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The local currency is the Dirham (official abbreviation AED, unoffical Dh) available in the following banknote denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000.

In addition to a 1 Dirham coin, there are also coins denominated in Fils (100 Fils = 1 Dirham). Coins are available in the following denominations: 5, 10, 25, and 50 Fils (the 5 and 10 are rarely used so prices are usually rounded up or down to the nearest 25 Fils).

All major credit cards are accepted in the United Arab Emirates.

Shop opening hours are generally 8am to 9:30pm, seven days a week and food prices are roughly equivalent to those in the UK. Friday is the Official Muslim weekend and there are certain restrictions at that time. Negotiating cost is acceptable in the markets (souks) but not in shops or supermarkets.

Note: A permit is necessary for the purchase of alcohol from registered vendors. However, alcohol is not available in the Emirate of Sharjah which is dry.

Here are some typical costs as reported in the forums:

Utilities (Water, Aircon, Electricity) for an apartment: 400-600KAED per month.

Utilities (Water, Aircon, Electricity) for a villa: 600-1000K AED per month.

Gas: 500K AED per month

Normal Deposits on accommodation (paid upfront): 1K on apartments, 2K on villas.

5% of annual rental value is payable as commission to estate agents for rental properties.

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