United Arab Emirates
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 11.5 million people live in the United Arab Emirates, on 83,600 km². The capital is Abu Dhabi.
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Population
- 11,513,149
- Area
- 83,600 km²
- Official languages
- Arabic
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in the United Arab Emirates?
Sockets take plug type C/D/G, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in the United Arab Emirates?
Call 999 for the police, 998 for an ambulance and 997 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in the United Arab Emirates?
10–15 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in the United Arab Emirates?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in the United Arab Emirates?
Prices are in United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).
What language do they speak in the United Arab Emirates?
Official languages: Arabic.
How do I call a number in the United Arab Emirates from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +971.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.