Welcome to Dubai

Useful Information on Dubai

Dubai is a modern city of compelling contrasts and boundless energy. With its modern skyline and world class infrastructure, Dubai offers visitors all the benefits of a cosmopolitan city combined with the magic of traditional Arabia.

Climate

Dubai has a sub-tropical arid climate with sunny blue skies most of the year. Between the months of November and March, moderate warm weather prevails during the day, and a slightly cooler temperature at night. Humidity tends to get higher between the months of June and August.

Credit cards

Most retail outlets, hotels and car hire companies accept internationally recognised credit cards. However, some retailers offer better value for cash, and discounts may not be so readily negotiated if payment is by credit card. Cash may be drawn on credit cards in most banks and in some hotels.

Currency and exchange

The local currency is the UAE Dirham, which is divided into 100 fils. Notes are available in denominations of AED 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins used are in denominations of AED 1, 50 and 25 fils.

The approximate exchange rate is USD1 = AED 3.65

Most international currencies are accepted in banks, hotels and by licensed money changers in major shopping centres and souks. Exchange houses operate during normal working hours and offer more competitive rates. There is no exchange control, and the UAE Dirham is fully convertible.

Dress code

The UAE has a reasonably relaxed dress code, but it is an Islamic country, and modest clothing is recommended, particularly in rural areas and during visits to mosques or places of worship. Beachwear is acceptable at beach clubs, in the hotel, at the pool or on the beach except in Sharjah and Khor Fakkan. Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year. Sweaters or jackets may be needed during the winter months, especially in the evenings and on desert and mountain safaris. Hats, sun block and good quality sun glasses are advised during daylight hours.

Food

Hotels offer a diverse range of food and beverage outlets - from casual coffee shops to fine dining and speciality outlets. Besides hotels, there are numerous independent eating places.

Besides traditional Arabic food, a wide choice of international cuisine is available, ranging from British to Chinese, and including Indian, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mediterranean, Portuguese, Spanish, Swiss and Thai.

The enormous variety of restaurants - both within hotels and those that are privately operated - ensure an equally wide range of prices.

Hours of work

The hours of work may vary during the holy month of Ramadan, and on public holidays for specific malls, souks and outlets. Government departments, schools and most private organisations observe the weekend on Friday and Saturday.

Business:	Sunday to Thursday, 0800 to 1300 hours and 1600 to 1900 hours Friday to Saturday, closed (some businesses are open on Saturdays)
Banking:	Sunday to Thursday, 0800 to 1300 hours (some banks are open in the afternoon) Friday to Saturday, closed (some banks are open on Saturdays)
Government:	Sunday to Thursday, 0700 to 1430 hours.

Important numbers

Language

The official language is Arabic although English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country. Most hotels and retail outlets employ English speaking staff. Hotel staff may also speak additional languages.

Liquor

A wide choice of wines, beers and spirits is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants situated outside hotels and clubs are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. Liquor may not be consumed by people under the age of 21 years. Alcohol is not available in Sharjah and Khor Fakkan.

Mail and courier

Post offices are located in almost every part of town. Airmail letters to Europe cost approximately between AED 3.50 and AED 4.50, and postcards AED 2.50. Hotels offer mailing services and hotel concierges usually sell postage stamps and may even post letters for guests. Courier companies offer a comprehensive range of services both locally and internationally.

Media

A large number of English dailies and magazines are published locally in addition to Arabic language publications. Foreign newspapers and magazines, especially of British and Asian origin are available in bookshops and large supermarkets. There are several English television and radio channels. Most hotels receive international news and broadcast via satellite networks.

Medical services

Most hotels have in-house nurses or doctors available on call. Pharmacies are comprehensively stocked, and contact details and addresses of those on night duty are available daily in the local newspapers, radio and television. Medical treatment is available at modern and well equipped private and government hospitals.

Nightlife

The varied and lively nightlife ranges from bars to cafés and nightclubs, many with live bands and DJs. Hotel bars range from sophisticated cocktail lounges to informal British and Irish pubs and discotheques. There are also a number of excellent Middle Eastern nightclubs featuring live entertainment.

Photography

Photography of palaces, government institutions, military installations and oil and gas refineries is prohibited. Always ask before taking pictures of local Emirati people, particularly ladies who may well decline.

Public Holidays

Dry days

Serving of alcohol is not permitted for a period of 24 hours starting at sunset on the eve of all religious holidays.

* These religious holidays are based on the Gregorian dates of the Islamic calendar. The actual dates may vary slightly as per lunar observations.

Public transport

Metered taxis are readily available almost everywhere. There is a surcharge on taxis originating at Dubai International Airport. Within the city, fares vary slightly depending on the taxi company.

The Dubai Metro is a driverless, fully automated metro network, with convenient stops and feeder buses serving places of interest.

Many hotels operate courtesy buses into the city centre, to beaches, or to the closest metro station on a regular basis. Please check with the front desk of your hotel for details regarding their services.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy month during which the Islamic world commemorates the revelation of the Holy Koran, and all Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk. Eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during daylight hours is strictly prohibited throughout this month. Alcohol is not served during daylight hours, but is available in licensed bars and restaurants after sunset for non-Muslims.

All Arabian Adventures featured hotels make concessions for visitors, and keep a restaurant open during the day that is only available to resident guests.

Live entertainment, loud music and dancing are prohibited and conservative dress is expected to be worn in public. Many shops and stores open only for a few hours in the morning, and resume business after sunset to stay open until well after midnight.

Sunset marks the breaking of the fast when families and friends get together to enjoy their Iftar meal. Large Iftar tents, where people come together to break the fast with water and dates, are a common sight, and most restaurants both within and outside hotels offer Iftar specials. Generosity within the community and the spirit of giving are also greatly in evidence during Ramadan.

Ramadan lasts for about 30 days and ends with Eid Al Fitr. People begin shopping for Eid Al Fitr during Ramadan, and many shops and retail outlets run special promotions and sales during this period.

Note: The dates for Ramadan are not fixed as they are based on the Gregorian dates of the Islamic calendar, as per lunar observations. Ramadan goes back approximately 11 days each year, and is expected to start around 31 July in 2011.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and there are a number of mosques located throughout the country. However, other religions are respected and there are various places of worship including churches and temples in major cities.

Safety

The UAE has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and it is quite safe for visitors to venture out, either by taxi, metro, bus and on foot.

Shopping

Normally, many of the world's finest goods are available in the UAE at prices below what they cost in other parts of the world. Bargaining, especially in the souks and at smaller shops is expected, and retailers usually concede a discount of 15 to 25 per cent.

Dubai is a shoppers' paradise and almost everything is available - textiles, perfumed oils, electronics, jewellery, clothing, and much more - at modern shopping malls, traditional souks or outdoor shopping areas.

For details on interesting shopping areas including malls and souks, please contact your Arabian Adventures representative.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications services are excellent, both inside the UAE and with the outside world. Most hotels offer direct dialling facilities and WiFi in guest rooms, and provide fax, email and internet services through their business centres. There are many privately owned internet cafés located across the city. Telephone cards are readily available at shops and supermarkets, and can be used at most public telephones. Please check with your hotel for the international dialling code of your country.

Time zone

GMT + 4 hours

Tips

Tax and service charges are usually included in bills, and if not, a 5 to 10 per cent tip is considered adequate. Hotel and airport porters should be given a tip of USD 2 to USD 3, depending on the amount of luggage. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.

Voltage

The voltage used in the UAE is 220 V. Most electrical sockets are of the three pin variety, although adaptors for two pin plugs are available at most hotels.