Food and drink

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

Alcohol is generally only served in hotel restaurants and bars (but not in Sharjah). Exceptions are some clubs and associations. Restaurants that are not associated with hotels are not permitted to serve alcohol. Local Dishes

One of the most exciting aspects of travelling to a new destination is the opportunity to sample local food. Food is, of course, very similar to Lebanese and other Arab cuisine. However, there are some variations.

Mezze as it is served in UAE restaurants is a wonderful treat, comprising some or all of the following:

Hummus (chick pea dip)

Kibbe (meat patties made from minced lamb, bulghur and onions)

Tabbuleh (salad of couscous or bulghur with diced tomatoes, onions, mint and parsley)

Moutabel (aubergine or eggplant dip)

Kussa mahshi (stuffed courgettes)

Warak enab (stuffed vine leaves)

Felafel (bean patties- often served in pitta bread at corner stalls)

Pitta bread (unleavened bread)

Try a traditional Arab breakfast of ful medames (a bean dish in a tomato sauce on which is sprinkled chopped onion, egg and other condiments, accompanied by local yoghurt and pitta bread), or snack on fattayer (deep fried pastries stuffed with cheese and spinach). Local seafood such as hamur (grouper), chanad (mackerel), beyah (mullet) are usually charcoal grille. Local lobster and crab are particularly delicious.

Desserts are generally very sweet, frequently pastries filled with honey and nuts. Try Umm Ali, a delicious bread pudding with raisins and nuts. Dates, of course, are a standard staple and excellent local fruit and vegetables are increasingly on display in restaurants and shops.

Shopping

Shopping is something of a national past time in the UAE and one of the major attractions for visitors. Glitzy state-of-the-art malls abound, but have not replaced traditional souks (markets). The result is a thrilling mix of old and new where the very latest twenty-first century retail delights co-exist with ancient family run businesses that trade as they have done for centuries. Shopping in the UAE really does offer something for everyone. Gold Spices Fabrics and Textiles Carpets Traditional Goods Electronic Goods Camera Equipment Watches Designer Goods Perfume

Travel tips

Currency There are no currency regulations and foreign currency of almost any denomination is readily exchanged in the UAE. The dirham is the official currency of the UAE.

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.

Tipping Tipping is not compulsory, 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 percent; Dubai 10 percent). If this charge is not included, add 10 percent 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 a tip.

Photography 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.