About Dubai

Dubai is the second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the remarkably stable  conglomeration that is the United Arab Emirates. In just over three decades, Dubai has transformed from a small settlement of palm frond and sea stone dwellings into an ultramodern city of gleaming skyscrapers, air-conditioned malls and luxury hotels.

Dubai today is a confident city, where people work hard, live well and enjoy life, as evidenced by the countless leisure opportunities on offer. Traces of the old way of life still filter through however, with spice-filled souks (markets) and ancient trading dhows (wooden fishing boats) a common sight. The Emirate is a place of endless contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city, timeless desert, east and west, old and new, merging the past, present and future.

Dubai is undoubtedly one of the world’s most exciting new travel destinations. Lying on the blue waters of the southern Gulf and backed by the majestic desert, Dubai offers visitors a unique Arabian experience.

A remarkable choice of leisure activities and business facilities as well as some of the finest hotels in the world and year-round sunshine are complemented by the charming Arab tradition of courtesy and hospitality.

Helpful information:

Business Hours
Banks are usually open Saturday to Thursday, 08.00 to 13.00 hours and are closed on Fridays. Shopping centres are open Saturday to Thursday from 10.00 hours to 20.00 hours and on Fridays; the larger shopping centres are normally open from 16.00 hours to 22.00 hours.

Climate
The UAE has a sub-tropical climate with a sunny, hot and dry weather most of the year. In January, temperatures range around 24 C during the daytime and 14 C during the night.

Credit Cards
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are generally accepted in hotels and larger stores.

Currency
The UAE Dirham (AED or Dhs) is made up of 100 fils. The Dirham is fully convertible and is pegged to the US dollar at a current exchange rate of USD 1.00 = AED 3.67.

Communications
Global links, including GSM mobile telephones, pagers and internet are world-class and inexpensive. Local and foreign television, radio, newspapers, magazines and books are readily available.

Telecommunications in Dubai are excellent. Telephones have international direct dialing to most countries in the world. Full telex, telefax, and electronic mail facilities are widely available. There is an efficient and reliable postal service. The General Postal Authority also offers a courier service. Commercial courier services like DHL and Fed Ex are widely used.

Dress Code & Guidelines for Ladies
No restrictions are imposed on visitors but modest dress is recommended in public places. Beachwear is acceptable at hotel pools and beach clubs.

Electricity
The electricity is 220/230 volts A/C and most sockets are three-pin, as used in the UK. Although adaptors are available in most hotels, you may want to purchase one prior to your arrival in Dubai.

Health
No specific vaccinations are required to enter the country however it would be wise to check beforehand if you are traveling from a health-risk area. Medical services in Dubai are of an international standard.

Language
Arabic is the official language, though English is widely spoken.

Business Hours
Banks are usually open Saturday to Thursday, 08.00 to 13.00 hours and are closed on Fridays.
Most of the multinational companies work from 0900 - 1800 with a one hour lunch break.
Government offices: 0730 – 1430, Saturday to Wednesday

Alcohol
Alcohol is freely available in hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars however many restaurants outside hotels do not have a license to serve alcoholic beverages.

Photography
Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to request permission before photographing men.

Bargaining
Bargaining is expected in the souq and is quite usual elsewhere. Vendors will usually drop the price and often quite substantially, particularly for a cash sale.

Safety
The UAE is considered to be one of the safest places in the world to visit with a very crime low. It is however advisable to take out travel insurance and to take the normal precaution to safeguard yourself and your valuables.

Time
The local time in Dubai is GMT + 4 hours.

Tipping
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, it is customary to leave 10% as a tip.

Useful numbers
Country dialing code: +971
Dubai area code: (0) 4
Fire: 997
Ambulance: 998
Police: 999

Water
Tap water is quite safe to drink. But locally bottled mineral water is generally served in hotels and restaurantss

Here are some helpful links to help you plan your travel:

www.dubaitourism.ae
www.timeoutdubai.com
www.weather.com
www.oanda.com