United Arab Emirates: About the United Arab Emirates - Part 2

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Climate, entrance requirements, religion and language

Climate

The climate is among the hottest and most humid in the world. Whilst not officially recognised owing to the absence of a Stevenson Screen, the Royal Air Force in Sharjah recorded a world record temperature of 167 F [75 C] during the summer of 1969 and winter humidity often exceeds 100%. The high humidity is generated by the shallow waters of the Arabian Gulf but, the land being desert, one can feel an appreciable drop in humidity by going as little as a mile inland. For most of the year, the Gulf itself is so warm that swimming feels like a tepid bath.

Entering the UAE

Tourist visas are available and a single visa is valid for all seven emirates. The national airline, Emirates, is renowned for excellent service.

Religion and Language

Islam is the official religion. Because of the relatively small indigenous population [especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi], however, the western visitor does not feel its influence as much as elsewhere in Arabia, except during the fast of Ramadhan.

The official language is Arabic but Farsi heavily influences the local dialect, making it sound strange at first. English, Farsi, Urdu and Hindi are also widely spoken.

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