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Tips to make you feel at home in the UAE

Whether you're here for a holiday or to build a new life, these tips will make sure you feel at home.
For those of us who were born in the UAE, or who have lived in Dubai for years, the rules and regulations of the country are ingrained into our minds. However, many people who are new to our emirate will have an array of questions and queries. Therefore, Read. decided it was time we attempted to answer some of the most common.

Mr and Mrs
One of the most common preconceptions surrounds the way in which a couple can behave in public. Holding hands is allowed between married couples; however any couple, whether married or not, should not display intimacy in public. This could land you in trouble with the police, particularly during Ramadan, and could - in the worst case scenario - result in conviction or deportation.

What not to wear
The sign at the entrance to all shopping malls makes this quite obvious: please wear respectable clothing. On the beach, swimwear is fine, however as soon as you step off the sand, cover up. The Dubai Code of Ethics, published by the Government of Dubai in 2009, states that "business-casual dress code shall be adopted by all visitors of Dubai's official government buildings". In all other public places, shorts and skirts must be an appropriate length and "clothing shall not indecently expose parts of the body, be transparent, or display obscene or offensive pictures and slogans."

Hit the road
There are certain rules you must adhere to before taking the wheel; firstly, you must hold a valid UAE license. For information on how to easily transfer your existing license to a UAE license, visit www.dubai.ae
Once you're road legal, all passengers must wear seat-belts, children must sit in the back, using your mobile while driving is forbidden, and tailgating other cars could lead to fines. Speeding fines are only imposed when you are 20kph over the signed speed limit, as authorities understand that you may sometimes need to pass another vehicle that is already driving at the maximum speed.

Setting up a bank account
After you've decided which bank suits you, simply head into your nearest branch with your original passport (including residency visa) plus a photocopy, a salary certificate and a letter of no objection from your employer. Most banks will then arrange for your bank card and cheque book to be couriered to your office.

Connecting DEWA
When you move into a new home, the first thing to do is register with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Your DEWA number can be found on the door frame for apartments, or on the gate if you live in a villa. Simply fill in an application form - available at any DEWA office or online - then pay the deposit of either Dh1000 (apartment) or Dh2000 (villa), plus a new connection fee of Dh110. Applications are usually processed immediately and you should have water and electricity within one day. Visit www.dewa.gov.ae for more information.

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