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Alcohol for minors in Skylite Bar / Abu Dhabi?

Reader question: Bar visit for persons under 21 years?

Hello dear Sarah, first of all a big praise for your great blog. I have been able to take many tips for my trip next week. But one question remains open for me: I like being with my friend The Skylite bar would visit but unfortunately 19 am, I would be interested in how far the staff controls the age of the guests? Can you tell me something general about how the age controls are handled??

My answer:

In the UAE, I’ve never heard of being controlled in a hotel bar, but yours Question is quite justified, after all, one may legally by law only drink at the age of 21 years.

Perhaps my ignorance in this regard is because I have long exceeded the age limit and I also do not do much alcohol and therefore rather rare to find in bars. Nevertheless, I was curious and contacted the Yas Viceroy Hotel with this request.

A friendly employee informed me then that the Skylite Rooftop Lounge Bar takes the age limit of 21 years seriously and also performs ID checks because it requires the UAE government to do so. She suggested, however, as an alternative, the hotel’s Latitude Pool Bar, for which there is no limit to the age. Here you can enjoy as spectacular views during the opening hours from 8:00 to 20:00 as in the Skylite Bar and order non-alcoholic drinks (or eat from 12:30 to 18:30).

I think that is the case clarified! Nevertheless, I would imagine that it is generally easier to get into a normal bar than in a designated as a nightclub establishment (experience anyone?). After all, on the side of the Viceroy Hotel, its nightclub Rush clearly has its controls, but the Skylite Bar is none of that.

My speculation is that the whole thing depends more on the estimation of your age (and that of your escort) by the waiter as the staff would like to admit / allow. That’s the way it is around the world.

But the fact is that in Abu Dhabi you can only consume alcohol starting at 21 and, as an older alcohol-drinking tourist, you are already in a gray area anyway. Because: Alcohol consumption is officially illegal there, Only for tourists there is the thoroughly double-moral loophole with the hotel bars.

Only: If you somehow (even accidentally) in difficulties with locals, and turns out at the police station that you have drunk, you have to answer as Gesetztesbrecher … Here’s an unfortunate example.

If you really want to see the Skylite Bar: You can try it – if need be, you forgot your badge because it did not fit in your evening bag – in the worst case, you have to pull things that are not up to it again! But even if it works: Please be absolutely clear that in the worst case you did not only drink at all, but also as a minor. Could I imagine that the authorities then throw both in the balance …

To all “minor” readers in the Emirati sense: what is your experience in this regard? I would really be interested in burning … :-)

Kle > September 25, 2014 General Dress Code, Travel King Sarah

Always reach me again Inquiries about the topic Kle >Actually, one can remember quite well a rule of thumb that applies to both men and women: If you are not at the pool or on the beach, the following applies: Shoulders and knees should be covered as much as possible . While under my first blog post, an interesting question-and-answer game has sprung up with some readers in the comment section, I’d like to take this opportunity to show you what I always wear.

I admit: My personal dress code for my trips to Abu Dhabi matches Although in large parts, however not completely the “standards”, which are summoned in guidebooks. For women, the following dress code rules are set out in detail (compiled from different sources):

  • No miniskirts
  • No shorts
  • No transparent Kle >However, I like to wear tight pants and figure-hugging straps and I have do not feel like dressing up on vacation. Because it’s important to me that no Emirati feels disturbed by my dress code in his sense of propriety, I always go for a self-made compromise and I’ve never noticed it unpleasantly (at least not that I noticed it …):

If I tight stretch jeans wear, is mine Top always slightly wider and has sleeves; So I choose one, for example tunic or a Shirt in XL style.

If I have one “short skirt take it with you, this one is from bell-cut and at least knee-covering or – if he just ends just above the knees, I still wear leggings underneath. That’s why I kick covered on the top on.

If I close-fitting and strapless top I wear, so I wear one wide skirt or flattering pants. Besides, I always have one light bolero in my purse or a wide cloth, with which I can cover my shoulders when needed then quickly.

Is my Extract slightly more permissive, so I wrap myself easily one light scarf in front of it.

You see, you do not have to completely change your clothes when it comes to summer clothes – even if you prefer a more figure-hugging look. It is enough in my opinion, if you either the underwear or outerwear to the “country customs” adapts.

It is always good to have a few cloths to conceal. Such a scarf you can also wrap around the head of fashion, when in the heat and the whole sweating the hairstyle flutters. Of course, this measure also protects super against the scorching sun.

But I have to admit one thing: In the heat, tight pants are not the best choice. One of my best investments for my stays in the desert hot Emirates was a sloppy, long maxi skirt.

Safe on the road in Abu Dhabi

Reader’s question: How safe is Abu Dhabi for tourists?

Hello Sarah, I’m surfing because of the Solo trip of my 16-year-old son from Germany to Abu Dhabi on your info page. I’m wondering right now, whether a simple passport or identity card is enough or I have to get other papers for him. Must imported cash be registered? If you prefer not to photograph certain things (such as “big” cars / buildings, etc.)?
Or: Should not you rather run with a backpack through the city with (half) open zipper pockets?
I thought, since you have already been to Abu Dhabi several times, you have one or the other tip for slowly nervous parents …

My answer:

Do not worry! Your son is in good hands in the Emirates, All the service staff is very nice and helpful, no matter if in the hotel or restaurant. And: There are staff everywhere, that’s part of the local luxury culture. The prerequisite, of course, is that he Not unpleasant for drugs / alcohol / sex. Not that I wanted to accuse that! But I want to have it pronounced because in the case of such “offenses”, which in this country are not just any, threaten draconian punishments with jail or worse.

Apart from that: According to the Foreign Office, the Arab Emirates are valid as one of the safest travel destinations in the Middle East, I’ve never experienced a halfway threatening situation there (as a woman!), no matter what time I was traveling.
Of course, at this point you also have to be warned against theft, but before that you should protect yourself in my opinion, wherever it goes. It should be clear that, for example, you do not take all your valuables with you for a visit to the beach, but deposit a part of them in the hotel safe. I’ve found that everything is very safe there: Security personnel are present everywhere in the malls and I also saw uniforms on Public Beach. In addition, one must always keep in mind that the population out there to a large extent Foreign workers exist who have to fear an immediate expulsion from the country with criminal delinquents. Hardly anyone wants to put this out of play!

A passport (ID card is not enough!) enough; Your son gets on arrival at the airport free of charge a visa stamp for a 30-day holiday stay. The passport must be valid at least six months after the intended departure date. Around the topic money import and how and where best money exchange, I wrote a contribution here.

As far as photography is concerned: Yes, something like docks, oil fields or other large industrial areas you should not snap, but then there are usually appropriate signs. Also applies to the airport and ruler palaces. Just as on the beach and in the malls signs are that one should not take pictures. But it’s about protecting the privacy of the Emirati women. If you are not on top of them, it should not be a problem to take a picture. They forbade my father to film on the beach in Dubai (it was not a big thing either, camera was out and good), but I still took some pictures. :-)

Visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai as an unmarried couple

The facts: In the United Arab Emirates It violates Sharia law to live together as an unmarried couple. Strictly speaking, it is even illegal to stay in a private room or even a car with a non-related person of the opposite sex. This Of course, this also applies to double rooms in the hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Co.

BUTOf course, the local police in Dubai and Abu Dhabi do not spend their time banging on the hotel’s room doors and asking for marriage certificates! you here pursues a classic double standard; On the one hand, it is unlawful for unmarried people to share a room, and on the other hand, tourism is reliant on the highest possible comfort for guests from all over the world & Offer service. I personally have never heard or read that an unmarried couple would have problems only because of renting a double room.

Trouble for unmarried people in the hotel There could be, if one does not appear as a couple restrained and publicly exchanges caresses or otherwise violates the law prevailing there. Feels that a conservative thinking and strictly muslim living Emirati insulted and called the police (that certainly does not happen that often, but there have been cases), then besides the “offense” itself, it certainly plays a big role, whether it’s a marriage or not.

Fictional example (to better understand how the hare in the UAE is doing in this regard): You live in a hotel room in Dubai with your friend or girlfriend and call the police because you think they were robbed by the room service staff , Officers may also ask questions about your relationship status, and if they are stupid, they will ultimately not only investigate the suspected thief, but you as well. The golden rule is: Know the laws and practices of the country and if you deliberately violate them, do not draw attention to yourself and offer attack surface!

Not allowed, but tolerated

It’s very similar to alcohol. It is available in the bars of the hotels, although the consumption is actually prohibited by law. It is tolerated, that he is drunk by the tourists. However, if you get into trouble with the police, it will play a huge role if you have something intimate – even if it’s just a minimal amount. Again, treat yourself to a well-kept drink, but never drink so much that you’re out of control, and violated the “DECENCY” rules.

Back to the topic Double room for unmarried Dubai and Abu Dhabi vacationers: My personal experiences with it were all positive kind. I was in the Emirates twice with my husband and for the first time we were not married yet. In both visits but also never asked us, either in the hotel or elsewhere. And that, even though we kept different surnames after the wedding and always showed both passports when checking in! My sister also had no problems with her boyfriend in Dubai and I have many readers who have written to me that they travel there with their partner unmarried way. Also, the rating platforms of the hotels speak volumes of couples who have enjoyed wonderful stays in the Emirates without marriage certificate.

By the way, I think by the way, If a hotel had guidelines in this regard, it would also be on its website. For example, there are hotels in the UAE where you are only allowed to check in after the age of 21 – such things are under policies, etc. And if, contrary to expectations, someone should address you, then just say that you are married. Also in Arabia, some women keep their maiden name after the wedding, which is why different names in the passports say nothing.

Special case Sharjah

Attention! This is probably different in the very strict Emirate of Sharjah from, for example, where there is no alcohol in the hotel. There have been police actions in 2010, where the officials were looking for couples who lived together in “wild marriage”. Whether hotels were also on the watch list at that time or theoretically could be checked, I do not know. Ask in doubt before booking with the hotel by mail, if it is ok, as a single couple to book a double room.

How safe is Abu Dhabi for women traveling alone??

Reader’s question: As a woman traveling alone – that’s a problem?

Hello Sarah, my sister and I are planning a vacation in the desert town and would like to know if we as 2 women without male company safely travel to Abu Dhabi can. A really meaningful answer can not be found on the internet. Therefore, we would like to draw on your experience. Maybe you can also give us tips on what we would have to pay attention to if we were traveling alone?

My answer:

Of course, women can travel to the United Arab Emirates alone, without having to worry about their safety! An exception is currently known to me, there is more information in the last section of the article.

Although I have been mostly in male company in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I have always (no matter whether on the beach, on the streets or in the malls) and Super safe at any time of the day felt and never had the impression that this is only because my husband or dad is present at that moment. But I also lived there alone for a short time in the hotel and drove alone taxi and in the mall – all no problem!

In the Emirates they have one of the world’s lowest crime rates, you can read on the pages of the Foreign Office! And as a result of the fact that the gender segregation is still cultivated in such a way, it is usually still for men bigger taboo than here to make women “stupid”. The locals will not stupid you because it is Part of their culture is, quasi a “polite, i. respectful safety distance “to the women comply.

The many expats (guest workers) with whom you as tourists probably have much more to do in the shops, restaurants and hotels, can not even afford to harass women for another reason: Otherwise, it’s time to jail and theirs Work permit in danger and they will be deported to Nevermore!

Besides that is Security personnel everywhere, whether on the beach or in the malls, sometimes it almost annoys. Of course, this is not because there would otherwise be immediate attacks on women tourists, but the guards have one of the tasks for us barely understandable desire for privacy to ensure the Emiratis. That applies especially for the native women. Even if they are traveling in groups (with their kids), they want to make sure that they really spared any kind of unwanted contact (that can be glances!) Through men – and that’s what the security team watches over.

So what do women (and of course women who respectfully behave and dress!) Have to fear in such an environment, where single men may never visit certain stretch of beach, where there is a Ladies Day of the week for many things and where even women-driven taxis drive around only for women and buses with seat rows reserved for women? There is even a rule that prohibits men from sitting on certain sections of the beach promenade so that the local ladies do not feel oblivious to looks! Passing by, they can not stop … ;-)

So you can calmly drive alone at night by taxi, even if you could not get hold of a so-called ladies or family taxi. The drivers all wear uniforms and have their ID cards visibly attached to the dashboard. Everywhere are phone numbers that you can call if you were dissatisfied with the taxi ride. Something like that does not exist in Germany!

You will not have much contact with men, except maybe in the hotel, where of course some work in the service. I have always found it interesting to observe that when you stay in a hotel as a couple, only the male male hotel employee is addressed, even if it becomes clear that the woman has more idea about the situation or better language skills at the time , Nevertheless, this does not mean, of course, that you have to be afraid that as a single traveler in the hotel with questions, wishes and problems does not get help. The staff there are not so old and know that it is normal for us to travel as a woman alone.

Do you (and the people there) but the favor and Do not dress yourself strikingly sexy. Mini skirts, crop tops, hot pants and something like transparent blouses on a bikini top, etc. I would omit. Even if you would put on such a thing, surely nothing would happen, but then it will look rather contemptible or even lustful. Or, if it’s stupid, a local feels hurt in their feelings and asks the security service to send you away. After all, it’s still a bit unusual in the Emirates for women to walk around dressed like this (though you’ll probably see some who go outside like this). In many places, such as the malls or the Ferrari World, for example, the entrance area on signs also extra to “respectable clothing” asked.

Preferably Do not let your fingers get too much alcohol. The chance is really miniscule, but should a gross annoyance or worse take place, it could Victims in the UAE were awarded a complicity when it was drunk. A few prominent cases were already in the headlines. Alcohol is not allowed there for religious reasons, but the hotels still give out some for the tourists, and the non-Muslim expats can buy beer and wine in specialized shops with a license.

The tip that I have read in travel guides more often, that women traveling alone wear a ring and arrange a story should be credible to assure that you are married and husband and children are in the vicinity, I think that is completely exaggerated. I have been there three times now and have not experienced any situation in which even nearly similar questions could be asked. But if it calms you, you can play such a game.

It is important to me to add something at this point, even though I did not do the experience myself (fortunately!): Vom Camel Souk at Al Ain Some women report that they are there pressed felt to have. Not only were the simple livestock dealers intrusive in terms of tips, but they also created a disagreeable atmosphere with looks, gestures and / or even touches (such as: putting down their arms) while posing together with a camel for a photograph. I’ve been to Al Ain twice myself – but not yet at the cattle market – and did not have to gather in the city itself any similar experiences.

In this context, I think of a situation – even in contact with an uneducated worker outside the cities – a, which I would like to briefly describe here: At a gas station in the Wüstenödnis I got out of the car shortly to stretch my legs. Another fellow passenger, who was sitting in the car, wanted to take a picture of me out of the car: I must have been standing right in front of one of the gas station without noticing it, at least he felt addressed when the camera pointed in his direction and went without saying that he should with the picture. He posed in good humor and jokingly promt next to me and put his arm around my hip posing for the snapshot. I was too overpowered and he was way too happy that I could have scared him off in the situation. Today I know that I should have insisted on being photographed without him. After the Fotoshoot he went straight back, so nothing wild happened, but unangehem the whole thing was something …

Still: I still feel that you do not expect any harassment in the big cities, not even in Al Ain. I did not experience anything in Abu Dhabi City, Dubai or Al Ain that disturbed me as a woman. And me I am very sensitive, As far as that is concerned, that’s why the story just described to me with the involuntary common photo is still in my head. Nevertheless, beware of the souk in Al Ain, it may be uncomfortable for women traveling alone, especially if they are not very taffy and unprepared. Also in the souks in Dubai you get shouts, but they never hurt me with a limit, even if they were annoying. The sellers there can be shaken off quickly – are still enough other tourists there.

Otherwise applies: Do not seek unnecessary contact with the laborers at construction sites, petrol stations, etc. I say that just preventively, actually there is no reason why you should do that and no situation in which you would have to do that. My experience with the photo was probably just a stupid misunderstanding, because I did not want him to come on the picture, while he has taken a very different view … You just have to recall the following: These workers come, inter alia. from the poverty areas of Pakistan, etc., and are therefore often not very educated, bored, lonely and backward in thinking. In addition, they spend the whole day and night only with their male counterparts, which in rare cases can certainly result in “unnecessary exuberance” towards women, especially if they mistakenly think that the woman is seeking contact.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Kle > August 2, 2012 General Dress Code, news, travel notices, tourist traps Sarah

In Abu Dhabi & Clothing is still a sensitive topic, which many tourists do not seem to care about. A few weeks ago, a news leaked to the public that may have come as a shock to some travelers to United Arab Emirates: Hamad Ahmad Al Rahoumi, a member of the Federative National Council of Dubai, has suggested that one Dress code in the emirates to which not only expats but also tourists would have to orient themselves.

He explained his proposal as follows: The Western nations also have laws that they impose on those who come to visit or as guest workers in the country. For example, there are bans on the niqab, the facial veil, and the headscarf. That was her right, but in return they demand that tourists and workers come to Abu Dhabi or Dubai, adhering to the traditions and norms of Islamic culture should.

The correct Kle >However, Al Rahoumi does not become concrete – he merely talks about making sure that holidaymakers want to be taken care of “Reluctant” dress. It should by no means be demanded that the visitors create a niqab or hijab, but that it is proper, respectful and decent behavior to be promoted according to Islamic standards. This also includes, for example, that Western tourists with the exchange of caresses in a mall hold back, so as not to influence adolescents bad. More posters and signs at the airports or in the malls should sensitize western visitors to the topic.

Now it’s time to wait and see if it actually works stricter rules on clothing which will be underpinned by a law. In any case, the proposal met with broad approval among the public, if one measures the mood of the commentators under the appropriate article on gulfnews.com.

My opinion: Halfway educated and tolerant people go anyway not in skimpy shorts and bikini top by Abu Dhabi and Dubai – just for politeness reasons not and of course not because not under the scorching sun to burn. Maybe the ruling Emiratis know this too, and the proposal turns out to be a smoke candle in the constant fight against permissive western clothing preferences? It would not be the first time. On the other hand, I can understand the Emiratis – for them it is just an important concern, as revealing clothes with their traditional cultural self-image collides, even if we can not imagine.

I’m always careful not to hurt the feelings of the uninhibited by my dress style, even though I do not dress 100% according to the strict rules of the guides.

What do you say? What are your experiences about clothing in the United Arab Emirates? Are you wearing shorts or short skirts??

Drink alcohol in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: important tourist information

Topic of alcoholTourists traveling to Abu Dhabi, Dubai or any other emirate are often unsure of what to expect from nightlife in the United Arab Emirates. The question is justified: after all, it is known that Muslims renounce the alcohol for religious reasons, while beer, wine, cocktails and long drinks in Europe for nightly outings almost by default belong.

First of all: too alcohol is served in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, though not of course to minors. However, the range of alcoholic drinks is limited only to the clubs, discos and bars attached to the hotels. This is because only these facilities, as hostels for non-Muslim tourists, can even obtain liquor licenses. Only one The exception is the Emirate of Shardja, where alcohol is generally prohibited and where there are at most cocktails without percent, so-called mocktails.

Definitely test: In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, there are delicious mocktails!

Anyone who does not travel to Ramadhan in the UAE can basically consume alcohol just as he knows it from home, especially in the metropolises of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. But Attention! Even though it might not seem like it at first glance: The The subject of alcohol is and remains a sensitive one in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. First, it certainly belongs to the appropriate Respect for the Muslim culture, that you do not get drunk without thinking and may even be unpleasant.

Alcohol in Dubai and Abu Dhabi only by agreement with the law?

On the other hand needed actually Any non-Muslim who wants to consume alcohol is legally licensed to use alcohol. This concerns both the purchase and the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Actually. Because you deal with this issue, you come across contradictions and it creates the impression that this is a legal gray area which leaves scope for interpretations. Because: If you look for ways to acquire a so-called liquor license before the stay as a tourist, you will inevitably always come to the information that only Residents can apply for this in a complex process in one of the two chains selling local alcohol. Since this takes 3-4 weeks, there is therefore effectively no way for vacationers to purchase the license. Strictly speaking, tourists are not exempt from the law, at least gulfnews.com reports.

Well it’s not like that in the hotels asked for an alcohol license becomes when you order a drink. But even if the hotel staff does not require to see the liquor license, you should not weigh in false safety and always remember that you are in a Muslim country with special laws holiday. Because of the hotels, the law only requires to have a license for the sale of alcohol and not to control the guests.

Is it proverbial? at the wrong time in the wrong place and get into trouble, could the missing license also for tourists a problem represent. How fast such a thing can go, the source mentioned above clearly: It is reported by a non-Muslim manager, who – albeit as a resident – in Abu Dhabi after a few drinks in the hotel bar by a misunderstanding in conflict with the hotel security, which the police called. This one noted above all one thing, namely that the alcohol license was missing. The result was that the man was punished with a week in prison and a fine of 500 dirhams. The delinquent had falsely assumed that there was no need for any further safeguards of his person – after all, his hotel offered the liquor yes in accordance with the law.

As in other countries but also applies here, that ignorance does not protect against punishment. Even if the information in this respect is rather sparse, even in good travel guides, non-Muslim holidaymakers in the UAE are theoretically only on the legally secure side with this license. That’s why: For a well-kept drink is certainly nothing to object, However, if you want to get away with it, you should be aware of the risk and maybe fly better to Ibiza. ;-)

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