Local Time
The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT (+4 GMT). There is no summer time saving when clocks are altered.
Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. April – October are the warmest months with temperatures reaching the high 40’s and high humidity, the rest of the year temperatures fall any where between the mid 20’s – 30’s. Rainfall is infrequent falling mainly in the cooler months around November to March.
Language
The official language of the country is Arabic, although English is the official business language. English is widely used and most road and shop signs, restaurant menus, etc are in both languages.
Business & Social Hours
Government offices are open from 07:30 to 14:00 hrs Sunday to Thursday. In the private sector, office hours vary between split shift days or straight shifts.
Although the small shops opening hours are usually based on split shift timing, the big shopping malls now remain open all day from 10:00 – 22:00 hrs. Petrol stations are open 24 hours.
Embassies and consulates open from 08:00 – 13:30 hrs. Most close on Friday and Saturday.
Local Currency
- The monetary until is the ‘Dirham’ (Dhs.), which is divided into 100 ‘fills’.
- The currency is also referred to as AED (Arab Emirate Dirham).
- The Dirham has been tied to the US Dollar at a mid-rate of US $ 1 – Dhs. 3.67.
- Exchange rates of all major currencies are published daily in the local newspapers.
Banks & ATMs
Banks offer the full range of commercial and personal banking services.
Banking hours: Sunday to Thursday 08:00 – 13:00 hrs, Saturday 08:00 – 12:00 hrs. Closed Friday.
Most banks operate ATMs, also known as Cash Points or Service Tills, which accept a wide range of cards. Common systems accepted around Dubai – American Express, Cirrus, Global Access, Master Card, Plus System and VISA. ATMs can be found in all shopping malls, at the airport, at petrol stations and at various street-side locations.
Money Exchanges
Money Exchanges are available all over Dubai, offering good service and reasonable exchange rates, which are often better than the banks. Additionally hotels will usually exchange money and travelers cheques at the standard hotel rate.
Credit Cards
Most shops, hotels and restaurants accept the major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, Visa). Smaller retailers are sometimes less keen to accept credit cards and you may have to pay an extra five percent of processing.
Culture
Dubai’s culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. However Dubai is very tolerant of the customs of its visitors and is relatively liberal when it comes to European dress codes and serving alcohol in hotels. Among the most highly prized virtues are courtesy and hospitality, visitors are sure to be charmed by the genuine and friendliness of people.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE, but other religions are highly respected. Dubai has a wide variant of Christian churches.
Customs
Personal effects entering Dubai are not liable to a customs levy. It is forbidden to import drugs and pornographic items.
The importation of Alcohol into the UAE is only permitted as part of the duty free allowance for personal consumption. Four items of alcohol per person is the permitted allowance.
Health Requirements
No health certificates are required for entry to the Emirates, except for visitors who have been in cholera or yellow fever infected area. However, it is always wise to check health requirements before departure as restrictions may vary.
Food & Drink
Dubai offers pretty much every type of international cuisine imaginable. Whilst restaurants located in hotels are able to offer alcohol and can be expensive, some of the best places to eat are the small street side stands around the town, however these restaurants do not serve Alcohol.
Shopping
The shopping capital of the Middle East! Prices are competitive in many products from gold to carpets, textiles or designer labels. The key to shopping here is to bargain where possible since prices, especially in the souks, can drop quite substantially.
The attractive and often imaginatively designed, modern shopping malls in Dubai are one of the highlights of shopping in Dubai and are generally spacious and fully air conditioned. Most International brands and high street shops can be found in the shopping malls.
Most malls have a food court, which offers a variety of types of cuisine. Some malls also have Cinemas.
Souks
Souks are the Arabic markets where any kinds of goods are bought, sold and exchanged. Over the years, the items on sale have changed dramatically from spices, silks and perfumes to include electronic goods and the latest consumer trends.
Dubai’s souks are worth a visit for their bustling atmosphere, the electric variety of goods and the traditional way of doing business.
Tours and Sightseeing
There are many companies in Dubai offering an exciting variety of city and safari tours. An organized tour can be a great way to discover Dubai. Tours range from a half-day city tour to full day. It is advisable to book Three or Four days in advance although in some cases less notice is not a problem. For more information contact Dream Days on 8002080 or visit http://www.dreamdays.ae
Nightlife
Dubai has numerous cinemas, cafes, bars, nightclubs, and discos to suit all tastes and ages.
There are a number of local magazines available from the Newsagents listing details of the above facilities.
On the Road
Drivers and their passengers in the front and back seats of a vehicle must by law wear seat belts. Failure to do so will result in a heavy fine.
It is an offence to drive and use a mobile phone unless it is hands free.
Any driver found driving under the influence of alcohol may be subject to a heavy fine and a term of imprisonment.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced, but visitors should always agree on the price in advance if the taxi does not have a meter. Taxis at stand outside hotels charge more that those flagged down on a road. For short journeys the charge should be around 10Dhs, and to cross the Creek will cost around 15Dhs or slightly more. The journey to the Dubai World Trade Centre from the airport costs around Dhs. 35 in specially- registered airport taxis. Most of the hotels operate their own transport for their guests.
Car Hire
Self-drive cars are widely available and rental companies will arrange temporary local driving licenses for visitors. Renters must produce their passport, two photographs and either a valid international or national license from one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and USA.
Tipping
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. An increasing number of restaurants include service.