IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL: A. Business Customs Men and women do work together in offices in the U.A.E., but women usually dress conservatively and modestly. Only women working as teachers in the public schools are required to wear long skirts or traditional black abayas. U.A.E. nationals are well-represented in the higher ranks of the public sector. The private sector environment is somewhat different. U.A.E. nationals are less well-represented, even in the higher ranks. As is the case with the citizens of most Arab countries, U.A.E. nationals are not always punctual. In a typical business meeting, the guest will be offered tea, coffee or a soft drink when he arrives. Formal greetings take several minutes. It is considered impolite to begin addressing business topics without taking several minutes to ask about one's host's health and well-being. B. Travel Advisories and Visas A Passport and visa are required for entry into the U.A.E. Multiple-entry visas for business or tourism and valid for up to ten years are available from U.A.E. Embassies abroad. Sponsors are not required, but applicants may be asked to provide an invitational letter to confirm the purpose of travel. With at least 2-3 weeks advance notice, a local sponsor (company, major hotel or U.A.E. Government agency) can arrange for a transit visa valid for a single stay of up to two weeks. Local sponsors (companies or individuals) can also arrange for visitor visas valid for one month with extensions possible of up to three months upon application. An AIDS test is mandatory for obtaining a residence permit which is a must for all expatriates and their dependents living in the U.A.E. The test has to be conducted in the U.A.E. by the Preventive medicine Unit. For further information, travellers may contact the U.A.E. Embassy, Suite 740, 600 New Hampshire Blvd., Washington, D.C. 20037, Telephone: 202) 338-6500. As of April 1994, there is no travel advisory in effect specifically for the U.A.E. A general advisory is in effect for the Middle East, however, and travellers should contact the Department of State's Office of Citizen Services or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an update. C. HOLIDAYS New Year's Day January 1 Ascension Day January 19* Martin Luther King Day January 16 Eid Al Fitr March 2-4 Waqfa May 9* Eid Al-Adha May 10-12* Islamic New Year May 31* Shaykh Zayed Accession Day August 6 Prophet's Birthday August 8* U.A.E. National Day December 2 & 3 * U.A.E. religious holidays are dependent upon the sighting of the moon. D. Business Infrastructure Language: The language of business is English, but Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and Hindi are also widely spoken. Most taxi drivers understand sufficient English to get you where you want to go, even if they do not speak it. Accommodations: Most major international hotel chains are represented in the U.A.E., including the Hilton, Sheraton, Inter-Continental, Hyatt Regency, Holiday Inn, JW Marriot, Ramada and Meredien. Transportation: Taxis are the prevalent form of transportation and are widely available throughout the Emirates. In Abu Dhabi taxis are metered and fares rarely exceed USD 1.50 including tip. Luxury radio taxis are available from the major hotels for perhaps triple the rate of street taxis, but still a bargain. In Dubai, taxis are not metered but fares should not exceed 10-20 Dirhams (USD 2.80-5.60) unless you are traveling to the outer suburbs. The fare from the World Trade Centre to the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone is about 35 Dirhams (USD 10.00). Housing: Housing for western ex-pats is expensive. Villas can run from USD 28,000 to USD 70,000 per annum, payable one year in advance. Local laws permit rents to increase 20 percent biannually. Apartments are slightly less expensive. Health: Public health services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are adequate, i.e. major trauma cases can be stabilized. Major hospitals have the most recent equipment and trained personnel to operate it. Health services are provided to all foreign residents for a small annual fee.