Travel Tips

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Iran

GULF OF OMAN

WHEN TO GO The climate of the Arabian Peninsula is characterised by year round sunshine, pleasant, mild winters, very hot, sunny summers and little rain. Visit between November and March when the waters of the gulf are perfect for swimming, the days are sunny and the evenings cooler. Many festivals and sporting events are held over these months to coincide with the cooler temperatures. The summer months from May to October are the hottest with average temperatures in the high30s to mid-40s and increased humidity. During this time, discounted accommodation is often available, and it is when the many indoor attractions come to the fore making the Arabian Peninsula a year round destination.

VISAS & PASSPORTS A valid passport is required with at least six months validity beyond the intended stay. No advance visa is required for entry into the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Australian passport holders can apply for a 30 day visa upon arrival in United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Travel advice is available from the Australian Government at smartraveller.gov.au.

TIME Dubai and Abu Dhabi are 6 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and Qatar is 7 hours behind AEST.

CURRENCY United Arab Emirates: Emirati Dirham (AED). Qatar: Qatari Riyal (QAR).

LANGUAGE Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, although English is widely spoken in the major cities and tourist areas.

ELECTRICITY United Arab Emirates: 220V/50Hz Qatar: 240V/50Hz An adapter is required.

ETIQUETTE & TIPPING Visitors to the Arabian Peninsula need to be considerate of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or other significant religious sites. Tipping is appreciated but isn’t compulsory. Most restaurants add a service charge to their bill, in which case a tip is unnecessary.

RAMADAN The holy month of Ramadan is the most spiritual period for Muslims and is dedicated to fasting, worship and spiritual reflection. Ramadan is observed throughout the Arabian Peninsula and we recommend you make yourself aware of how it may affect your travel plans.

The dates for Ramadan follow the Islamic lunar calendar and change each year. In 2020, Ramadan is from 24 April to 23 May. Daytime is often quieter, business hours are generally shorter with restaurants and cafés screened off or closed out of respect for those who are fasting. In the evening, cities come to life; public places will be busy well into the early hours of the morning. Ramadan ends with a three day celebration and holiday called Eid Al Fitr.

TOURISM FEES Dubai and Abu Dhabi charge a Tourism Fee. The fee is per room per night and payable direct to your accommodation. Please refer to individual hotels in this brochure for details.

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL Dubai, United Arab Emirates J F M A M J J A S O N D Temperature (max ºC) 24 26 29 34 39 40 41 42 39 36 31 26 Average rainfall (mm) 10 35 25 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 15 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates J F M A M J J A S O N D Temperature (max °C) 24 25 29 33 38 40 42 42 40 36 31 26 Average rainfall (mm) 4 42 25 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 Doha, Qatar J F M A M J J A S O N D Temperature (max °C) 22 24 29 34 40 42 43 42 39 36 30 25 Average rainfall (mm) 13 17 16 9 4 0 0 0 0 1 3 12

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