Many foreign embassies in the UAE are located in the Diplomatic Area, Airport Road, about 10 km south of the city centre (marked with an asterisk on the list below), others are located on Al Nahyan St near Batin Palace.

Embassies and consulates are generally open from 8.45 a.m. ~ 1.30 p.m. All are closed on Fridays, some also on Saturdays.

Many foreign embassies in the UAE are located in the Diplomatic Area, Airport Road, about 10 km south of the city centre (marked with an asterisk on the list below), others are located on Al Nahyan St near Batin Palace.

Embassies and consulates are generally open from 8.45 a.m. ~ 1.30 p.m. All are closed on Fridays, some also on Saturdays.

There are lots of activities for children, both in and around the five-star hotels, special amusement parks and the many green areas. Children under 12 usually qualify for discounts on admission fees to most museums, amusement parks, swimming pools and entertainment centres.

Women Travellers
The UAE is extremely safe for women travellers, nevertheless women travelling alone are a novelty and you may find yourself the focus of unwanted attention. You will probably have a more relaxed visit if you stay in one of the four or five star hotels, especially if you can use the hotel’s private beach facilities.

Women in the UAE have a much more liberal lifestyle than many of their Gulf counterparts (i.e. women are permitted to drive, work etc) however, women travellers should be aware that they are visiting a society which has strong traditional roots.

If you wish to avoid hassle or risk causing offence, do not wear tight or revealing clothes away from the beach clubs and resorts. You will also find that clothing suitable for the more cosmopolitan cities may not be comfortable or convenient for independent travel in rural areas. Loose trousers and a long sleeved cotton shirt will satisfy a wide range of situations.

When socializing in local company wait until a hand is offered to you for a handshake, some devout Muslims prefer not to shake hands with a woman. Ignore unwelcome comments and above all maintain a sense of humour! Remember that one advantage of being a woman in the UAE is that women are normally served first and banks and post offices, police stations and other government offices frequently have separate queues for women.

Disabled Travellers
Several five-star hotels have specially-adapted rooms and other facilities for handicapped people.

Airport facilities
In June 2001 Emirates airline designated a special handling area at departures and arrivals for passengers with special needs. As a result, wheelchair passengers will receive a more personalized service.

HEALTH
Remarkably, the UAE was one of only two countries with no reported cases of holiday illnesses recorded in a survey by the leading British consumer magazine, Holiday Which? This is a tribute to the success of government immunization programmes, the provision of adequate clean water and high standards of cleanliness in hotels and restaurants.

Vaccinations
No special immunizations are required, however it would be wise to check beforehand if you are travelling from a health-risk area. Tetanus inoculations are usually recommended if you are considering a long trip. Polio has been virtually eradicated in the UAE and hepatitis is very rare and can be avoided by taking precautions. Hepatitis A is transmitted by contaminated food and water, Hepatitis B, C, D through sexual contact, the use of unsterilized needles and blood transfusions.

Malaria
There are very few mosquitoes in the towns and cities and, since it is not considered to be a risk, malaria tablets are rarely prescribed for travel in the UAE. However, mosquitoes will find you if you are camping near the mountains or exploring wadis or date groves in the evening, so cover up and use a suitable insect repellent as it is always safer to avoid being bitten. If you are in any doubt consult your doctor or your nearest tropical medical centre before your trip.

Sunburn
The sun can be fierce throughout the year so heatstroke and heat exhaustion are always a risk. Adequate sunglasses, hats and high factor sun creams are essential, especially for children.

Health insurance
Public hospitals, where the medical facilities are very good, will deal with emergencies free of charge, however it would be wise to take out medical insurance to cover all eventualities, especially if you need to attend a private hospital or clinic where treatment can be quite expensive. In all instances, medical procedures, including the use of sterilized needles and the provision of blood transfusions are very reliable.

Doctors
If you need a doctor, ask at your hotel, or ring your embassy for recommendations. If you need emergency treatment and are unable to contact a doctor, try one of the major hospitals listed below.

Pharmacies
Most medicines are readily available at pharmacies. Each emirate has at least one pharmacy open 24 hours a day. Check in local newspapers for information. In some emirates a 24-hour municipality emergency number (Abu Dhabi 02 777 929; Dubai 04 2232323) lists the locations of open chemists.

Dentists
Good dentists are readily available, including orthodontists.

Alternative medicine
Chinese medicine is readily available. There is also a homeopathic hospital.
Ambulance service 998 or 999

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA
Telephone and fax
The telephone network operated by the national telecommunication organization ETISALAT is superb: local calls are free and direct dialling is available to 150 countries.

The international dial code for UAE is +971. Cheap rates for international direct calls apply from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and all day on Fridays and public holidays. There is a complete list of rates at the back of each telephone directory. You do not need to use the emirate access code when dialling an internal number in that emirate. In other words to ring a number in Dubai from Abu Dhabi you must use the 04 prefix. If you are dialling a number in Abu Dhabi from another location in that emirate you will not need to use a prefix.

Yellow page directories are available for each emirate (see also http://www.emirates.net.ae/). These can be purchased at ETISALAT offices. Pay phones, both card and coin operated, are located throughout the UAE. Phone cards for local use (Dh30 or Dh45) are usually available from ETISALAT offices, supermarkets, pharmacies etc. Coin operated phones take Dh1 and 50 fils.

Local and international area codes
Abu Dhabi 02 + 9712
Ajman 06 + 9716
Al Ain 03 + 9713
Dubai 04 + 9714
Fujairah 09 + 9719
Jebel Ali 04 + 9714
Khor Fakkan 09 + 9719
Ra’s al-Khaimah 07 + 9717
Sharjah 06 + 9716
Umm al-Qaiwain 06 + 9716

* Sharjah, Ajman and Umm al-Qaiwain share the access code 06 and Fujairah and Khor Fakkan the access code 09

All hotels offer fax facilities. Faxes can also be sent from ETISALAT (http://www.etisalat.co.ae/) offices throughout the Emirates. The offices are recognizable by the distinctive ‘golf ball’ structures on top of each building. The main ETISALAT office in Abu Dhabi is on the corner of Zayed the Second and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum St. It is open 24 hours a day. ETISALAT’s main office in Dubai is on the corner of Beniyas and Omar ibn Al Khatab roads. It is also open around the clock. In Sharjah the main office is located in Al Manakh, close to the dhow roundabout. Opening hours are Saturday to Wednesday 7 a.m.- 3 p.m., however you can send and receive fax and telex messages 24 hours a day. Shops advertising typing and photocopying services often have fax facilities.

Mobile phones
GSM services are available and the mobile phone code within the UAE is 050.‘Speak Easy’ is a GSM mobile service for those visitors and tourists who cannot use their own mobile phones in the UAE. You can either buy a new mobile phone and purchase a temporary SIM card or use your own handset with a temporary card. Contact ETISALAT for details.

Internet
Most five-star hotels offer guests internet access. Email cheap rates are from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. At the time of writing public internet access kiosks were being established in the UAE, initially at the major airports. The minimum charge for public access is Dh2 and 60 fils per minute. Payment can be made by credit card.

If you have brought your laptop with you, along with a modem and browsing software, you can dial 500 5333 to get connected to the internet. A charge of 15 fils per minute is billed to the telephone to which you are connected. For more details call 800 5244. The British Council Library in Dubai (04 3371540)

Post
The General Postal Authority runs an efficient postal system with red post collection boxes dotted throughout the cities and towns. Mail is usually collected morning and evening. Stamps can be purchased and post mailed from your hotel. Express postal facilities are also available at post offices.

In general, post office opening hours are from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday to Wednesday. Closed Thursdays and Fridays. 8 a.m. – 12 noon on Public Holidays, but closed on the first day of Eid holidays. Note that there are no telephone or fax facilities at post offices in the UAE and poste restante facilities are not available.

The main post office in Abu Dhabi is on East Road between Al Falah and Zayed the Second St. Open Saturday to Wednesday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Friday. In Al Ain the main post office is near the clock tower roundabout. Opening hours 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday to Wednesday, 8a.m. – 11 a.m. Thursday, closed Friday.

The main post office in Dubai is on Za’abeel Road, Bur Dubai (8 a.m. – 11.30 p.m. Saturday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday and closed Fridays). There is also a smaller post office in Deira on Al Sabkha Road. Other post offices are located in Satwa, Karama and Jumeirah.

The main office in Sharjah is located by the Municipality roundabout in the centre of town. Opening hours are Saturday to Wednesday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Openning Hours and Holidays
Openning Hours
Shops Normal shopping hours are from 9.00 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4.00 – 9.00 p.m. however many shops, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi stay open all day. Most shopping centres open from 10 a.m to 10 p.m – frequently later. Some supermarkets are open for 24 hours. Although shops and shopping centres are fully air conditioned, the cool of the evening is a favourite time for shopping. Shopping centres and most shops are open on Friday, the Islamic day of rest, but they all close for Juma (Friday) prayers from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. All shops are required to close at prayer times in Ra’s al-Khaimah.

Offices
Government offices open at 7.30 a.m. and close at 3.00 p.m. but you would be wise to visit in the morning. Private offices tend to keep longer hours, coming back to work in the evening after an extended mid-day break. Some private businesses open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All government offices close for the weekend at mid-day on Thursday and do not open again until Saturday morning. Some offices outside the public sector are open on Thursday and close on Friday and Saturday.

Public Holidays
Since Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of phases of the moon, the dates outlined below for Islamic religious holidays are approximate. The precise dates are not announced until a day or so before they occur. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, the holiday is usually taken at the beginning of the next working week.

A three-day mourning period is usually announced when a member of the ruling families or a government minister or the head of a neighbouring state dies. Government offices and some private companies will close for the period.

Security Personal safety
The UAE is one of the safest places in the world to visit. In fact, it has been designated the world’s safest holiday destination by the international travel industry on two occasions. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to take out travel insurance and to take the normal precaution to safeguard yourself and your valuables.

Police Headquarters Abu Dhabi 02 4461461
Dubai 04 2292222
Sharjah 06 5631111
Ajman 06 7436000
Umm al-Qaiwain 06 5656662
Ra’s al-Khaimah 07 2333888
Fujairah 09 2370000
Dubai Police hotline (Al Ameen service) 8004888

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance 998 or 999
Fire 997
Police 999
Coastguard 04 3450520
East Coast Coastguard 09 2380380

Helicopter Service
If you dial 999 or 04 2821111, Dubai Police guarantee that in an emergency a police helicopter will be with you within 8 minutes

TIPPING
Tipping is not expected, but is common practice. Gratuities to staff at hotels are at your discretion. Most restaurants add service charges to the bill (Abu Dhabi 16 per cent; Sharjah 15 per cent; Dubai 10 per cent). If this charge is not included, add 10 per cent of the total to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. Supermarket baggers, bag carriers and windscreen washers at petrol stations are generally given Dh2.

Photography
Film is readily available, so too are processing facilities and colour prints are produced in record time. Ask permission before photographing people in general. Avoid photographing Muslim women and do not photograph airports, docks, telecommunications equipment, government buildings, military and industrial installations.

Time
The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT. The time does not change during the summer. This means that there is a three hour difference between UK and UAE local times in summer and a four hour difference in winter.

Electricity
Domestic supply is 220 volts. Sockets suitable for three-pin 13 amp plugs of British standard design are the norm, however it is a good idea to bring an adaptor with you just in case. Adaptors can be purchased in local supermarkets. Appliances purchased in the UAE will generally have two-pin plugs attached.

Weights and Measures
The UAE uses the metric system, although British and US standard weights and measures are understood.

Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing is ideal with a wrap, sweater or jacket for cooler winter nights and air-conditioned premises. Although the dress code in the UAE is generally casual, guests in the larger hotels do tend to dress more formally in the evening. Since you are visiting a Muslim country, bikinis, swimsuits, shorts and revealing tops should be confined to beach resorts.

Women are usually advised not to wear short skirts and to keep their shoulders covered. Note that in Sharjah women are prohibited from wearing swimsuits on public beaches.

Toilets
Most shopping centres, public gardens, museums etc have clean, well-maintained public toilets. Public toilets in souqs and bus stations are usually just for men. Outside of the cities, you can find public toilets at restaurants and petrol stations, however they may not be in good condition and will generally lack toilet paper.

Food and Water
The standard of food hygiene and water quality is extremely high, especially in all of the larger centres, as is evidenced by the Which survey. You should take the time to investigate conditions in smaller caf?s in remote areas, although again standards are usually good. Raw salads and shawarmas (meat cooked on a spit and served in a pittta bread sandwich) are to be avoided if you have any doubts.

Water is usually produced by desalination so it is normally safe to drink, nevertheless you may prefer the taste of bottled water. In any case it is advisable to drink plenty of water in the heat so carry a bottle with you at all times.

Nationals of “Israel” may not enter the U.A.E
Citizens of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia) do not need a visa.

AGCC expatriate residents who meet certain conditions may obtain a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry. Visitors who are businessmen, company managers or representatives, auditors, accountants, doctors, engineers or employees working in the public sector, their family members and drivers and servants sponsored by them are eligible for this visa. Employees from the labor and servant categories are not eligible for this type of visa.

Citizens of UK (with the right of abode in the United Kingdom), France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free of charge for One Entry Visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Currently, it has been decided to postpone the implementation of the new regulation as far as Cyprus is concerned. The visa enables them to stay for 60 days. The visa is renewable for a total stay of 90 days.

US citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassies in the US for one to ten year multiple-entry visas. A sponsor is required and the visa will be granted free of charge. The maximum duration of stay should not exceed six months a visit.

German citizens (tourists and business people) may apply to the UAE embassy in Germany for a one or two year multiple-entry visa. No sponsor is required. The maximum duration of stay of visa holders should not exceed three months a year.

Entry Service Permit
An Entry Service Permit applies to the following categories and their families accompanying them: company manager’s representatives, sales managers, account auditors, delegations from companies or establishments to carry out a commercial activity in the UAE, enquirers requested by any of the establishments/companies operating in the UAE assumed to carry out an urgent task. Such visa is also availed to nationalities authorized to obtain a tourist visa, as per the Ministerial Council’s decision. This visa is valid for use within 14 days from the date of issue. The duration of stay is 14 days from date of entry, exclusive of arrival and departure days. It is non-renewable.

In order to complete the application, the sponsor will require the visitor’s date of arrival and flight details, and a photocopy of the first few pages of the visitor’s passport which should be valid for at least three months. This type of entry permit will only be issued as urgent. The Entry Service Permit holder may enter and depart the U.A.E through any airport.

Visit Visas
The Visit Visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 14 days in UAE, those coming for family visits as well as those on long-term business visits. It requires the sponsorship of any U.A.E. resident or any company or hotel licensed to operate within the U.A.E. A refundable guarantee from expatriates who wish to sponsor distant relatives is imposed. This visa is valid for entry within two months from its date of issue. The Visit Visa is valid for 60 days and is renewable for a total stay of up to 90 days. In order to complete the application, the sponsor will require the visitor’s date of arrival and arrival details and a photocopy of the first few pages of the visitor’s passport, which must be valid for at least three months. The Visit Visa holder may enter and leave the country through any port of entry in the UAE.

Tourist Visas
A special category of visas under the Visit Visa type is a Tourist Visa, which can be obtained for individual tourists from: East and West Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, the Hellenic Republic, St Kitts-Navis, St Lucia, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Kingston, Palao other non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, China, Malta, Cyprus. The Tourist Visa entitles its holder to a 30 day stay and is non-renewable. The Tourist Visa requires the sponsorship of hotels and tour operators who bring in visitors from the above listed countries.

Multiple-Entry Visas
Multiple-entry Visas are availed to business visitors who have a relationship with either a multinational or other reputable local establishments, and who are frequent visitors to the UAE. This type of visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The validity is non-renewable. The visitor must enter the UAE on a visit visa and obtain the multiple entry visa while in the country. The visa would be stamped on the passport.

96-hour Visa for Transit Passengers
Transit passengers stopping at Dubai International Airport for a minimum of 8 hours and meeting the certain conditions mentioned below are eligible for obtaining a 96-hour transit visa. These conditions are as follows:

- Airlines sponsored only (prior arrangements maybe required)
- Applications should have confirmed onward booking to the 3rd destination

For transit passengers or those holding special permits, or for visit or mission, the passport or the document must be valid for at least three months.

Immigration Departments
Abu Dhabi
Tel: 02 4462244

Dubai
Tel: 04 3980000

Sharjah
Tel: 06 5726777

Ajman
Tel: 06 7434444

Ras Al Khaimah
Tel: 07 2273333

Umm Al Quwain
Tel: 06 7666419

The latter were caught by stalking them through the shallows, generally from a canoe, and eventually diving in after them and literally grappling with them. Turtle eggs were collected from well known nesting beaches and most parts of the animal were utilised.

The territory, which had over time become the exclusive dar of the Bani Yas tribes, is bordered by 600 km of coast. As can be expected, the inhabitants of the hinterland made every possible use of the resources which this area of beaches, sand banks, creeks and inshore islands offered. They also colonized the many more distant islands.

The extensive tidal shallows, which are characteristic of most of this coast, are ideal for fishing with traps. These were intricately constructed fences, placed to shape a letter V, where the fish were caught when the water receded. Another method involved stretching two nets at right angles to the tidal creek from a central pole; the use of a small dugout and working in a team of two or three fishermen was essential in some locations.

But there were also methods by which one man alone could secure a good catch as, for instance, by stalking a shoal of small fish in the shallow water and casting over it a circular net weighted with stones. Fish which was not consumed fresh was hung up in the sun to dry, or treated with salt, and taken to the inland settlements where this additional protein was very welcome.

Some of the small fish was dried and used as camel fodder or as fertilizer for the gardens, but, as for the fresh fish, the fishermen on the coast of Abu Dhabi were a long way from markets. There is archaeological evidence that on most of Abu Dhabi’s numerous islands, tribes people came to fish in the winter and even brought their camels over in boats. Khaur al-Odaid, at the foot of the Qatar Peninsula, was not suitable for the establishment of larger, They used rainwater, stored in cisterns, or caught in horizontally placed sails. But the coast between Dubai and permanent settlements, because of the lack of reliable supplies of drinking water.

UAE Diving

Diving in the UAE offers great variation as have both the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean to dive in. Through our four dive centers across the UAE & Oman, Al Boom Diving offers daily dive trips on both coasts, as well as trips to the Musandam peninsula.

We also offer transfers from Dubai to the East Coast/Musandam for those staying in Dubai, but wishing to explore the East Coast & Musandam.

Musandam Peninsula (Dibba)
Musandam is very isolated and sparsely populated and the diving here is brilliant. Diving in Musandam used to be associated with a lot of hassle; all equipment had to be brought up from Dubai, permits had to be obtained etc. Now, through our new dive center in Dibba (located just 1 ½ hours drive from Dubai), diving the Musandam has become very easy. All you have to do is turn up and dive.

Musandam has sites suitable for all levels and an abundant marine life. Dolphins, Sharks, large Rays, colourful corals, large lobsters – even whale sharks have been spotted here.

There is also a nice cavern dive and a few sites with nice wall dives (+ off course numerous yet undiscovered sites). Snorkelers and guests “coming along to enjoy the scenery” are most welcome.

Musandam trips run daily. Weekends will mainly be for divers – snorkelers and boat trippers may join subject to space. A daily bus transfer from Dubai to the port in Dibba is in operation. Please contact us for further information.

Arabian Sea, UAE East Coast (Fujeirah/Khor Fakkan/Dibba)
The Arabian Sea is part of the Indian Ocean, and this is where you find the colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life. If lucky, you may come across blacktips, moray eels, turtles, lionfish, rays, cuttlefish, barracuda etc – you name it, we got it (well, almost). The diving here is suitable for all levels of divers and there are also sites suitable for snorkeling.

Our dive center on the East Coast offers daily trips to the sites off the East Coast. A bus transfer service from Dubai to the East Coast is in operation, leaving our dive center in Dubai 06.45 am and returning around 17.00 hrs. Please contact us for further information.

Arabian Gulf, UAE West Coast (Dubai)
Diving off Dubai is all wreck diving, with sites ranging in depth from 10m to 80m. Some of the wrecks have been put there to form artificial reefs, whereas others went down due to bad weather or marine accidents.

Due to the nature of the seabed in the Arabian Gulf (which is mostly sand), the wrecks are gathering spots for marine life such as large Barracuda, large Rays, Dolphins, Turtles, Seasnakes, Batfish and, off course, Arabian Angelfish.

Most sites are limited to divers with experience beyond entry level, but we also offer Adventure dives and Advanced training for Open Water Divers wishing to do their first wreck.

Al Boom Diving Club generally run dives on the West Coast Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and guest divers are most welcome. Trips can also be arranged on other days subject to a minimum number of divers. The West Coast trips are for divers only. There are no sites suitable for snorkelling and as for people coming along for the boat trip, well, they tend to get very seasick and hate every minute of it !!! But serious divers tend to love diving here.

UAE DIVING CENTERS

In The Event of a Scuba Diving Accident, Please Contact one of the Following Diving Doctors!
Horst Kafer Clinic: 04/3442773 24Hr. Hotline: 04/3494880 Mobile 6523809 Location: Dubai, Jumeirah, Magrudy Centre 1st Floor Hyperbaric Chamber Aqua Diver Phone: 06/5285323 Location: Sharjah, Sharjah Port Behind the Oil Storage Tanks		Jamal Ali Jamal (Dubai Physiotherapy Clinic) CLinic: 04/3496333 Location: Dubai,Wasel Road, Infront of Emirates Bank Coast Guard Dubai: 04/3450260 Sharjah: 06/5281667 Fujairah: 09/2380380 Khorfakkan: 09/2386611
Abu Dhabi		Dubai
Abu Dhabi Sub AquaClub Al Meena Zayed Tel 02-673 1111 Fax 02-673 1113 Email: theclub@emirates.net.ae Al Masaood Marine Sports Telephone:+971-2-642 3336 Fax:+971-2-642 4111 Email:marinesports@masaood.com website:www.masaoodmarine.com Gulf Marine Sports P.O. Box 32945 Abu Dhabi UAE Tel: +9712 671 0017 Fax: +9712 671 0177 emial: info@gulfmarinesports.com www.gulfmarinesports.com Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company ADMA ( Haider Saleh Al Musaabi ) PR Dept. Diving Section c/o Ayman Wahba Mob. No.: 050-6164083 Tel. No.: 02-6060000 Fax No.: 02-6266005 Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Operations ADCO TEL: 02-6040000 FAX: 02-6669785 Blue Dolphin Diving Center Inter Continental Hotel Owner: Zuhair Salem In-Charge: Tarek Salem P.O. Box 5204 Tel: 6669392 Fax: 6666800/802 Abu Dhabi Arabian Divers & Sportfishing Charters Contact: Greg Heinricks P.O. Box 47697, Abu Dhabi Mob. No.: 050-6146931 Fax No.: 02-6658742 E-mail: aheinricks@hotmail.com www.abudhabi.com		Al Boom Diving Al Wasl Road Tel 04-342 2993 Fax 04-342 2995 Email: abdiving@emirates.net.ae Website: www.alboomdiving.com Pavilion Dive centre Jumeirah Beach Hotel Tel 406 8827 Fax 348 4754 Email: phil.oshea@thejumeirahbeachhotel.com Website: www.jumeirahinternational.com/diving Scuba Dubai Trade Centre Apartments, Block C Tel 04 3317433 Fax 04 3310680 Email: info@scubadubai.com Technical Diving Heritage & Diving village Tel 04 393 7557 Fax 04 393 7883 Email: scubaint@emirates.net.ae Scubatec Sana Building Tel 04 334 8988 Fax 04 336 6461 Email scubatec@emirates.net.ae Proma Freestyle Al Wadi Bldg. Sheikh Zayed Road Tel. No.: 04-3438827 Fax No.: 04-3438829 E-mail: amoore@proma.ae Nautilus Diving Centre Deira, Dubai Tel. No.: 04-2719455 Fax No.: 04-2719371 Mob. No.: 050-8433062 E-mail: diver@yahoo.com.ua Al Samak 050-6505111 Dubai Aqua Tribe 050-6554368 Dubai Al Sayegh Wilson Building Al Diyafah Road Near Bur Dubai Police Station P.O. Box 878 Dubai Tel. No.: 04-3987234 Fax: 04-3981233 E-mail: hatim@emirates.net.ae
FUJAIRAH		SHARJAH
Divers Down (at Oceanic Hotel) Khor Fakkan, Sharjah UAE Tel 09-2370299 Fax 09-2370194 Email:ddown@emirates.net.ae Website: www.diversdown.tk Scuba 2000 Diving Resort Tel 09-2388477 Fax 09-2388478 Mr. Hassan Abduljabar (owner) Mobile 050-4846656 Email scubauae@emirates.net.ae or scubauae@yahoo.com Address: P.O. Box 10106, Sharjah-Khorfakkan, UAE Website: www.scuba-2000.com Fujairah International Marine Club, P.O.Box 2099 Fujeirah, U.A.E Phone 09/2220060 Fax 09/2220548 Email info@scubainternational.net Website: www.scubainternational.net Al Boom Diving Al Aqah 09-2044925		Sharjah Dive Club Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club Tel 06 535 7505 Fax 06 5663226 Email joescott@emirates.net.ae Sharjah Dive Club Wonderers Club, BSAC Branch www.bsac406.com Aqua Diving Services P.O. Box 1875 Sharjah Tel.: 06-5285323 / 5283287 Fax: 06-5281720 E-mail: aquadive@emirates.net.ae Website: www.aqua-diving-services.com Al Marsa P.O. Box 32261 Sharjah Tel.: 06-5441232 Fax: 06-5441094 E-mail: info@musandamdiving.com Website: musandamdiving.com
KHOR FAKKAN		AJMAN
Al Madhani Sea Tourist & Diving Near Dibba Oman Tel 050 690508 Fax 09 2383370 Diving House On the corniche road Tel 09 238 3638 Fax 09 238 7383 Email dive4fun@emirates.net.ae Seven Seas Diving Centre Near Khor Fakkan Souk Tel 09 238 7400 Fax 09 238 7440 Email diving@emirates.net.ae website: http://www.7seasdivers.com

]]> http://pressthewords30.wordpress.com/2009/10/24/uae-diving/feed/ 0 picnic454 UAE Diving Al Boom Diving Club http://pressthewords30.wordpress.com/2009/10/24/uae-golf/ http://pressthewords30.wordpress.com/2009/10/24/uae-golf/#comments Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:25:59 +0000 picnic454 http://google786.com/uaetravel1/?p=13 ]]> The UAE is blessed with more than a dozen golf courses; three challenging PGA championship golf courses and five additional courses are open to visitors.

Six of the golf courses have lush fairways and exquisitely manicured greens. A couple, being sand courses, offer the unique opportunity to play on ‘ browns’ (oiled sand) instead of greens.

All the major golf courses have state-of-the-art clubhouses and a range of additional facilities, including quality pro-shops and dedicated coaching facilities with PGA qualified professionals. All players on the main courses are required to hold an official handicap of 28 or less for men and 36 or less for women. Only soft spikes or rubber-soled shoes are permitted and conventional golfing apparel is mandatory (t-shirts with collars and tailored shorts/trousers).

No denims or jeans are permitted on the course or in the clubhouse. Golf clubs and golf carts are available for hire. It is advisable to book time slots well in advance (see the section Getting There for information on package golf holidays). Bookings from outside the UAE must be by fax giving full details of the booking and credit card number as guarantee.

Abu Dhabi Airport Golf Club (02 5758040) is an 18-hole, 6450-yard, par 71 sand golf course situated 400 metres (two minutes by road) from the terminal. It features an English-style hilltop clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis courts and an advanced training facility. The Royle golf visual communication system can assess your swing on monitors with graphic overlays that enable you to compare your swing with those of some of the world’s best-known players. The academy also features Durnian Frames specially designed metal frames through which golfers can perfect their swing plane by following the line of the frame.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club By Sheraton, Umm al-Nar features two world-class 18-hole superbly landscaped golf courses, a challenging 7204 yards par 72 fully mature National Course and a 6524 yards par 72 Garden Course which is described as ‘more forgiving’. Nine holes of the latter are floodlit. Both courses have strategically-placed bunkers and salt-water lakes. Mature date palms and ornamental trees surround a spectacular clubhouse built in the shape of a large falcon swooping down on a golf ball.

Extensive practice and training facilities are available and the club also has an impressive range of leisure facilities, including tennis, squash, fitness centres and swimming pools. Green fees range from Dh150 to Dh360 at peak times but check out the special summer packages offering superb value.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Al Garhoud Road, Dubai (04 2956000). In the heart of the city, the main 18-hole, floodlit par 72 grass course, which forms the centrepiece of this leisure complex, has excellent views of the creek. But beware of the water hazards and tricky doglegs.

There is also a nine-hole par three, floodlit course. Guests are welcome. Green fees are approximately Dh400. A unique clubhouse design echoes the billowing sails of a traditional Arab dhow. Other facilities include a115-berth marina, tennis courts, picnic and barbecue sites, cycling and jogging tracks.

Dubai Country Club, Hatta Road, Dubai is the oldest club in the Emirates. It features an18-and a nine-hole sand course. Golfers are issued with a small piece of artificial turf to play off when on the fairways. Non-members may play for a fee provided that they are guests of an existing member, or wish to play at off-peak hours.

Emirates Golf Club, Junction 5, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai (04 3473222). Twenty minutes from Dubai city centre, Emirates Golf club has two challenging18-hole par 72 grass courses. The main 18-hole course is 7100 yards, playing to par 72. The second 18-holes features a range of daunting bunkers and water hazards. A striking clubhouse is built in the shape of a series of bedouin tents. Visitors are welcome on a pay-and-play basis. Green fees are Dh330–365. Equipment is available for hire. The club also a swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts and snooker room.

Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club (02 4459600). A nine-hole, 6365-yard par 70 fully floodlit course located in Mushrif in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The racetrack runs through the course, providing a formidable challenge on four holes. Facilities include clubhouse, golf academy, bars and restaurants, floodlit tennis courts, swimming pool and pro-shop. Visitors are welcome. Green fees for 18 holes are Dh230, 9 holes Dh140. club car Dh40 for 18 holes and Dh25 for 9. Special summer rates on request.

Al Ain Golf Club, Al Ain (03 7686808). Visitors are welcome but ring ahead.

Al Dhafra Golf Links Ruwais, Abu Dhabi (02 8771600)

Hilton Al Ain Golf Club, this par 3 course is short but difficult. Open to non-members, club hire available.

Jebel Ali Hotel and Golf Resort, Dubai. Located about 30 minutes from Dubai city centre, this is a nine-hole par 36 course with a central seawater hazard. There is also a driving range with bunkers and target greens. Visitors are welcome on a pay-and–play basis and equipment is available for hire.

Nad al-Sheba Club, Al Awir Roundabout, Nad al-Sheba Rd, Dubai (04 3363666) features a floodlit 18-hole links-style course playing to par 71. The course has eight lakes and more than 110 pot bunkers. Situated about 15 minutes from Dubai city centre, this is a short course, the emphasis being on accuracy.

The first nine is located inside the famous Nad al-Sheba race track with the second nine outside the track. Visitors are welcome on a pay-and-play basis. During the racing season (November – April) check last tee times with the club. Green fees are Dh220-295. Equipment is available for hire. There is also a large driving range, a practice putting area and chipping greens.

Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, Sharjah (06 5586239) is a private membership club, offering an 18-hole golf course, a gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis, squash, rugby, football and hockey ?

Dubai Desert Classic (Dubai World Trade Centre). The Dubai Desert Classic, a European Tour event sponsored by DUBAL, is usually held in March. This is your chance to see some of the world’s top professional golfers compete for prize money in excess of US$1 million.

Bowling
Abu Dhabi Tourist Club (02 6723400), near Meridian Hotel Abu Dhabi has a popular12-lane bowling alley. Entrance fees are Dh7 for one game, Dh3 for shoe rental. Opening hours are 8 a.m. to 12 midnight.

Al Nasr Leisureland (04 3371234), near American Hospital, Al Karama, Dubai opens from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight. Booking is advised since this is a very popular venue. Entrance fees are Dh10, Dh7 per game and shoe rental is free.

Khalifa International Bowling Centre (02 4034650) is located near Ice Rink, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. This impressive 40-lane facility is reputed to be one of the most modern bowling alleys in the world. Opening hours are 12 midday to 12 midnight Saturday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday and 2 p.m. to midnight on Fridays. Costs are Dh7 for one game, shoe hire is Dh2.

Thunder Bowl (04 3431000), near Defence roundabout, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai opens from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Facilities include 20 computerized lanes, pool, snooker hall, Sega Park and three fast food restaurants.

Camel Racing
This may be your only opportunity to view a unique sport which is an integral part of the heritage of the UAE. Camel racing takes place during the winter season (Thursdays and Friday mornings, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., from October to March) at special tracks around the country. The atmosphere is electric, especially during public holidays when major races for considerable prize money are held. There is no admission fee.

Al Wathba Racetrack is about 45km east of Abu Dhabi. Al Ain Racetrack is situated approximately 25km from Al Ain on the Abu Dhabi road. Nad al-Sheba camel track, which has an impressive grandstand in the shape of a billowing bedouin tent, is located on the outskirts of Dubai city behind the Metropolitan Hotel. Sharjah, Ajman, Ra’s al-Khaimah and Fujairah also host camel racing but the camel racetrack, located between Falaj al-Mualla and Umm al-Qaiwain city, is one of the more simple and attractive of UAE racetracks.

Car Rallying
Emirates Motor Sports Federation (04 2827111 emsf@emirates.net.ae) organizes a wide range of car rallying events in the UAE, including the Drakkar Noir 1000 Dunes Rally for 4WD (March) and the Champions Rally for saloons (February).

The Desert Challenge, part of the World Cup, is held in the first week in December.

Cricket
Cricket has a growing following in the UAE. Top world teams compete in the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series at a purpose-built cricket stadium in Sharjah (06 5322991), while the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council (02 6459790) has a new stadium next to Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The Council organizes a range of matches and tournaments throughout the year, including the Abu Dhabi Duty Free Tournament.

Al Ain Cricket Association (050 6231590) grounds are located between the Hilton and Intercontinental hotels.

Darjeeling Cricket Club, Dubai (04 3331746) runs matches every Friday, a six-a-side Gulf tournament in March, and regular matches against visiting sides. The clubhouse is open from Tuesday to Sunday. A non-member match fee of Dh20 applies. The Club also hosts the Darjeeling Hockey Club.

Football
Football fans need not be deprived of their favourite sport since soccer is also the most popular national sport in the UAE. There are stadiums galore, including Zayed Sports City, the biggest sports complex in the Middle East. Check in local newspapers for fixtures.

Abu Dhabi Strollers Football Club (050 6127957) provides expatriates in the UAE with the opportunity to play competitive football. Gaelic football enthusiasts can also assuage their withdrawal symptoms at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club where the Gaelic Athletic Association (04 343 0116 dubaicelts@hotmail.com) holds their games and training sessions.

Horse Riding
As you might expect from a country enamoured with all things equine, recreational riding is well catered for in the UAE.

Lessons suitable for all abilities are available and desert rides are popular for the more experienced. Most enthusiasts have their own equipment but you can usually purchase or hire a hat if necessary. Rates vary depending on your requirements.

The riding club at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (02 455500) has 60 horses suitable for a wide range of abilities. Facilities include extensive stables and an air conditioned show jumping and riding arena. Show jumping events are staged on a regular basis.

Abu Dhabi Tourist Club (02 4455500)

Abu Dhabi Hunting & Equestrian Club (02 447545).

Ajman Equestrian Club, near city centre Ajman (06 7433123) gives lessons in show jumping and dressage. Desert trips for five riders or more are also available.

Hotel Intercontinental Al Ain has stables 13 horses for lessons and desert hacks.

Club Joumana, Jebel Ali Hotel Dubai has six horses and can provide lessons and hacks as well as desert rides.

Dubai Equestrian Centre (04 3361394) is located near the camel race track Nad al-Sheba The centre has 147 horses and extensive facilities, including floodlit arena, riding school arenas and dressage arenas.

Jebel Ali Equestrian Club, Jebel Ali Village (04 8845566) is an approved branch of the British Pony Club and offers lessons for children and adults. Hacking, dressage and jumping are also available. Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Al Dhaid Rd (06 5311155), situated about 17km from the centre of Sharjah on the Sharjah-Dhaid road, keeps 95 horses for riding. Facilities include a floodlit sand arena, a floodlit paddock, grass show jumping arena and hacking trails.

Umm al-Qaiwain Marine Club and Riding Centre (06 7666644), near Palm Beach Resort, Umm al-Qaiwain offers lessons for beginners and the more advanced in basic riding skills, jumping and dressage as well as hacks on the beach and in the desert.

Ice-Skating
In a country where the sun always shines you can enjoy an activity that is more typical of colder climates but bring a sweater!

Abu Dhabi Tourist Club (026723400) has a large ice-skating rink with TV screens and floodlights.

Abu Dhabi Ice Rink (02 4448458) at Zayed Sport City can also provide hours of fun. Located off Airport Road just past Continent supermarket (15 minutes from the corniche Clock Tower). Reasonably priced lessons for up to three at a time (or courses) can be booked with the in-house trainer. Ice hockey training and matches are on Saturday and Sunday. Great fun, but remember to take a sweater. In Al Ain you can skate at Hili Fun City & Ice Rink (03 784 5542 funcity@emirates.net.ae)

Dubai has two ice-rinks, Al Nasr Leisureland (04 3371234) and Hyatt Regency Galleria (04 2096550). Costs are in the region of Dh 5–25 for a session. The higher price range usually includes skate hire. Opening hours can vary according to season and activities so check before you go.

Powerboat Races
World championship powerboat races are staged each year in the UAE. The final round of the inshore Formula One is staged off Abu Dhabi Sharjah in November complementing offshore Class One races held off Dubai and Fujairah. The UAE’s own powerboat teams (Victory Teams) have had remarkable success on the world circuit over the years.

Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club at the Breakwater, Abu Dhabi (ADIMSC 02 6815566) and Dubai International Marine Sports Club at Mina Seyahi (DIMC 04 3994111) also organizes powerboat races throughout the year.

Rock Climbing
If you are a beginner or wish to improve your skills try the indoor climbing wall at Pharaohs Club, Pyramids, Oud al-Mehta, Dubai (04 3240000). Charges are Dh35 for one hour. Opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. If you are a competent climber and the excellent rock climbing routes in the UAE mountains beckon to you, staff at the Pharaohs Club may have information about informal groups who tackle the mountains on a regular basis.

Rugby
Abu Dhabi Rugby Football Club (050 6621861) participates in both local and regional tournaments. Games are generally played on a grass pitch provided by the Mina Zayed Port Authority.

Al Ain Amblers Rugby Club (050 4492670) plays on grass pitches next to the Al Ain Intercontinental and Al Ain Oasis Barbarians Rugby Club (03 7825568) holds weekly touch rugby sessions that are open to everyone.

The Six Nations Rugby Tournament is held at the Irish Village, Dubai in April. World-class rugby sevens compete in the Dubai Rugby Sevens in November/December each year for the prestigious Emirates International Trophy. Friendly matches are also played on a regular basis with international teams. Check events magazines and newspapers for details or call Dubai Exiles Rugby Club (04 3331198), near Dubai Country Club.

Sailing
Hotels and beach clubs (see the section on beach health, and sports clubs) throughout the UAE provide recreational sailing for short-term visitors, however if you have a deeper interest in the sport you could contact one of the local sailing clubs.

For a truly wonderful experience you can watch traditional sailing dhows, graceful craft from an earlier age when great wooden trading dhows plied the Indian Ocean, or traditional longboats powered by up to 100 oarsmen, race off the Abu Dhabi Corniche and other venues throughout the Emirates. These events usually coincide with one of the local festivals, especially National Day (2 December). Check the local newspapers for details.

Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club (ADIMSC 02 6815566) organizes open regattas for modern sailing boats (catamarans, lasers) and windsurfers. Abu Dhabi Sailing Club (ADSC), which is part of The Club, Madinat Zayed (02 6731111), sails Kestrels, Lasers and Laser II. Races are held on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Temporary membership is available.

Abu Dhabi Catamaran Association (02 5547810) holds races on alternate Thursdays and every Friday throughout the year.

Races for toppers, lasers, catamarans, cruisers are also held every weekend at Jebel Ali Sailing Club, Mina Seyahi, Dubai (04 3995444). Situated close to Mina Seyahi harbour this club has an active programme of marine activities, including kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, powerboating, snorkelling and diving, as well as many land-based activities such as hiking, archery, overnight camping and climbing.

Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (04 3941669) is a non-profit club, run by a committee of volunteers, where sailors of all abilities are welcome. It provides moorings, launching facilities, sail training as well as full catering and an active yachting and social calendar.

Dubai International Marine Club (04 3994111) is no longer a members’ club, but organizes local, national and international boat races and water sports events. Spectators are welcome.

UAQ Tourist Club (The Flamingo Beach Resort 06 7670000) is situated in the old part of town on the lagoon. This relaxed club offers great sailing in all types of boats, including catamarans, glass-bottom boats for viewing the coral reefs, and a dhow for sea trips. Waterskiing, windsurfing and jet skiing are also catered for.

Shooting / Archery
Hatta Fort Hotel (04 8523211) has supervised clay pigeon ranges and archery facilities.

Jebel Ali Shooting Club (04 8836555) offers pistol, skeet and trap shooting, as well as simulated laser shooting. Ra’s al-Khaimah Shooting Club (07 2363622) will teach you to shoot with a variety of guns. It also has facilities for archery. Facilities at Umm al-Qaiwain Shooting Club (06 7681900) include air conditioned and soundproofed indoor ranges, outdoor ranges and a ‘big gun’ range.

Dubai Archery Group (04 2215839) is an informal association whose meetings take place in front of Dubai College.

Tennis
Tennis courts are widely available at hotels and private clubs throughout the UAE. Many are floodlit to facilitate playing in the cool of the evening. Hire of courts for non-residents and non-members are in the region of Dh25–100. Again, the higher prices will apply at weekends.

The Dubai Tennis Open, the Dubai Duty Free sponsored ATP and WTA event which attracts top-seeded players, is usually held at the Aviation Club (04 2824122) in February each year.

Bars range from sophisticated cocktail lounges to informal traditional British and Irish pubs and Western style saloons. In addition, there are numerous piano and jazz bars. Clubs and discos host both local DJs and big international names. You can also visit local nightclubs with Arab singers, belly dancers and musicians. World famous groups and individual stars from the the West, the Arab world, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East are frequent visitors.

The hotels, in particular, vie with each other to stage the best live shows. Cabaret is standard fare in the hotel nightclubs, but it is during the winter season and on national holiday weekends that the hotels come alive with food festivals, stage shows and themed nights. Talented groups from countries such as the Philippines and Sri Lanka have wide-ranging repertoires featuring African beat, salsa, country and western, rock, R’B, reggae, jazz. Close your eyes and you could be listening to the original artists.

If it is a more cultural experience that you require, plays, ballets, classical music and operas are also perfomed by visiting groups on a regular basis. Even the West End of London has been transported to the UAE in the form of dinner theatre.

Bars and Clubs
Most four- and five-star hotels have bars, pubs and nightclubs. Drinks can be quite expensive. Happy hours are common. The dress code in bars is usually casual, but some bars and all clubs forbid shorts, jeans, trainers or sandals. Some require shirts with collars.

As a rule nightclubs have a stricter dress code. Bars and clubs usually stay open until late, some closing at about 1 p.m., others remaining open until 3 a.m. In general people tend to go out late, usually not before 9 p.m., although if you are in a tourist venue the action can start a little earlier. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are the busiest nights. Sports fans are catered for with many of the pubs screening major sporting events such as Premier League matches.

Arabic Nightclubs
Arabic nightclubs usually warm-up around 10.30 p.m. Food menus are often limited, although in hotels full Arabic menus are on offer. Entertainment can be lively.

Food and Drink Visitors from many parts of the world along with a multi-ethnic resident community have ensured that a sophisticated and innovative food culture has developed in the UAE. Almost any type of food is available, from classic European to Pacific Rim. You can eat Mexican, Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Indian, Pakistani, Persian, Italian and French cooking, and more, at some of the finest restaurants in the Middle East.

International fast-food chains, serving the standard fare of hamburgers, chips, pizzas etc (McDonalds’s, Pizza Hut, Pizza Inn, Hardee’s, Wimpy, Dunkin’ Donut) are also located in the larger cities.

Kentucky Fried Chicken seems to be a particular favourite. International theme restaurants such as TGI Friday’s, Planet Hollywood, Fashion Caf?, Hard Rock Caf? and Henry J Bean’s are all represented in the Emirates.

If you cannot find anything to suit in that list, small ethnic caf?s and corner stalls are ubiquitous. Shisha caf?s offer an opportunity to smoke a shisha (hubble-bubble pipe) and serve food, coffee, tea and fruit juices and corner stalls serve sharwarmas and other sandwiches.

Gulf and Middle Eastern food is also available in a wide variety of venues, from expensive restaurants to local caf?s. Fresh fish from the Arabian Gulf is always good. Try lobster, crab, shrimp, or grouper, tuna, kingfish, red snapper, grilled, stuffed, or fried with spices.

But it is not just a question of variety, make no mistake the food is generally good and the standard of service is high.

Pork
Muslims are prohibited from eating pork so it is not included in Arabic menus. Hotels frequently have substitutes such as beef sausages and veal rashers on their breakfast menus. If pork is available, it is clearly labelled as such.

Alcohol
Alcohol is generally only served in hotel restaurants and bars (but not in Sharjah).

Exceptions are some clubs (e.g. golf clubs) and associations. Restaurants that are not associated with hotels are not permitted to serve alcohol.