United Arab Emirates

The original inhabitants are Arabs, but today the majority consists of Indians who have come to work there.

Arabic is the official language. Traffic signs, signage and menus are often also written in English. Almost everyone also speaks English.

Some nationalities can enter the United Arab Emirates without a visa.

Source: Wikipedia.

The security is very high. The laws are strict and crime is low.

Marco and Lisette did not find the UAE as interesting in terms of food as the countries in the area. “There are far fewer open food stalls or local small restaurants. But you certainly won't starve.'

Supermarkets

In the supermarkets, which you can find in many places in the shopping malls, you can buy everything. Even many Dutch products. The die-hards who really can't live without spaghetti with tomato sauce won't starve. It is astonishing that in a country that largely consists of desert, there is a fair amount of fruit for sale.

**Restaurants
**

Fast food can be found in every medium and large town. From unknown local brands to the well-known chains. You will also find regular restaurants there. In the souks you can eat what the locals eat. Often that is Indian oriented but also a lot of lamb.

Drinkable water

No information yet.

Common Diseases

The health level is at a very high level and can be compared with Europe. Malaria occurs all year round.

Mandatory vaccinations

• Useful vaccinations for cyclists
• A DTP vaccination is recommended as well as protection against Hepatitis A. Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when traveling longer than 2 weeks.
• Useful things in the travel pharmacy

Availability hospitals / doctors

In almost every place you will find a pharmacy where many western medicines are in stock. Medicines that you only get on prescription in the Netherlands can also be obtained here without further hassle. The level of knowledge about the medicines appears to be at a high level.

Best time to cycle

Marco and Lisette: "During the day it is around 25 degrees in the desert, but at night it can get a lot colder. In the mountains the temperature is around 15 degrees during the day. not very warm in the winter and you certainly have a good sleeping bag, sweater, fleece, and so on during a hike."

Spare parts

No information yet.

Tips

• As far as the clothing is concerned, you have to realize that you are a guest in an Islamic country, so no uncovered shoulders or knees. On the beach, however, these dress codes are less strict.
• In almost all Carefour supermarkets you can buy outdoor sports equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, mats, flashlights, GPS receivers, etc. The quality is average but sufficient to survive in the UAE.