Guidance

Consular newsletter: June 2015

Updated 6 November 2018

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukinuae-consular-newsletter/consular-newsletter-june-2015

Top tips for Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan will run between 18th June - 19th July. Many of you may have experienced life in the UAE during Ramadan but for some of you this may be the first time. Here are some top tips to follow to ensure that the holy month is a trouble free one!

  • don’t eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in public (including in your car) during the hours of sunrise to sunset.

  • don’t dance, sing, play loud music or be intoxicated in public at any time, day or night. Licensed premises will only serve alcohol after dark.

  • don’t swear in public. Blasphemy is frowned upon at the best of times, but during the Holy Month of Ramadan it’s particularly offensive.

  • do dress conservatively and don’t show public displays of affection. as sensitivities are heightened during Ramadan.

  • do make the most of the traditional Iftar buffets and sumptuous food to be found in the city’s hotels and Ramadan tents.

  • do exchange Ramadan greetings - “Ramadan Kareem” to your Muslim friends and colleagues and at the end of Ramadan, for the three day Eid celebrations, “Eid Mubarak” – it will be appreciated.

  • do be aware that some office hours will change which will in turn affect traffic patterns. Peak traffic will occur earlier than normal, 7am – 9am and 1pm – 3pm. An additional rush hour occurs at 8pm – midnight. Exercise caution when driving during these times.

  • do be charitable, give to the poor and help the needy. Ramadan is renowned for its charitable nature. You don’t have to spend the earth – small gestures go a long way.

  • do be considerate around those who are fasting.

0.1 Opening Hours during Ramadan

The British Embassies Consular sections in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will remain open as normal during Ramadan (from 7:30am - 2:30pm).

0.2 Hiring a car outside the UK this summer?

The paper counterpart of British driving licences, which records endorsements and fines, is being computerised after 8 June. Motorists going abroad after 8 June and wishing to hire a car may need to provide a special code to the hire company. The code will provide hire companies with details of convictions for offences like speeding. To obtain it, motorists will need to call the DVLA or log on to the DVLA website. It is recommended that you also keep your counterpart with you. For more information please Click here.

Gulf News have provided an insight in the process of completing paperwork whilst living in the UAE. Click on the links below to see the full details.

0.4 UK Insurance policies valid in the UAE

Advice regarding insurance policies taken out in the UK and their validity whilst living in the UAE can be found here.

0.5 UK Passport holders

Remember to complete the emergency details in the back of your passport in case it is lost or stolen.

0.6 Contact Numbers:

British Embassy - Abu Dhabi Tel: 02 610 1100; Dubai Tel: 04 309 4444

0.7 Gov.uk Website

The UK’s worldwide pages and consular information have moved to the new government’s single website Gov.uk. There is useful information about the UAE on there and it is also the new home of our travel advice.

0.8 Feedback

Have we provided you with a Notarial and documentary service in the last 12 months? Tell us what you thought of the service by completing a short online survey. [Check here](https://tellfco.mazepoint.com/

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