From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: United Arab Emirates
Date: 12 Jan 1993 21:28:12 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - United Arab Emirates
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United Arab Emirates - Consular Information Sheet
 January 8, 1993

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab 
Emirates, is located on Al-Sudan St., P.O. Box 4009.  The telephone 
number is (971-2) 336-691.  The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is 
located at the Dubai International Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343.  The 
telephone number is (971-4) 313-115.  The workweek in the United 
Arab Emirates is Saturday through Wednesday.

Country Description:  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a 
federation of seven independent emirates, each with its own ruler.  
The federal government exists as a constitutional republic, headed 
by a president and council of ministers.  Islamic ideals and beliefs 
provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws 
and practices.  The United Arab Emirates is a modern, developed 
country, and tourist facilities are widely available.

Entry Requirements:  Passports and visas are required.  Entry to 
the United Arab Emirates is not granted to persons with passports 
showing an Israeli visa or entry/exit stamps.  In addition, an AIDS 
test is required for work or residence permits; testing must be 
performed after arrival.  A U.S. AIDS test is not accepted.  For 
further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of the United 
Arab Emirates, Suite 740, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, 
D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 338-6500.

Medical Facilities:  Basic modern medical care and medicines are 
available in the principal cities of the UAE, but not necessarily in 
outlying areas.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside 
the United States.  In some cases, supplemental medical insurance 
with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  The 
international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, 
telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional health information.

Information on Crime:  Crime is generally not a problem for 
travelers in the United Arab Emirates.  However, useful information 
on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A 
Safe Trip Abroad."  It is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug and Crime Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or 
trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can 
expect jail sentences and fines.  Crimes of fraud, including passing 
bad checks and non-payment of bills (including hotel bills) are 
regarded seriously in the United Arab Emirates, and can result in 
imprisonment, in addition to fines.  Penalties are generally 
assessed according to Islamic (Shariah) law.  In the case of 
imprisonment, bail is generally not available to non-residents of 
the United Arab Emirates.

Tips for Travelers:  General information on travel in the area is 
available in the Department of State publication "Tips for Travelers 
to the Middle East and North Africa."  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy or 
U.S. Consulate General can obtain updated information on travel and 
security within the United Arab Emirates.

 No. 93-026

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