The Northern Emirates, United Arab Emirates
Major mobile providers are Etisalat and Du. Both offer tourist SIM cards at airports (SHJ, DXB) and in shopping malls. Activation needs your passport and a copy of your visa.
Wi-Fi is widely present and generally dependable in hotels, shopping malls, cafes, and many public areas, often free. Public Wi-Fi usually needs registration.
Official language: Arabic. English is broadly understood in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by service professionals. Hindi/Urdu, Malayalam, and Tagalog are common.
For seamless conversations and connectivity during your visit.
Passport and visa copy are required for SIM card activation.
Understand typical operating hours and holiday schedules.
Generally 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM weekdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM weekends.
Often 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, then 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM or later. Many close on Friday mornings.
Typically 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Some may operate on Saturday mornings.
Banks are generally open Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Some branches in malls have extended hours.
The official weekend in UAE is Saturday and Sunday. Religious holiday dates vary as they are based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
During the hot summer months, outdoor activities and some desert camps might reduce operations or close temporarily.
Navigate local customs with respect and awareness.
Men greet men with a handshake. Women greet women with a handshake. Avoid initiating a handshake with a person of the opposite sex unless they extend their hand first.
Use your right hand for eating and passing food. Do not decline initial offers of food or drink in an Emirati home, as it speaks of hospitality. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially women and children. Be discreet and respectful.
Public displays of affection are highly frowned upon and may lead to legal issues. Avoid discussing sensitive political or religious topics.
Modest dress is expected in public. This calls for covering shoulders and knees for women, and avoiding sleeveless tops for men. Swimwear is only for designated pool and beach areas.
Sharjah is progressing with accessibility for all travelers.
Newer infrastructure, including malls, airports, modern hotels, and major attractions, generally includes ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Older areas or traditional souks may be less accessible.
Public buses come equipped with ramps. Taxis can accommodate folding wheelchairs. Specialized accessible taxis are not broadly available but can be pre-arranged with some private companies.
Specific services are not extensively advertised. Some larger institutions may offer limited assistance. Travel with a companion is advisable.
Information can be found on specific attraction websites. Contact Sharjah Tourism or individual hotels directly for their accessibility features.
Communication with hotels and tour operators regarding specific needs holds importance.
