Time: GMT +4.

Electricity: 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. The most frequently used plugs are the square three-pin type.

Money: The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils. There are no currency regulations in the UAE and all major currencies are readily exchanged at banks and large hotels. All major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques. ATMs are common throughout the UAE. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.

Language: Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely used.

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens may enter the United Arab Emirates for 30 days without a visa (an entry permit will be stamped in their passport upon arrival). An extension of another 30 days is possible.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: Citizens of the UK (with right of abode in the UK) will be granted a free of charge visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Visas are valid for 60 days. British passports not endorsed British Citizen must hold tickets and documents for next destination and have a sponsor in the UAE to cover their stay.

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand nationals require a visa that is valid for a stay of up to 30 days. This may be obtained at the point of entry.

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors to the United Arab Emirates must hold a passport that is valid for three months from the date of entry. All passport photographs are to be recent colour photographs. Visitors must hold documents and tickets needed for their next destination.

Health: No vaccinations are required for entry to the UAE, however a certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from an affected area.

Customs: The Emirates states are all Muslim, therefore alcohol is not served except in hotels. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in public and penalties are severe. Dress and behaviour should be modest, particularly during the month of Ramadan when it is disrespectful to smoke, drink or eat in public between sunrise and sunset.

Communications: The International code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. The outgoing international code is 00. City codes must also be dialled (Abu Dhabi 2, Dubai 4). Calls made within each state are free of charge. The Etisalat mobile phone network provides wide GSM900 coverage throughout the country and Internet cafes are widely available.