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Destination About Dubai
Click here for Useful Dubai Top WebsitesClick here for Dubai Past, Present & Future
USEFUL INFORMATION ON DUBAIWhile its history dates back 5,000 years, Dubai's recent development began only in 1833 when a branch of the Baniyas family of Abu Dhabi, led by Obaid bin Saed Al-Maktoum, whose family still rule the Emirates today, settled in Dubai. The Creek proved to be a rare haven for these early settlers who made their living by trading in fish and pearls, rearing camels and goats and tending date groves. It was this small community of 800 traders, fishermen and pearl divers that set the trend for the bustling international trading hub of the Middle East that is Dubai today. By the 1870s Dubai was the principal port in the region and pearling continued to be the mainstay of the city’s prosperity until the 1940s. In 1971, after a presence of nearly a century-and-a-half, the British withdrew from the region and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, former ruler of Dubai, formed the federation of United Arab Emirates on 02 December 1971. Though Dubai’s culture is firmly rooted in Islamic traditions, long ties with other nations have led to a willing tolerance of different lifestyles. In the relaxed, friendly and cosmopolitan environment of Dubai foreigners are free to practice their own religions, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code is liberal. Women face no discrimination, may drive and need have no fear of travelling unescorted. ClimateDubai has a subtropical, arid climate with sunny blue skies most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a minimum of 27ºC (81ºF) to a maximum of 45ºC (113ºF) from June to September and minimum of 14ºC (57ºF) to maximum of 37ºC (99ºF).from October to May. Credit CardsMost retail outlets, hotels and car hire companies accept internationally recognised credit cards. Cash may be drawn on credit cards in most banks and in some hotels. Currency and Exchange The local currency is the UAE Dirham divided into 100 fils. Notes are in denominations of AED 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are used in denominations of AED 1, 50 and 25 fils. Approximate exchange rates: Dress CodeThe UAE is an Islamic country and clothing should be modest. During the winters light sweaters are recommended. Beachwear is acceptable at beach clubs, hotels and public beaches except in Sharjah. Drinking WaterTap water is safe to use, although bottled water, which is served in hotels and restaurants is recommended. EmbassiesMost countries are represented in Dubai by either an embassy or a consulate. Contact our representative for details about the location, contact numbers and working hours. Hours of Work Business : Banking: Government : LanguageArabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken and understood. Hotel staff may speak additional languages. Post offices are located in almost every part of town. Airmail letters to Europe cost approximately AED3.50 TO AED 4.50 and postcards AED2.50. Hotel concierges usually sell postage stamps and may even post letters for you. Photography Photography of palaces, government institutions, military installations and oil and gas refineries is prohibited. Public Holidays Fixed Moveable (Religious)* 2005 * Based on the Gregorian dates of the Islamic calendar, which is based on lunar observations. The actual dates may differ slightly from the dates listed above. Public TransportTaxis are readily available, metered and reasonably priced. There is a surcharge on taxis from Dubai International Airport. .Short journeys within the city will cost between AED10 and AED20, and longer trips across the Creek or into the suburbs, between AED25 and AED60. Most beach hotels operate courtesy buses into the city centre on a regular basis. Please check with the front desk at their hotel for details regarding shuttle services to the beach/shopping areas. RamadanDuring the Holy Month of Ramadan all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during daylight hours is strictly prohibited. Alcohol will not be served during this time, however, alcohol is served in restaurants and bars after sunset for non-Muslims. Hotels in Sarah do not serve alcohol at anytime of the year. Live entertainment, loud music and dancing is prohibited and conservative dress should be worn in public. Most businesses and shops are open only for a few hours in the morning and re-open after sunset until well after midnight. All Arabian Adventures featured hotels make concessions for their clients and keep a restaurant open during the day for resident guests only. Sunset marks the start of Iftar, which is the breaking of the fast. SafetyThe UAE has a virtually crime-free environment and visitors need have no concern about venturing out either by taxi or on foot. ShoppingKnown as a ‘shoppers’ paradise, many of the world’s finest goods are available at prices well below what you would normally pay in other parts of the world. Dubai’s Gold Souk is famous for its jewellery. The basic gold price is fixed, however as the jewellery making charges are flexible, bargaining is recommended, particularly in the souks, and usually fetches a discount of 15 to 25 per cent on some goods. Shopping Centres: Souks: Air-conditioned malls- Al Ghurair City, Burjuman, Deira City Centre, Lamcy Plaza, Wafi City and the Hamarian Centre (JW Marriott Hotel), Mercato etc.. Other shopping Areas: Al Rigga Road and Al Diyafah Road for boutiques, Meena Bazaar for its textiles; Al Fahidi Street for electronics and Karama for ready-made garments. The Dubai Duty Free complex at the Dubai International Airport is ideal for last-minute shopping before departure. TelecommunicationsDubai has an excellent international direct dialling system. Most hotels offer direct dialling facilities in the room, and fax, e-mail and Internet services in their business centres. There are a host of Internet cafes across the city. Telephone cards are available at many shops around town and can be used at most public telephones. Please check with your hotel for your country’s international dialling code. Time ZoneGMT + 4 hours TipsTax and service charges are usually included in bills, otherwise a five to 10 per cent tip is adequate. VoltageThe voltage used in the UAE is 220V. Most sockets are three pin, although adapters for two pin plugs are available at most hotels. There are a lot of excellent websites about Dubai. We would like to recommend the following:
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