Destination Dubai
City Information
Dubai - the exotic jewel of the United Arab Emirates. Bordered by deserts and beaches, Dubai provides stark contrasts, from intriguing Islamic culture to the ultra-modern, high-tech metropolis of the 21st century. The city is a magnificent expression of an incredible vision and an uncompromising statement of success and opportunity.
Dubai has something for everyone, from vacationers seeking a relaxing break away from the pressures of work, to business travelers looking for a new exciting experience. The emirate is an international conference, exhibition and leisure destination.
Lying on the calm, blue waters of the southern Gulf and flanked by the majestic desert, Dubai offers year-round sunshine and five-star luxury along with the adventure of a unique Arabian experience.
Dubai is a class destination with all the modern amenities of the western world. It is a fascinating emirate with beautiful buildings, excellent restaurants and nightlife as well as white sandy beaches, culture and history that you can feel as you visit the souks, shopping malls, museums and historic buildings and sites.
Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C /50 °F to a high of 48°C/118.4°F. The mean daily maximum is 24 °C/75.2 °F in January rising to 41°C/105.8 °F in July.
Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing, for example low-cut dresses, very short skirts, or tight shirt or top in public. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats, or some protection for the head, are advisable when in direct sunlight.
Culture & Lifestyle
Dubai's culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues, and the visitor is sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people.
Dubai society is marked by a high degree of tolerance for different lifestyles. Foreigners are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and, provided reasonable discretion is shown, the dress code is liberal. Women face no discrimination and may drive and walk around unescorted.
Despite rapid economic development in recent years, Dubai remains close to its heritage. Local citizens dress in traditional robes and headdress. Arab culture and folklore find expression in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art. Weddings and other celebrations are colorful occasions of feasting and music. Traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and dhow racing at sea continue to thrive.
Language & Religion
The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce.
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary's (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (inter-denominational).
Photography
Normal tourist photography is allowed, however it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to request permission before photographing men.
Currency
The monetary unit is the dirham which is divided into 100 fils. The dirham is linked to the Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund. It has been held constant against the US dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1= Dh3.67.
Tips for Visitors
Caution
Dubai visitors must be aware of medicines prohibited in the UAE. For more information, please click on the following link: Ministry of Health Controlled Medicines
http://www.moh.gov.ae/admincp/assetsmanager/files/pharmacusts/updated%20controlled%20medical%20list%20seperated%202007.pdf
Or visit the Ministry of Health Website: http://www.moh.gov.ae
Telecommunications
Telecommunications are excellent, both within the UAE and with the outside world. There are two service providers Etisalat & Du.
Telephone calls within Dubai city are free. Direct dialing is available to most countries.
Public Transport
Dubai Metro
The Dubai Metro is a driverless, fully automated metro network in Dubai. All trains and stations are air conditioned with platform edge doors to make this possible.
Dubai Metro has achieved a more than 99 per cent punctuality rate, which is the highest of any driverless metro system in the world
Taxis
Taxis are the most common way of getting around. Metered cabs from Dubai Transport Corporation, recognized by their cream color, are efficient and have well-trained and courteous drivers. For fares please visit the Road Transports Authority website www.rta.ae.
Dubai Transport taxis also operate a service from the airport. Most hotels operate transport for their guests. There are also several radio taxi companies which have cars on call and whose numbers are available at all hotels.
Car-hire
Self-drive cars are available from car rental companies for visitors who have an international driving license. Customers must produce their passport along with the valid license.
Visitors without an international driving license may obtain a temporary local driving license as long as they hold a valid national license from one of the following countries: Germany, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey, UK, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The passport, valid national license and two photographs are also required.
Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side.
Roads and highways:
Over the past two decades, Dubai has built an impressive network of first-class roads connecting all parts of the city and surrounding areas.
Roads to all major towns and villages are excellent and a multi-lane highway heads southwards from the city to Abu Dhabi.
Water taxis
An interesting way to travel between Dubai and Deira is by water taxi across the Creek. In 2007, the RTA launched fully Air Conditioned water buses to enhance Dubai's water transport.