| for detailed
Information; Please refer to individual countries pages above
or by clicking within the green area on the map! |
| |
|
|
|
Bahrain:
Bahraini Dinars.
UAE:
UAE Dirhams.
Oman:
Omani Riyals.
Qatar:
Qatari Riyals.
Kuwait:
Kuwaiti Dinars.
Saudi
Arabia:
Saudi Riyals. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and
department stores. |
|
|
|
Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait & Saudi
Arabia: GMT +3.
UAE & Oman: GMT +4.
|
|
GETTING
THERE:
|
| There are direct
flights within the GCC Region. Approximate flying time within
the Gulf: 1-2 hours. |
|
LANGUAGE: |
| Main language is
Arabic but English is widely spoken.Many international hotel
chains have bi-lingual staff. |
|
CLIMATE: |
| Summers are
extremely hot and humid in all countries, while spring and
autumn are very pleasant.Winter evenings can be chilly. The
southern regions of Oman can be affected by monsoons between
June and September. |
|
CLOTHING: |
| Lightweight
clothing is a necessity in the hot and humid summer months, as
well as the warm autumn months.Spring and winter evenings can
get slightly chillier, so a light jacket or sweater is
recommended.Air-conditioned restaurants can get quite cold all
year round.As these are Islamic countries, women should dress
conservatively.Visitors to holy sites should ensure that their
arms and shoulders are covered. |
|
ELECTRICITY:
|
| 220/230 volts, 50
Hz. |
|
EVENTS:
|
|
Bahrain:
National Day.
UAE:
National Day, World Cup horse racing, PGA Golf Open, ATP Tennis
Open.
Oman:
National Day, the Sultan’s Birthday.
Kuwait:
Liberation Day.
Saudi Arabia:
Haj and Umrah. All countries:
Islamic New Year, Eid Al-Fittr, Eid Al-Adha, Prophet’s birthday. |
|
DINNING
OUT: |
| Mezze is the
favoured form of eating in the Middle East.A mezze is made up of
several dishes eaten with unleavened bread. International fast
food chains and first class restaurants can be found inside and
outside hotels in most major cities. |
|
SHOPPING: |
| Every country in
the Gulf Region is a shopper’s paradise with modern shopping
malls and traditional souks.Bartering is a must, especially in
the souks.Persian carpets, silverware and jewellery are fairly
good buys. |
|
BUSINESS
HOURS:
|
Generally banks
are open between 08: 00-12: 00 &15: 30-18: 00 Saturday-Thursday.
Although times vary in some destinations.
Shops: Opening hours vary between the souk and shopping
malls.Most are open daily. |
|
GETTING
AROUND:
|
|
Bahrain:
There is a bus service which links major towns, Most of Manama
can be explored on foot, but the best way to get around is by
car, either hire car or taxi.
UAE:
As the UAE
has no public transport system, taxi’s are the only way to get
around, but they are reasonably priced.Always use the official
metered taxi’s which are cream coloured with a red and green
symbol on the doors.
Oman:
Muscat has a local bus service, but visitors tend to use taxi’s
or car rental.
Qatar:
has no public transport as such, so visitors are reliant on
taxis and hire cars.
Kuwait:
There is a fairly reliable and inexpensive local bus
service.Taxi’s are plentiful, but not metered so ensure you get
a firm price before you start your journey.
Saudi Arabia:
Travel from city to city is either by air or bus, with the only
stretch of train track in the Arabian Peninsula running from
Riyadh to Dammam. .Within cities, taxi's are the best option. |
