Event Planner's Guide

REGION
NEED
TO
KNOW
LANGUAGE
Arabic is the official language of the UAE however, owing to its large ex-pat community, it
is in-fact an incredibly multi-lingual region. English is the language of choice, particularly
within the business and tourism spheres.
CLOTHING
Summer clothing is appropriate for the weather year-round, however you may like to
factor in another layer for the evenings, particularly during winter. By the pool or on
private beaches swimsuits are acceptable attire. When out and about take care to remain
modest so as not to offend others. A plunging neckline could be seen as out of place in
public, and it is quite common for locals to wear long sleeves or trousers in light fabrics.
CURRENCY
The UAE has its own currency: Dirham. This is abbreviated to AED* or Dhs. It is easy to
pay by card, the most widely accepted being Visa and Mastercard, however AMEX and
Diner’s are accepted also. When exchanging currency you will find rates tend to be more
favourable at banks and private financial institutions than at hotels.
* US$ 1 = AED 3.67
GEOGRAPHY
Yas Island is situated in the Arabian Gulf within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and
neighbouring Emirate, Dubai. The coastline is dotted with islands which extend back
into the mainland where you’ll find rich fertile oases, scenic wadis and tracts of awesome
desert dunes. Date palms and forts appear along ancient trading routes where caravans
once passed. The wilderness of Abu Dhabi will take you across to Oman, Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia and Yemen.
DRIVING
Cars are left-hand drive and travel on the right-hand side of the road as done in Europe
and North America. Foreign drivers’ licences are not always accepted when hiring vehicles
in the UAE.
For more information: Abu Dhabi Driving Regulations
CLIMATE
The UAE is blessed with sunshine year round and is known as a tropical desert climate.
During the winter months, December – March, rainfall is rare but peaks in February;
expected temperatures pleasantly average 23ºC / 73ºF. The summer months can reach
scorching highs of 45ºC / 104ºF but you’ll find the region is very well equipped with
cooling systems and shaded swimming pools.
INTERNET
The Internet is widely available. The UAE prides itself on being a global technological
leader. Most hotels have outstanding high speed wireless Internet available.
TIME
The UAE uses Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
(GMT+4). No daylight saving schedule takes place.
DRINKING WATER
Tap water is considered safe to drink, however there is a culture of drinking bottled and
filtered water.
YAS ISLAND
EVENT PLANNER’S GUIDE 2016-2017
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YAS ISLAND
EVENT PLANNER’S GUIDE 2016-2017
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