains loperamide, banned in the UAE, which is similar in action to an opiate. A special permit may be required to import medications for epileptics - antiepileptic drugs usually belong to the psychotropic category.

Also in the UAE, the import and use of the following drugs is prohibited: Oripavin, Tramadol (hydrochloride) and all other salts of this substance in raw, prepared or mixed forms; Artane / Apo-Tryhex (trihexyphenidyl benzhexol) and all other salts of this substance in raw, prepared or mixed forms; Kemadrin (procyclidine hydrochloride) and all other salts of this substance in raw, prepared or mixed forms.

It is imperative to know the proprietary name of the medicine, so before traveling to the UAE, be sure to check with your doctor to see if your medicines correspond to those listed on the list of prohibited brands in the UAE. Or contact your pharmacist and let the pharmacist check the presence/absence of prohibited drugs in your travel first aid kit with the specified list.

Below in the attached files you will find a list of drugs prohibited in the UAE (in an Excel document), as well as 2 directives from the UAE Ministry of Health on the import of medical drugs into the country for personal use.

A country of pristine sands and high temperatures, so, first of all, you should stock up on sunscreen, glasses and hats. Since the UAE has low humidity, moisturizing creams and lotions are a must have! Take products with you only for the first time, since in the Emirates all cosmetics and skin care products are much better quality than ours, as this is strictly monitored.

We also advise representatives of the fairer sex not to take foundations and powders with them, since in the very first hours of being outside the walls of the room, all this will spread across the face in extremely unflattering stains. Plus, we advise girls to take lip gloss or hygienic lipstick so that your lips do not crack and remain in great shape.

We recommend choosing a more modest wardrobe. Try to avoid clothing that is too short, too low-cut, or translucent. Also, avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or too bright colors. You should not attract unnecessary attention to yourself by dressing too openly - this will not add authority to you, but on the contrary, will cause hostility. Government and local residents The UAE is extremely supportive of tourists and foreigners, but you still need to respect the customs and laws of the country in which you are a guest, even on a purely human basis. You can wear absolutely any shoes, depending on your taste and wishes. But, again, in all the malls of the country you will find clothes of all brands at favorable discounts, so you don’t have to buy a lot of clothes.

If you are planning to leave your place of residence and go for a walk or somewhere else, stock up on water, because given the climate of the Emirates, dehydration will overtake you in just a couple of hours. Be sure to take a swimsuit/swimming trunks with you, as the beaches of the Emirates leave no one indifferent.

Don’t forget about the first aid kit: you may need it for the first time of adaptation to the new climate and kitchen.
If you feel that you will miss homemade food and native cuisine, take sausages or lard, and maybe even herring with you, and treat yourself to something delicious. In principle, you can carry anything from food, in reasonable quantities, except chicken. It is highly not recommended to take chicken with you. They have a huge dislike for poultry, so they will take it away from you anyway. It is not recommended to take video, audio and printed materials with you; they will cause you a lot of trouble and delays, especially if they find something offensive to Muslim culture. Even if there is nothing like that there, all the materials will still be removed from you and returned only after a couple of days, after a thorough review.

An adult who does not profess Islam can carry 2 liters of strong alcoholic beverages and 2 liters of wine. Many sources say that in the UAE you can transport up to 10 cartons of cigarettes or 2 kg of tobacco, but we cannot say this with certainty.
In general, count on the fact that in the Emirates you can buy everything you need and even more, but of much higher quality.

The Emirates is known throughout the world as a country with ultra-modern infrastructure and futuristic skyscrapers, where a high standard of living is noted. However, at the same time, they honor centuries-old traditions and adhere to conservative views, because this is, after all, a Muslim state. Therefore, when going on a trip, it is worth knowing how to dress properly in the UAE and what to take on a trip.

Type of clothing

Guests of the country are not required to wear traditional Arab clothing, but there are some restrictions. First, understand that almost all the time in the Emirates the weather allows you to wear light clothing. However, during the winter months, namely in the morning and evening, a jacket or sweater will come in handy. Also at this time you will need demi-season shoes.

In public places

In public places, which include streets, markets, shopping centers, museums, you should appear in closed clothing:

It should cover your legs, knees, shoulders and forearms. The chest, décolleté, and back should also be covered. Arabs are reserved people and will not pester you about this. However, you won't get annoying looks from puzzled men.
In establishments, malls and transport in the UAE, even at stops in Dubai, in a word, air conditioners work everywhere, and very strongly. Therefore, it is better to have a light blouse with you, warmer than a T-shirt.
When vacationing in the UAE, avoid very tight and transparent clothing.
There should be no inscriptions on things that are offensive in relation to ancient foundations local population. This applies mainly to sexual sayings.

On the beach

In the hotel and resort areas, you can allow yourself to dress according to your habit. You can wear a swimsuit and beachwear on the beach and near the pool. At the same time, remember that topless sunbathing is prohibited in the Emirates, and the absence of one part of a swimsuit is also prohibited. On Arabian beaches where locals relax, women are advised to wear a cover-up over their swimsuit, and men - shorts. Don't forget that the sun in the UAE is very active, so it's worth taking a hat with you. You will also need sunglasses.

At the restaurant

In cafes and bars you are welcome if you choose an elegant evening style. Beachwear is not appropriate here. In addition, you may simply not be allowed into the establishment, since many of them have a strict dress code, which implies “smart casual”. The “casual” style is considered less strict. Appearing in clubs, even those located at hotels, in sports and beach shoes and clothes is also not allowed! Men should go out in a suit, shirt, boots or shoes, while ladies are recommended to wear a dress, shoes or high-heeled sandals.

On an excursion

When going on a long excursion, dress appropriately. Wear trousers and a light blouse. Choose items with long sleeves, so you won't get sunburned in the scorching sun. In addition, take note that the entrance to many UAE attractions will be closed if the tourist is dressed inappropriately. So, say, to get into the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, the vacationer’s body must be covered, including arms and legs, regardless of the fact that appropriate clothing is provided on site. Therefore, check such details with your tour operator or guide.

A varied cuisine awaits tourists in the UAE. In and at every step there are cafes and restaurants of Indian, Arabic, Persian and other cuisines. It's hard to resist trying all these dishes (example in the photo on the left). We highly recommend trying it, this cuisine is spicy-sweet. But how will the stomach react to unfamiliar dishes?

The first aid kit must contain products to normalize the functioning of the stomach and anti-allergenic medications. We will not name specific drugs; after all, we are a tourist site, not a medical one.

Put the usual kit in your first aid kit: bandages, plaster, iodine, ointment for bruises and sprains, painkillers, antipyretics, antispasmodics, activated charcoal. Select the rest of the drugs in the medicine cabinet according to your own understanding; everyone knows their own diseases very well.

Soaps, shampoos, hair dryers

Russian tourists most often choose tours to the UAE with a minimum price tag and to hotels with a minimum of stars, that is, a minimum of amenities. Be prepared that the hotel may not have shampoo or hair dryer. There may be soap, but you will disdain to use it.

Conclusion: if you go to cheap hotel, then take all personal hygiene products with you.

Clothing for excursions and visiting public places

“Walkout” clothing should cover your shoulders and knees. For men these are trousers; for women we recommend a long skirt and blouse. We clearly showed the dress code in our review “”. Get ready that you may not be allowed in if you're wearing shorts shopping mall. The dress code is especially closely monitored in the emirate - cultural capital countries.

What else

In hot climates, lips are the first to suffer. It is very useful to take chapstick with you;

Most rooms have air conditioning, they are even on bus stops and stations. But it happens that air conditioners work so actively that it becomes very cold. Take a light sweater or pullover with you;

Make copies of documents in advance - foreign and Russian passports, vouchers, air tickets, insurance. Keep copies separate from documents. In case of loss of original documents, copies will greatly facilitate communication with the consulate and restoration of documents;

Enjoy your holiday in the United Arab Emirates, and read our useful and interesting reviews about this country ( list of links below).

Last modified 06/26/2018

The United Arab Emirates is a country with strict Muslim rules, so your suitcase should contain things as modest and closed as possible. Let's take a closer look at what you should definitely take with you when going on vacation to the UAE.

The second important factor when choosing clothes is the very hot climate. After all, in the Emirates in summer the temperature exceeds 40 degrees. Therefore, you must not forget about sun protection.

Beach shoes

In forty-degree heat, the sand heats up so much that it is almost impossible to walk on it barefoot. Keep this in mind and choose appropriate shoes for the beach. Many people prefer special slippers for swimming.

Beach towel

A beach towel is a must-have in your suitcase. As we wrote earlier (), hotels with their own beach line in the UAE there are only a few, and city hotels take tourists to public beaches in Dubai, where towels are naturally not provided.

Light backpack

Any traveler must have a backpack, especially if the traveler is a mother.

After all, a backpack, unlike a bag, completely frees your hands. In the case of the Emirates, it is desirable that the backpack is also light in color, which will not heat up in the sun, but rather reflect the sun’s rays.

Light scarf for women

A lightweight scarf made from natural fabrics such as cotton and linen is simply irreplaceable on vacation. They can be used to cover burnt shoulders or hide your head from direct sunlight. In the UAE, sometimes a strong wind blows, lifting small grains of sand into the air; people usually cover their face with a scarf at such moments. Or they use a scarf for the dress code in religious institutions.

Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sun cream

In the UAE there are 350 days of sun a year and there is practically no rain, so stock up on the full range of sunscreens. It is mandatory to use creams with SPF no lower than 30, and for children no lower than 50.

Any headdress of your choice: it can be a hat, a cap, or a scarf. Don’t risk walking in 40 degree heat without a hat. Keep an especially close eye on children. so that they do not take off their handkerchiefs.

Don't forget that being in the sun at lunchtime is not just bad, but dangerous. Try to choose shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

What medications to take in the UAE

It would seem that this is a rich oil country, but you are even more likely to catch some kind of viral-bacterial infection here than even in Asia.

The UAE has a population of almost 10 million people, of which only 10% are local Arabs (about 1 million people), the remaining 90% are Indians (2.5 million), Pakistanis (1.2 million), natives of Bangladesh (700 thousand) , Filipinos (550 thousand), Iranians (500 thousand) and others. They come here to work and bring all their viruses and bacteria with them.
Therefore, in the Emirates you cannot neglect the rules of personal hygiene: wash your hands with soap, always keep antiseptic wipes or gel in your purse.

The first aid kit must contain the following items:

for treating wounds: hydrogen peroxide, sterile wipes or bandage, brilliant green or baneocin, plaster;
for the stomach: smecta, rehydron, activated carbon;
antipyretics and anti-flu: for example, Theraflu and Rinza;
painkillers and antispasmodics: ketanov or nurofen, noshpa

A first aid kit for children is fundamentally different from an SOS kit for adults. Full list read recommended medications

Medical insurance in the UAE

Since we’ve touched on the topic of medications, it wouldn’t hurt to write about health insurance. United Arab Emirates -tourist destination, it’s much easier and cheaper to go on a package tour. Usually, the price of the trip already includes medical insurance for the entire vacation period. Be sure to check with the tour operator whether this is true and how much coverage is included for each tourist. You need to take the issue of insurance responsibly if you are flying with children.

If you bought air tickets to the UAE yourself and want to travel on your own Arab country, then do not forget to take out medical insurance while still in your home country.

Soap, shampoo, hair dryer

If you budget tourist and bought a tour to inexpensive hotel, then you need to be prepared for the fact that you will not be provided with personal hygiene products for free. Take everything with you.

Clothes for visiting public places

There are usually no restrictions on clothing on the hotel premises; you can wear whatever you want. If you would like to visit public places or sightseeing, you should adhere to the rules. Naturally, women of other faiths will not be forced to wear a black burqa, and men will not be forced to wear a white kandura dress. But still, clothing should be modest and cover shoulders and knees. For example, men prefer to wear trousers, while women prefer a long skirt and blouse.

Other important little things

Be sure to take chapstick. Lips are primarily affected by hot climates.

A body moisturizer or after-sun milk will also come in handy. After all, skin that has been exposed to the sun requires even more care.

Be sure to bring a long sleeve sweater. We visited the UAE in mid-March and I was shocked that during the day the air temperature reached 32 degrees, and at night dropped to 18, and if there was also wind, it was cool with short sleeves.

Always take copies of documents with you when traveling abroad. If you accidentally lose your passport, a copy will be very helpful in recovering your documents. You can also save the scanned passport to mail or a cloud drive. The Internet is everywhere.

The UAE uses triple electrical outlet English type. But there is no need to worry and buy an adapter before your vacation; in almost all hotels the sockets are suitable for both a triple plug and the usual double or European type.