About UAE
Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates and ranks as the country’s leading commercial center. Abu Dhabi, the federal capital, and Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are the other 6 emirates.
Location
Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Gulf in the south eastern part of the Arabian peninsula. It lies between 55º16 East and 25º16 North. The total area of the Emirates is 3,885 sq. Km.
Population
Dubai’s population has reached 1,8 million inhabitants in 2010, compared to 675.000 in 1995 and 270.000 in 1980. More than 30% of the total population of the UAE lives in Dubai. By 2017 it is estimated that the population of Dubai will reach 3 million.
Local time
The UAE is 4h ahead of UCT (Universal Coordinated Time – former GMT).
Visas
Visitors may apply for an entry service permit (for 14 days), a visit visa (for 60 days, renewable), or a tourist visa (for 30 days, non renewable). Effective 19 March 2001, nationals of the following countries shall be issued entry permits upon arrival in the UAE.
Western Europe: France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino and Liechtenstein.
Other countries: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Airlines may require confirmation that the sponsor is holding a valid visa for incoming visitors.
All current regulations should be checked before traveling, as they are subject to change.
Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical arid climate. Temperatures range from 10ºC to 30ºC in winter and can reach as high as 48ºC in summer. Rainfall is predominantly in winter and amounts to some 13cm annually.
Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swimsuits, shorts or bikinis are quite acceptable but, when in the city, care should be taken not to give offense by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing.
Language
The national language is Arabic but English is widely used.
Alcohol
Alcohol is only available in hotel restaurants and bars, plus a few leisure clubs (such as sports clubs) and associations.
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.
Working hours
Government offices are generally open from 7.30 to 14.00, Sunday to Thursday. Private sector office hours vary between split shift days, which are generally 8.00 to 13.00, reopening at either 15.00 or 16.00 and closing at 18.00 or 19.00; or straight shifts, usually 9.00 to 18.00, with an hour for lunch.
Friday is the Islamic holy day and therefore a universal day off for offices and schools. Saturday is the second weekend day as of September 2006.
Currency
The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 Fils. The currency is also referred to as AED (Arab Emirate Dirham). The official exchange rate is USD 1 = Dh 3.675
Banks
Many international banks are represented by branches in Dubai. Normal banking hours are Saturday to Thursday 8.00 to 14.00 or 15.00.
Credit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Master Card etc. are generally accepted in the main hotels and the larger shops.
Tipping
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world: where no service charge is included, 10% is adequate.
Bargaining
Bargaining is expected in the souq and is quite usual elsewhere.
Communications
Telecommunications in Dubai are good. Telephones have international direct dialing to over 170 countries. 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, Mumtaz Express, which delivers to most parts of the world. Commercial courier services are widely used.
Media
The top most popular English newspapers published in Dubai are Gulf News, Khaleej Times and Gulf Today. International newspapers, magazines and journals can be bought at bookshops and supermarkets. Dubai has both Arabic and English commercial radio and television stations, as well as access to international satellite TV programming.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US and European made appliances may need a transformer.
Water
Tap water is quite safe to drink, but locally bottled mineral water is generally served in hotels and restaurants.
Medical care
Medical services in Dubai are of an international standard.
Emergency
Call 999 for Police or Ambulance services.