Certain imports are restricted including alcoholic beverages and pork products, which are imported only by a few licensed firms. The importation of firearms and unlicensed drugs is prohibited. Accommodations Most major international hotel chains are represented in the UAE, including the Hilton, Sheraton, Inter-Continental, Hyatt Regency, Holiday Inn, Marriot, Ramada and Meredien. Longer-term housing for western expatriates is expensive. Local laws permit rents to increase 20 percent biannually.
Apartments are slightly less expensive.
Islamic religious holidays are dependent upon the sighting of the moon. During the month of Ramadan, working schedules are altered and many offices close by noon. A paved highway network links all main cities. Authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are busily engaged in widening existing roads and replacing worn stretches. There is no rail system in the UAE, nor any domestic air transportation network, despite the fact that all the emirates have modern airports.