Visiting
Business hours
Businesses are open from 8.00am to 1.00pm and 4.00pm to 7.00pm, Saturday to Thursday. Some companies work a straight shift from 8.00am to 6.00pm.
Banks are generally open from 8.00am to 2.00pm.
All offices are closed on Fridays. Very few retail establishments are open on Friday until after 4.00pm due to prayer time. In traditional areas small shops and businesses may close at prayer times every day.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year’s Day
January 1 – Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
January 24 – Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
June 6 – Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)
August 11-12 – Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
October 16-17 – Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
December 2 – National Day
Climate
The climate in the UAE is very hot and humid during the summer months. From May to October, temperatures are consistently above 40ºC and the humidity level is extremely high (up to 95 per cent). Some areas inland and especially in the mountainous areas in the east of the country are a little more pleasant. During winter, the evening temperature is usually a minimum of 15ºC and a maximum in the range of 20-25ºC.
For weather details in the UAE, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The unit of currency in the United Arab Emirates is the dirham (Dh). There are 100 fils to the dirham. The rate of exchange is pegged to the US dollar.
Time zones and time differences
The UAE is six hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current time in Abu Dhabi, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
The UAE's country code is 971.
For calls to the UAE from Australia dial: 0011 + 971 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from the UAE to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
The UAE’s power supply is 240 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 3, 4 wires. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Dubai Tourism – www.uae.org.ae
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.