Climate

The climate in the United Arab Emirates is sub-tropical and arid. During summer (April to September) the weather is hot (around 50 degrees C) and extremely humid. At other times the humidity is less and the temperature generally ranges from 20-35 degrees C. Rainfall is infrequent and usually occurs between November and March, with an average annual rainfall of 152mm (6 in.). There can be occasional sandstorms from the desert and some winter mornings bring fog, although this usually dissipates fairly quickly.

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mean	18.4	19.6	22.4	26.4	30.8	32.7	34.6	34.9	32.5	28.8	24.4	20.3
Mean Max	24.6	26.0	29.0	34.5	39.2	41.4	41.8	43.2	40.6	36.6	31.0	27.0
Mean Min	13.4	14.3	16.5	19.5	23.1	25.7	28.4	29.1	26.4	22.5	18.5	15.2

Humidity in Abu Dhabi is highest in the winter months, averaging 69 percent in December and 67 percent in January, falling to a low of 49 percent in May and an average of 53 percent in June through August.

Population

The United Arab Emirates has a population of 4.4 million with the population of Abu Dhabi having grown by a compounded average of 4.57% annually between 2001 and 2006. A similar growth is expected in Abu Dhabi until 2010, when the emirate’s population is forcasted to reach over 1.75 million.

In addition to the locals, the population figures include many expatriate residents that live and work in the emirate. Across the UAE, Emirati nationals comprise roughly 20% of total population, while expatriate workers’ nationalities include Asians, Africans, Europeans as well as from both North and Latin Americas.

 

 

Culture, Lifestyle and Traditions

The Islamic religion governs all aspects of the society in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the Emirates from the local dress to the method in which financial affairs are conducted.

Local men wear their traditional dress called a Dishdasha, which is an ankle-length, collarless gown that is usually white along with a headdress called a guthra. The local women wear a black Abaya over their clothing and some elderly married women wear the burkha, which is a special facial covering when they are in public.

Visitors are free to dress according to their personal choice but it is recommended to dress sensibly; in public venues women should not wear short skirts and should keep their shoulders covered. Lightweight summer clothing is ideal with a wrap, sweater or jacket for cooler winter nights and air- conditioned premises.

It is custom for Emaratis to be warm, extremely hospitable and respectful. It is common for them to offer their guests refreshments or to invite them for a meal during a visit and it is considered rude to decline.

Openly admiring an object in the host’s house renders him or her honor-bound to present the same as a gift to the guest, which begets a gift of similar value from the guest at a later stage.

Sport

The UAE hosts many of the world’s major events in a wide range of sports, from horse raising to motor racing, golf, tennis, football, rugby, cricket, sailing, powerboat racing and almost every other competitive sport.

Aside from the international circuit events, the UAE has a healthy indigenous sporting environment with the local community participating in a wide variety of clubs and establishments.

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the UAE team to win the gold medal in the skeet event at the Asian Shooting Championships in September 2006.

The Emirates’ other key sports sponsorships include the GB£100 million (Dh662.2 million) deal with Arsenal Football Club, which is also one of the biggest club sponsorship deals in English football history.

With sun, sea and sand in abundance, the UAE provides the perfect venue for Beach Soccer, which is now part of the FIFA family

Robot jockeys are controlled by their owners who communicate over a wireless network. Previously, a contesting camel had to carry the jockey, weighing at least 45 kilograms.

As part of the European Formula X Sport Series, drivers voted to race at the new Dubai Autodrome instead of taking the challenge to Silverstone in the UK. In all, 15 drivers competed, seven of whom entered from the UAE.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is one of the most prestigious international sporting events ever staged in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE powerboat Victory team is classed as the most successful in the history of UIM World Championships, with driving legend Ali Nasser himself picking up 14 world titles in 13 years.

The 2006 World Aerobatics Show, held in Al Ain, attracted competitors from 40 countries, including 83 parachutists and sky divers.

Currency

The unit of currency in the UAE is the Dirham. The Dirham has been officially pegged to the US dollar since 2002. The rate is Dh 3.67 = US$ 1.

The Dirham divides into 100 fils. Notes come in denominations of Dh 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000; coins in denominations of Dh1 and 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils.

 

Tipping

Restaurants: Many restaurants include service charge, but it is unlikely to end up with the waiter or waitress, so try to leave at least 10 percent in cash.

Taxis: Round fair up to the nearest Dirham.

Hotel Porter: Dh 5

Valet Parking: Dh 5 – 10

Working Hours

Take note that the weekdays in Abu Dhabi are Sunday to Thursday, the weekend beginning on Friday.

Banks: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday to Thursday

Businesses: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 7 p.m. Saturday to Thursday

Government: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday to Thursday

Restaurants: Lunch Noon – 3 p.m., dinner 7 – 11 p.m.

Shops: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday to Tuesday; 10 a.m. – Midnight Wednesday to Friday

Business Practice and Etiquette Tips

Business cards are essential; always carry a small stack with you. They are usually handed out at the beginning of the meeting, after shaking hands.Only use your right hand when offering or receiving things. The Arabic handshake involves touching the heart with the palm of the right hand after each shake, although visitors should note that when greeting Arab women they should not offer their hand unless the woman extends hers first. Strict Muslim men will not shake hands with women they are not related to. As an alternative, press your palm lightly over your heart. It is also very important for visitors never to sit in such a way that the soles of their feet are pointing directly at someone else. Do not arrange appointments on Fridays, the Muslim day of prayer and rest. Avoid making calls between 2 and 5 p.m. on weekdays, when many Arabs take an afternoon break. With tensions high in the Middle East, visitors are strongly advised not to bring up political matters and, if prompted, to veer on the side of caution, not assuming any common beliefs or options. Business socializing in Abu Dhabi can be quite formal. Lunch meetings are more common than evening meetings and visitors should note that sometimes business meals will be served at venues that do not serve alcohol. Asking for it may cause embarrassment and even insult. If dining with Muslims, never eat or offer pork, even if it is on the menu – this is very offensive.