Visitors to Abu Dhabi to receive behaviour booklet

Abu Dhabi tourism police have released a booklet explaining dos and don’ts for tourists visiting the emirate, UAE daily The National reported on Thursday.

The pamphlets are designed to increase security among tourists and to stop them from being punished needlessly.

"The pamphlet was prepared to educate tourists on rules of public behavior. It includes trends and behaviour which is uncivilised and would make them subject to prosecution," the daily quoted Deputy Director General of police operations, Brig Gen Omair Al Mihiri as saying.

The pamphlets are available at Abu Dhabi International Airport and hotels in the emirate.

According to Al Mihiri: “Police are prepared to assist tourists and communicate with them in any language they speak. The pamphlet explains that illegal activities, such as, drinking alcohol in unlicensed places, drunk driving, the possession or use of drugs, prostitution, begging and vagrancy are against local values and traditions.”

Visitors are advised that public displays of affection and kissing are considered indecent and should only wear modest clothing. Tourists are also asked not to take photos in areas where photography is not allowed,the daily reported citing the booklet.

During the month of Ramadan, tourists are asked to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public places during the day.

To protect their consumer rights, the pamphlet encourages tourists to, "ensure all details of all goods and services are included in any receipts" and "not to rent from unlicensed peddlers".

The pamphlet notes that most stores accept credit cards and ATMs are widely available, so there is no need to carry large sums of cash.

Vehicles should be locked and valuables should be kept out of sight, the report said.

The pamphlets are available in Arabic, English, Russian, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Urdu and Hindi.

In case of an emergency, tourists are asked to call either 999, or 800 2626 for the tourism police