Warden Message 2009
Warden Message # 17/2009: Ramadan Office Hours
August 18, 2009
In accordance with UAE labor law, the Embassy and the Consulate General will amend their public hours during the month of Ramadan. The exact dates of Ramadan will be announced in local media, but it is expected to begin around August 20-21. Ramadan hours for each post are presented below.
Consulate General Dubai
Routine citizen services will be available Sunday through Thursday between the hours of 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Telephone Inquiry Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for matters related to routine citizen services
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Routine citizen services will be available Sunday through Thursday between the hours of 12 and 2:00 p.m.
Telephone Inquiry Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. for matters related to routine citizen services
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for matters related to immigrant visas
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for matters related to nonimmigrant visas
Please note that due to the high volume of inquiries related to visas, we strongly recommend that you submit any queries by email to AbuDhabiNIV@state.gov or AbuDhabiIV@state.gov.
The Embassy takes this opportunity to remind Americans that it is illegal in the UAE to eat, drink or smoke in public during the fasting hours between sunrise and sundown. Individuals convicted of eating, drinking or smoking during the above period may be
subject to either one month imprisonment and/or a monetary fine. The exact times for fasting each day can be found in local newspapers.
Modest dress and restrained, respectful behavior between the sexes (even between married couples) are normal social customs in the UAE and particularly during Ramadan. Restaurants are generally closed during daylight hours, with the exception of some hotel restaurants.
In the event of an emergency, such as the death or arrest of an American citizen, we stand ready to assist 24 hours a day. You may contact the Embassy and Consulate Duty Officers through the Embassy emergency number at 02-414-2500.
The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi is located at Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, P.O. Box 4009. The telephone number is (971) (2) 414-2200, and the Consular Section fax number is (971) (2) 414-2241. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries, including passport questions, is abudhabiacs@state.gov. The Embassy Internet web site is <http://abudhabi.usembassy.gov/>. For after-hours emergencies in Abu Dhabi, contact the Embassy at (971) (2) 414-2500 for the Abu Dhabi Duty Officer.
The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located on the 21st floor of the Dubai World Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971) (4) 311-6000. The Consular Section fax number is (971) (4) 311-6213. The email address for American Citizens Services inquiries, including passport questions, is dubaiwarden@state.gov. The web site for the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is <http://dubai.usconsulate.gov/>. For after-hours emergencies in Dubai, contact the Embassy at (971)(2) 414-2500 for the Dubai Duty Officer.