Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Time
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Yemen are three hours ahead of GMT/UTC. The UAE and Oman are four
hours ahead of GMT/UTC. Daylight-saving time is not observed in any of the Gulf countries (in other words, the time
remains constant throughout the year).
Toilets
Outside the midrange and top-end hotels and restaurants of the Peninsula (where Western-style toilets are found), visit-
ors will encounter the Arab-style squat toilet (which, interestingly according to physiologists, encourages a far more nat-
ural position than the Western-style invention!).
It's a good idea to carry a roll of toilet paper with you on your travels: most toilets only provide water and the use of
paper is considered barbaric.
Beyond the towns you're unlikely to find public toilets, except poorly maintained ones at filling stations.
Tourist Information
Despite the fact that tourism is a growing industry in the Peninsula, there are surprisingly few tourist offices. Staff train-
ing and office facilities are equally minimal. Sometimes the most you'll find is a free map (often very outdated) or an
aged brochure.
There are two good, unofficial sources of information on the Peninsula: your hotel and the local travel agents (many
of whom generously offer information without always expecting you to engage their services in return).
Travellers with Disabilities
Generally speaking, scant regard is paid to the needs of disabled travellers in the Peninsula. Steps, high kerbs and other
assorted obstacles are everywhere. Roads are made virtually uncrossable by heavy traffic, while some doorways are nar-
row and many buildings have steep staircases and no lifts.
In the top-end hotels facilities are usually better (with lifts, ramps and more accommodating bathrooms) but still leave
much to be desired. Trips have to be planned carefully, and may be restricted to luxury-level hotels and private, hired
transport. There is an agency in
Oman
( 99 329030;
www.oad-oman.org
)
, one of the more enlightened countries in
this regard, specialising in making arrangements for disabled travellers.
Elderly people with physical difficulties will find that every effort will be made to welcome them. Arab people are
highly respectful of the elderly.
Useful Resources
Before setting off for the Middle East, disabled travellers can get in touch with their national support organisation
(preferably with the travel officer, if there is one). In the UK try
www.disabledtravelers.com
or contact the following:
RADAR
(
020-7250 3222;
www.radar.org.uk
; 250 City Rd, London EC1V 8AS)
Holiday Care Service
(
0845 1249971;
www.tourismforall.org.uk
)
