DUBAI a city with fabulous infrastructure,has changed dramatically over the last three decades, becoming a major business centre with a more dynamic and diversified economy. Dubai enjoys a strategic location and serves as the biggest re-exporting centre in the Middle East. Amidst its relentless development is an influx of significant International, Regional and National Conferences, Conventions and Exhibitions. Its low logistical and operational costs, international outlook and liberal government policies are attracting investors in a big way.
It offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors, from the timeless tranquility of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk. In a single day, the tourist can experience everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from ancient houses with wind towers to ultra-modern shopping malls.
These contrasts give Dubai its unique flavor and personality; a cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle, yet with a culture deeply ooted
in the Islamic traditions of Arabia.
Dubai which is a melting pot of the races serves as a second home to an amalgam of nationalities. A city boasting a critical mass of world-class companies, health care institutions, professional service firms and financial institutions with first-rate housing, medical, education and transport facilities available. It has the factors which contribute to an overall quality of life making it one of the most sought-after places to live and work. A virtually crime-free, tolerant society with world class hotels
and entertainment facilities, excellent value shopping, enviable sports and leisure amenities all combine to make living and working in Dubai a pleasure.
Area: 3,885 sq. kms.
Population: 1,600,000 (2007 estimate) Majority live in Dubai City and its suburbs which has a cosmopolitan population.
Local Time: GMT plus four hours.
Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken and understood.Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, and other languages are widely used by the large expatriate population.
Visas: All visitors except GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar & Saudi Arabia) Western Europe countries (France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino and Liechtenstein) Other countries (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and South Korea) require a Visa sponsored by a local entity such as a hotel or company. There are two types of visas; transit visa for 14 days and visit visa for 60 days (Renewable).
Climate: Temperature ranges from 10°C/50°F to 40°C/118°F. During April the average temperature is expected to be 25°C/87°F.
Currency: The local currency is UAE Dirham and is tied to the US dollar at an
exchange rate $1 = Dhs 3.68 (fluctuating).
Banks: Bank opening hours are 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, from Sunday to Thursday. On Saturday most of
the banks operate for limited hours. However, ATM services are available around the clock.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diner, Visa, Access, MasterCard and all other major credit cards are accepted at leading hotels and shops but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but jackets or pullovers
may be needed for the winter months. Good quality sunglasses are advised for all seasons.
Tipping: Practice is similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants do include a service charge; otherwise 10% is adequate.
Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in the souks and smaller shops.
Business Hours: The weekend Friday and Saturday. Government offices are open from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Private sector office hours vary, but are generally from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, re-opening at either 3:00 pm or 4:00 pm and closing at 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm., depending on the organisation.Shop hours are similar in their opening times, but most shops remain open until 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Shopping Malls, Department stores, boutiques, souks and many food shops remain open on a Friday, apart from prayer times (between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm).
Communication: Telephone calls within Dubai are free; International Direct Dialing is available to most countries in the world. Internet, E-mail, Fax and Telex Services are excellent.
Medical Care: Dubai has a number of highly specialized Hospitals. The Dubai Health Authority runs
the Al Maktoum, Rashid, Dubai and Al Wasl Hospitals, in addition to 20 Health Centers/Clinics distributed all over Dubai under Primary Health Care. The Ministry of Health runs the Medical and Health Services in the entire UAE. Private Health Care providers are readily available in Dubai around the clock.
Money: Money can be exchanged at banks and most hotels. There are number of money exchange centers offering competitive rates.
Shopping Information: One of Dubai’s greatest attractions is indeed its superb shopping. Apart from the shopping areas and the traditional souks, there are a growing number of modern shopping malls and commercial complexes, besides the Dubai Duty Free at the airport, offering a wide range and selection for eager shoppers. In Dubai shopping is regarded a pleasure. From the most modern shopping malls to the traditional souks (markets), Dubai provides an endless scope for shoppers. In terms of sheer variety, quality and services. Dubai as a shopping center stands second to none. Customs duties being low, luxury goods are cheaper. Best buys include clothes and fabrics (check out the designer label outlets at Karama and Al Satwa.), carpets and rugs, electronics, sports goods, perfumes, jewellery, ethnic gifts and novelties, spices etc. Shopping complex like Mall of the Emirates, Festival City, Burjuman Center, Wafi Center, Al Ghurair and City Center are certainly worth a visit. The amazing gold souk, one of the largest retail gold markets in the world is in Deira.
