Guidance

Consular newsletter: September 2016

Updated 6 November 2018

Travelling with children

In order to safe-guard against child abduction and trafficking, if your children have a different surname from you or are travelling with one parent there is every chance you may be asked to prove their identity. To plan ahead and make sure you have all the necessary documentation, check the full article here. Making enquiries before you travel and bringing extra documents will assist smooth passage.

Costs of leaving the UAE

If you are leaving the UAE you may need to budget to move your possessions. There are four things to consider when you move. Read more about this here. Check out where expats move to and the costs of moving here.

Finance in the UAE

Bouncing a cheque is illegal in the UAE. If a cheque is presented without adequate funds to cover the amount, you will face criminal and civil charges. After you have served your jail sentence you will not be able to leave the country until the funds have been paid in full. A recent article regarding unpaid bills can be viewed here. The UAE Credit Bureau which opened in October 2015 has reportedly been successful in monitoring loans. For the full article see here.

No more discount of traffic fines in Abu Dhabi

Since 1 August, Abu Dhabi motorists no longer receive a 50% discount on traffic fines. The discount, which was automatically applied when residents paid their fines, will not apply for any violations that are recorded from 1st August onwards, although the discount will stand for offences registered before that. Abu Dhabi Police said the decision aims to enhance road safety in the emirate. You can check out if you have any outstanding traffic fines by using these websites. Abu Dhabi and Dubai. For more details about fines and black points click here.

UAE Travel Advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recently updated Travel Advice for the UAE with reference to social media. Posting material (including videos and photographs) online that is critical of companies or individuals, or related to incidents in the UAE, or appearing to abuse/ridicule the country or its authorities may be considered a crime punishable under UAE law. There have been cases of individuals being detained, prosecuted and/or convicted for posting this type of material. Click here for Travel Advice.

Getting Married in the UAE

Are you are thinking of getting married in the UAE and need to know what documents are required from you and how to get them? Click here to see the revised website. You can book an appointment with the Embassies in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Dubai Health Insurance

Health cover is mandatory for all residents. For questions and answers on all you need to know about Health Insurance in Dubai see here.

Pink parking for ladies

New pink and white parking spaces for ladies only have been introduced in Abu Dhabi. To find out their location click here. Men using these spaces may be fined or risk being towed away.

How to pass your test and get a UAE driving

If you are a UAE resident and are 18 years or over you can apply for a UAE driving test. For more details of what is required click here. British nationals with a UK driving licence are eligible for automatic driving licence transfer in the UAE. For more information, visit the driving a car section of the official portal of the UAE Government.

Keep your passport safe

Foreign and Commonwealth Office launched a campaign to help British nationals keep their passports safe overseas. With over 21,000 British passports lost or stolen last year, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is urging British nationals abroad to be #PassportAware and keep their passport safe from thieves with the return of their Passport Hustle campaign. For more information click here.