United Arab Emirates - Consular Information Sheet
August 31, 1993

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:  A passport and visa are required.  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 
UAE.  The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to 
local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Useful information 
on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters 
while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A 
Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North 
Africa."  They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug and Crime Penalties:  Travelers are subject to the laws and legal 
practices of the country in which they travel.  Penalties for possession, 
use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict in the United Arab Emirates 
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 UAE, 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 UAE.

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

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) 436-
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.

No. 93-227

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 8, 1993 to update 
the telephone number of the U.S. Embassy and to include information on loss 
or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.