Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gay- and lesbian-interest websites cannot be accessed from inside the UAE.
For more on the subject, pick up copies of
Gay Travels in the Muslim World
by Mi-
chael Luongo and
Unspeakable Love
by Brian Whitaker.
INTERNET ACCESS
Getting online in the UAE should not be a problem. Nearly every hotel has in-room inter-
net access, either broadband or wireless, although rates can be extortionate. A growing
number of restaurants, cafes and shopping malls offer their own wireless services, usually
free with purchase.
Skype and other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software continues to be banned in
the UAE, although rumours of an impending lift have been making the rounds. If the pro-
grams are already installed on your smartphone or computer before you arrive, you should
be able to use them with no problem.
LEGAL MATTERS
Drugs are simply a bad, bad idea. The minimum penalty for possession of even trace
amounts is four years in prison, and the death penalty is still on the topics for importing or
dealing in drugs (although it's not been enforced in ages). Even if you are in a room where
there are drugs, but are not partaking, you could be in as much trouble as those who are.
The secret police are pervasive, and they include officers of many nationalities.
There are also import restrictions for prescription medications that are legal in most
countries, such as diazepam (Valium), dextromethorphan (Robitussin), fluoxetine (Prozac)
and anything containing codeine. Check with the UAE embassy in your home country for
the latest list. If medication you need is on it, ask what kind of papers you need (eg origin-
al prescription, letter from your doctor) in order to bring such medication into the UAE
legally.
Other common infractions that may incur a fine, jail time or even deportation include
drinking alcohol in an unlicensed public place; buying alcohol without a local licence;
writing bad cheques; unmarried cohabitation; and public eating, drinking and smoking
during daylight hours in Ramadan. Another big no-no is sexual or indecent public beha-
viour.
If arrested, you have the right to a phone call, which you should make as soon as pos-
sible (ie before you are detained in a police cell or prison pending investigation). Call
your embassy or consulate first so they can get in touch with your family and possibly re-
commend a lawyer.
For more information on legal matters, see the Expats chapter and consult your em-
bassy.
MONEY
