United Arab Emirates Travel Guide - Communications

Country code: 971. Main area codes: Abu Dhabi 2; Ajman, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain 6; Al Ain 3; Dubai 4; Fujairah 9; Jebel Ali 4 and Ras al-Khaimah 7. There is a good local telephone network. Telephone calls within each state are free.

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is excellent.

There are numerous Internet cafes in the UAE.

Airmail letters and parcels take about five days to reach Europe.

The UAE, and in particular Dubai, is trying to establish itself as a regional media hub. A number of pan-Arab broadcasters operate from the UAE and major media organisations such as Reuters and Sony have moved in, drawn by tax incentives and freedom of speech. Although the constitution provides for freedom of speech, media content is controlled to some extent. There are some restrictions as to what are considered acceptable subjects of reporting. Foreign publications may be censored before distribution.

• English-language daily newspapers include 7 Days, Gulf News and Khaleej Times.
• Foreign newspapers are available in hotel bookshops and supermarkets.

• Channels include Emirates Dubai TV, Abu Dhabi TV, MBC (all pan-Arab broadcasters), Ajman TV, Sharjah TV and news channel Al-Arabiya (run by MBC).

• Stations include Abu Dhabi Radio, Radio Asia, Ras al Khaimah Radio, Al-Arabya FM, English-language Dubai 92 and Arabic-language Dubai 93.9.