This actually is a handy compilation of information, if you are planning to visit the United Arab Emirates sometime soon.

And you probably are not planning any such thing, if you live in the States. It’s just too far.

But this should be required reading for Europeans and, in particular, for Britons and Russians, who form a big chunk of European visitors to the UAE but also sometimes show up behaving as if people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are comfortable with the same behavior seen at Cancun or Phuket or Bali.

Which is not the case. The UAE is liberal, when it comes to dress and alcohol, compared to several of its neighbors … but not that liberal.

So, an Emirati from Abu Dhabi has created a website meant for foreigners to check out before they arrive. Which is a good idea any time a traveler is leaving an area where he or she is confident about societal issues.

The No. 1 tip the author has for visitors?

Dress modestly.

This one bugs Emiratis more than just about anything, because it’s so basic. You show up, and practically all the locals are wearing robes that reach to about a half-inch off the ground. With sleeves. Men and especially woman are likely to wear head covering, too. But you as a visitor can’t be bothered to notice?

It is not necessary to mimic the local dress (and it is preferred that you do not), but women should have their shoulders covered pretty much all the time they are outside, and skirt lengths should be much more modest than in the West.

Next on the list probably would be public displays of affection. Holding hands is probably about as far as you should go in public, here — and it would be better if you avoided that, too.

The story in The National leads off with an Emirati’s horror when he saw a couple kissing in a mall.

Another key one: Be very careful about taking photos.

Rule of thumb: Never take photos of Emirati women. Avoid photos of anything that is not you or your immediate friends. When you are near official areas, close to ministries or even schools (and military bases) … do not take pictures of anything.

Some of those areas have signs alerting a person to the hazard of taking photos — which can land a person in jail or at least cause an unpleasant exchange.

Another issue: Don’t get sloppy drunk. It is illegal to be intoxicated in public. Alcohol is sold in all but one Emirate (Sharjah), but it is sold behind closed doors and generally consumed at home or inside a hotel/club.

It sometimes happens that obviously drunk tourists go out to catch a cab, and are so obnoxious or sloppy that the cabbie drives them straight to the nearest police station. You don’t want that.

More tips, from the website — which is in English. (Click on “precautions”.)

–When eating with Emiratis, use your right hand for everything.

–Do not attempt to shake hands with an Emirati woman you do not know.

–Respect the “ladies/family” sections of waiting areas. Single men should not go into the half of a waiting room that has only women or children in it. Go sit with the men.

And so forth.

It really isn’t as difficult to get along as it might sound. Common sense usually is enough to keep your visit a happy one. Veteran travelers will know that ahead of time. You’re not in Kansas anymore.