United Arab Emirates

• There are three different groups that have influenced the Emirati cultural landscape. The first is the traditional Islamic Bedouin culture including the traditional items of clothing. Men wear white garments called kandora, while women wear black clothing called abaya. Slavery was integral to this society, and its legacy survives in the second group: many poorly-paid immigrants (mostly from South Asia and the Philippines) make up a large underclass, serving their Emirati and Western masters. This third group, the "Westerners," are often used to project an appearance of modernity and progressivism onto the UAE, but it's all for show: the glitzy shopping malls, high degree of English proficiency, and luxury items serve to whitewash the exploitation that this autocratic society is built upon. Naturally, these three groups tend to clash, sometimes glaringly, but for the most part, the native Emiratis are content to participate in the fossil fuel wealth and ignore all but the most blatant "un-Islamic" practices of wealthy foreigners as long as they keep the tourism and shopping going. However, in some off-the-beaten-path places, the locals still live a more traditional lifestyle and expect behaviour in accordance with it.
• Nightlife is evident in major cities such as Dubai. The nightlife continues into the night in all emirates (except maybe in small villages or towns). Illumination isn't turned off. Most restaurants, retail shops, malls, and other services continue to operate till approximately 10PM during weekdays and sometimes midnight during weekends. Alcohol is widely available at many restaurants and bars in all emirates except for Sharjah, although liquor stores are few. A license to buy alcohol may be needed. The alcohol license is proof that the bearer is a non-Muslim; a passport will not suffice. However, you can purchase alcohol duty-free at the airport to bring into the UAE. Sharjah emirate is almost completely dry. An alcohol license is required in the emirates of Dubai, Sharjah (for bringing your own and for drinking in private), and Ajman; the remaining emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm al Quwain do not require any type of license. The requirement is sometimes overlooked at certain stores.

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• General medical care in the Emirates is quite good, with clinics for general and specialized care widely available, including some which are now open 24 hours. Hospitals in the major centers are well-equipped to deal with any medical emergencies. There is an ambulance system in all major population centres; however, coverage can be patchy in the more remote areas. Ambulances are designed for transportation rather than providing care as first responders, so don't expect top-flight on-site care.
• The main government hospital in Abu Dhabi is quite good; as is the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, now managed by Cleveland Clinic.
• In Dubai, the government hospitals are Rashid hospital, which has a new Trauma Centre and Dubai Hospital which are very good. Welcare Hospital International Modern Hospital American Hospital Zulekha Hospital NMC Hospital, and Belhoul Hospital in the private sector all have a good reputation. The country is free of malaria and prophylaxis is not needed. In Sharjah, the Kuwaiti (government) Hospital accepts expatriates. The private hospitals in Sharjah are the Zahra hospital, Zulekha Hospital and Central Private Hospital. Prices including healthcare are generally cheaper in Sharjah and although all hospitals meet the Ministry of Health standards the Central Private Hospital and Zulekha Hospitals are considered more affordable.
• Al Ain is served by modern hospitals and care centers: Tawam Hospital, now managed by Johns Hopkins, and host to the UAE University Faculty of Medicine and Health Science; Al Ain Hospital (also called Al Jimi Hospital as it is in the district of Al Jimi), now managed by the Vienna Medical University; and the private Oasis Hospital, previously known as Kennedy Hospital, which was founded and run by Christian missionaries, and which was the first hospital in the city.
• The water is safe to drink in the UAE, although most people prefer bottled water for its taste. The food is clean and in most restaurants is served to Western standards, particularly in tourist areas; however, hygiene can be an issue in some establishments outside, particularly roadside stalls. That said, food poisoning does happen, so use your common sense!

• The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world with regard to crime. However, there is a very high rate of automobile accidents, so you should take extra care when driving a vehicle or crossing the road. Also, the law enforcement is harsh, with severe punishments for what in most places would pass as just inappropriate behaviour or at most a misdemeanor.
• Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE, and it may carry the penalty of death or life in prison, so gay and lesbian tourists should be discreet and avoid any public displays of affection.
• Sex outside marriage is illegal, but the penalty is not enforced unless it results in pregnancy. Public displays of affection are also illegal and punishable by fine or jail regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Caution is definitely advised. Public sex, nudity, and any form of sexual activity conducted in public is illegal.
• The UAE has extremely strict laws on drug usage; the punishment for possession is typically 4 years in prison, and tourists have been arrested and sentenced under this law for having microscopic specks of drugs or even drug ingredients on their clothing without their knowledge. Another trap for the unwary is that if you are suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a blood test can be taken, and if it shows evidence of substances that are illegal in the UAE, then you will probably end up in jail even if the substances were ingested abroad. In addition to testing your blood, they will likely check your belongings.
• Some common painkillers, like codeine, are illegal narcotics in the UAE. Don't bring any with you unless you carry a copy of your prescription or you may join others who have received jail sentences. In contrast, antibiotics are freely available over the counter at pharmacies. If you receive a prescription for controlled drugs in the UAE, such as some painkillers and antidepressants, be sure to keep the copy of the prescription with you when traveling out of the country.