United Arab Emirates Embassy in UK
30 Princes Gate
London SW7 1PT

T +44 (0)20 7581 128
F +44 (0)20 7581 9616
E embinfo@cocoon.co.uk

For all further information please contact the embassy directly.

British Council UAE

Visas
UK Nationals, US, Canada and certain European countries' passport holders can obtain Visit Visas on arrival at the airport.  This would be for an initial period of 2 months extendable by an additional month.

Work Permits
Those on Visit Visas are not permitted to work in the UAE. Artists/ performers should be sponsored by either the British Embassy or the local authority (i.e. AD Cultural Foundation)

Entry Clearance
In almost all cases of the performing arts or exhibitions, the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation will need to be involved, and they will take over making almost all arrangements. The Ministry of Information and Culture will need to be involved too. However, the British Council's involvement with regard to expertise in handling the Arts will be useful to facilitate the comfort of performers, speedy clearance of and safety of equipment.

Tax
Taxes or any other exhibitors fees may be payable. These are not defined, but information may be obtained from the Cultural Foundation.

Insurance
It is recommended that insurance cover is arranged at the point of origin for individuals as well as accompanying equipment for the entire duration of the tour/exhibition.

Freight
Generally Air Freight is recommended. Bear in mind that the British Council (under the British Embassy) will be able to clear consignments as diplomatic cargo. This takes time, and the process is slow. Complete details need to be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then Customs. In the case of publications the Ministry of Information and Culture will need to give their approval. Plenty of notice is required as well as time of clearing and forwarding. In case we do not get the MFA approval, clearing agents could clear consignments within 2 working days (if all documentation is complete), with the goods being inspected by the Customs, and re-export details worked out.

Forms
Paperwork in Arabic is plentiful. At each stage of typing a form (which may not always be accurate) one has to pay the typing fee. Fees are payable at the time of submission.