Tap water
Tap water quality can vary. Bottled or filtered water is recommended, especially outside major cities.
Asia country brief
United Arab Emirates travel essentials
الإمارات العربية المتحدة
United Arab Emirates uses Type G power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 999 (police) / 998 (ambulance). Tap water quality varies — bottled water is recommended.
Last reviewed
Verify visa and entry rules with official authorities before travel.
Quick answer
United Arab Emirates uses Type G power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. The general emergency number is 999 (police) / 998 (ambulance). Tap water quality varies — bottled water is recommended.
P
Power and plugs
- Plug types
- Type G
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
United Arab Emirates runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
E
Emergency numbers
General
999 (police) / 998 (ambulance)
Police
999
Ambulance
998
T
Travel notes
Tipping
Tipping is common but discretionary in the UAE. Restaurants may add a service charge; otherwise 10-15% is appreciated for good service. Small tips are also common for hotel staff, taxis and delivery drivers.
Best season
November to March is the best season for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and desert activities because temperatures are comfortable. Summer is extremely hot, so sightseeing is usually built around indoor attractions and evening plans.
Visa basics
Visa-on-arrival and pre-arranged visa rules depend on nationality and emirate-specific travel plans. Check the official UAE government portal or airline guidance before travel, especially for long stays or work-related visits.
✓
Before you go: United Arab Emirates checklist
- Pack a Type G plug adapter for United Arab Emirates.
- United Arab Emirates runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
- Carry a refillable bottle and a filter, or buy bottled water outside major cities.
- Save the emergency number 999 (police) / 998 (ambulance) in your phone before you arrive.
- If you'll drive, remember traffic keeps to the right in United Arab Emirates.
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Reference
Emergency numbers by country
Browse emergency numbers across all published TravelReady Guide country briefs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink tap water in United Arab Emirates? ⌄
Use caution. Tap water in United Arab Emirates is not consistently safe — bottled water is recommended, especially outside major cities.
What power plug and voltage are used in United Arab Emirates? ⌄
United Arab Emirates uses Type G plugs running at 230V, 50Hz. United Arab Emirates runs at 230V. Travelers from 100–127V regions (US, Japan) need a voltage converter for devices that aren't dual-voltage.
What is the emergency number in United Arab Emirates? ⌄
Dial 999 (police) / 998 (ambulance) for general emergencies in United Arab Emirates. Police: 999. Ambulance: 998.
When is the best time to visit United Arab Emirates? ⌄
November to March is the best season for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and desert activities because temperatures are comfortable. Summer is extremely hot, so sightseeing is usually built around indoor attractions and evening plans.
Which side of the road do they drive on in United Arab Emirates? ⌄
In United Arab Emirates, traffic drives on the right side of the road, so the steering wheel is on the left.
What is the country calling code for United Arab Emirates? ⌄
The international dialing code for United Arab Emirates is +971. Dial this prefix after your exit code (e.g. 00 or +) to call a United Arab Emirates number from abroad.
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Sources
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