• Population: approximately 9.5 million
• Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Demographics: Expatriates and immigrants account for 88.52% while Emiratis make up the remaining 11.48%. Religions include Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism.
• Type of government: Sovereign constitutional monarchy. Each emirate has its own sheikh (leader). Together they form the Federal Supreme Council, who elects the President and Prime Minister.
• Currency: Dirham
• Common foods: Rice, fish, meat, threed, machboos, khubisa, khameer, chabab bread, and Lugaimat.

Arabic, and particularly the Gulf dialect of Arabic, is the official language of the United Arab Emirates.

Other spoken languages include Persian, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and Chinese. English is also widely spoken because it is the "lingua franca" of the world, it is a requirement for most local jobs.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

Longer than 1 month: U.S. Citizens may require a visa for studies longer than one (1) month. You'll want to contact your program provider or host university to verify if you need one.

Shorter than 1 month: U.S. Citizens do not need a visa for tourist trip. Visas are available upon arrival at the airport and they are valid for one (1) month stay in the UAE. If you plan to stay longer, you can request more time from the immigration officer at the airport or contact the local immigration office in the UAE and request an extension.

Upon arrival, make sure you have the following:

• Original signed passport, should not expire within six (6) months from the expected time of arrival back in the United States.
• Confirmed round-trip airline ticket or airline ticket to other destination(s).

Read information on the UAE Consulate website.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators.
• Coverage is excellent.
• Tourists can purchase pre-paid mobile SIM cards upon arrival.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• There are numerous internet and WiFi cafes in the UAE, but VoIP telephone systems such as Skype are officially blocked.
• Websites deemed culturally or religiously insensitive are also blocked.

Electricity

• Power plugs and sockets are type C, D and G. You will have to purchase a plug adapter before traveling to the UAE.
• The UAE uses 220V voltage instead of 120V used in the U.S.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Using Money

• You can usually use a credit or debit card, but smaller businesses such as cafeterias and cafes, some public transportation, street vendors and souks are all cash only.
• It is a good idea to take money out at an ATM upon arrival or exchange a small amount of money to Dirham prior to departure for use the first few days in country.

Banking Tips

• Emirates NBD is the largest bank in UAE and should have many ATMs available.

Climate

• Desert; cooler in the eastern mountain area.
• The best time to visit is between October and April, when temperatures are around 77 to 88 degrees F and the gulf is perfect for swimming.
• The hottest time of the year is during the sweltering summer months of June to September.

Packing

• Layering clothes is the best bet, and light clothing will work best outside in the heat.
• Bring warmer clothing and sweaters for air conditioned buildings and evenings during November to March.
• Dressing modestly is key. Shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. Swimwear is only for the beach.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• The UAE has no train or bus network.
• Car rentals and taxis are also common.
• Daily flights connect in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.