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Dubai is rapildy becoming
one of the great holiday and living locations. There are seven
Emirates within the United Arab Emirates and Dubai is the second
largest. The other Emirates are; Abu Dhabi & Al Ain, Ajman,
Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Unm Al Quwain. Dubai is
considered the most western liberal of all the Emirates.
Where is Dubai?
Dubai’s location is on the southern shore of the Gulf in the
South Eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
Dubai Weather
The weather in Dubai is sub tropical and arid. It is generally
sunny throughout the year. Temperatures range from 10 - 30 degrees
Celsius in winter but in the summer it can reach as high as
48 degrees Celsius. Rainfall can be rare but most likely in
the winter months December to March. – CLICK
HERE of our Dubai Weather section.
Dubai Currency
Dubai’s currency is Dirham (Dh) this is made up of 100 fils.
Dubai Visas
All visitors except Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council
(AGCC) member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia)
need a visa. There are a number of types of visas. Visitors
may apply for a transit visa (for 14 days), a visit visa (for
30 days renewable), or a tourist visa (for 30 days non-renewable).
British citizens with a right of abode in the UK and expatriate
residents of the AGCC who meet certain criteria may obtain 30
days visas on arrival. All current regulations should be checked
before travelling, as they are subject to change.
Clothing and What to Wear
Light summer clothes are recommended most of the year, however
during winter the temperature can drop quite sharply at night.
Dubai is considered the most western liberal of all the Emirates
and as such as a relaxed attitude to clothing. You should however
dress sensibly, without wearing too much revealing clothes.
For ladies both shorts and skirts are acceptable.
Dubai Electricity
Dubai Electricity is 220 Volts. The 3-pin sockets are available
throughout Dubai
Dubai Local Time
Dubai is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time.
Dubai Banks and Money Exchange
There are many international banks in Dubai. There are also
plenty of places to exchange currency. Banks usually open from
8:00 am – 1:00pm. Currency exchange companies are usually open
from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm and from 4.30pm - 8.30pm.
Hiring a Car in Dubai
Hiring a car in Dubai is easy and straight forward. There are
numerous places where cars can be hired in and around the city.
If you intend to hire a car you will typically need to provide
original passport, and a valid international driving license
or national license.
Dubai Business and Commerce Hours
Companies involved in business and commerce usually work from
8:00 am – 6:00 pm or a split shift – 8:00 am – 1:00 pm and 4:00
pm – 7:00 pm. The Public Sector (e.g. Government Offices) work
from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. The Weekend in Dubai is Thursdays and
Fridays for the Public Sector. Private sector companies and
multi-nationals are usually closed on Fridays & Saturdays.
Shopping Malls are generally open from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm on
all days except on Fridays – 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted throughout Dubai including;
Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard.
Communications in Dubai
Dubai has excellent telecommunications. International direct
dialling is available throughout Dubai and a large number of
GSM roaming arrangements are available. Internet access on a
pay-as-you-go basis can be provided by local ISP called Etisalat.
Dubai Hotels
Dubai is the location of some of the most stunning hotels including
6 star hotels. Although Dubai also has a many hotels to suit
all tastes and budgets
The Language
Dubai’s national language is Arabic however English is used
widely in business and commerce
Newspapers
Gulf News and Khaleej Times are two English language newspapers
which are published in Dubai. International newspapers, magazines
are widely available purchased at shops and supermarkets.
Medical Care and being taken ill in Dubai
Dubai has a very high level of medical care. Medical services
are of an International standard.
Photography
Consideration to local residents must be applied when taking
photographs, especially local women, do not take kindly to being
photographed. In general, it is best to avoid taking photographs
(or video footage) of any individual in national dress.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the Dubai and Mosques are
present throughout the city. A Non-Muslim is not allowed to
visit Mosques
Dubai Shopping
Dubai can only be described as a shopper's paradise. The Dubai
Shopping Festival and the Dubai Summer Surprises, are famous
events offering top international brands at unbelievably reasonable
prices. Independent shops are generally open from 10:00 am to
1:00 pm and from 4.30 pm to 10:00 pm. Opening hours at shopping
malls is throughout the day from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Public Transport and Taxis
Dubai boasts good public transport infrastructure. Generally
it can be safer and more economical to use Dubai Transport Corporation
taxis or the services of a private taxi company.
Dubai Drinking Water
The tap water in Dubai is desalinated (sea water). The water
is perfectly safe to drink, however, tourists and residents
often prefer to drink locally bottled mineral water.
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