About Dubai

On the evening of January 4, 2010, Dubai inaugurated the Burj Khalifa – the tallest freestanding, man-made structure / building in the world. Splendid fireworks enveloped up the 828m building in a blaze of glory and, visible from 96 kms away, it was viewed by everyone in Dubai and beyond. The Burj stands as testament to everything that is Dubai: the tale of a city that sprang from a mere desert to a glittering metropolis known all over the world; a brand among world cities made possible by the vision and determination of its ruler, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Dubai boasts of many such firsts. Dubai Mall, the world’s biggest shopping mall, Burj Al Arab, a 7-star hotel with the tallest atrium in the world, the tallest fountain in the world, the Jumeirah Palm Island project, not to forget one of the world’s best known shopping festivals, The Dubai Shopping Festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.

All of Dubai’s inspiring projects rest on an infrastructure of roads and utilities comparable with the best in the world, so much that one businessman setting up his project in the city summed it up thus, “Dubai is open for business!” Dubai’s signature ventures are only a few of the many being planned for its seemingly limitless growth based on a vision fixed firmly on a glowing horizon.

Although the Emirate of Dubai is best known for its achievements of the past few years, the city is rich in history and enjoys a continuing heritage of over 3,000 years, when nomadic cattle farmers built little settlements on the shores of the Gulf.

That nomadic settlement stands today as the glittering desert emirate the world calls Dubai. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai attracts people from around the globe. Called the ‘City of Gold’, commerce and industry co-exist happily with leisure activity. New opportunities always beckon and luxury is never out of style.

From monolithic buildings to iconic hotels, mega shopping festivals to thematic restaurants featuring jumbo aquariums, Dubai offers the best that life can toss up. And in another section of the city, stand markets that are centuries old. A walk through the souks, and the Bastakiya area evokes the magic and mysticism of Arabia, while the Dubai museum offers a glimpse into the Dubai of yesterday.

Dubai is where the past and the present coexist harmoniously and this symbiosis extends to its tolerant culture, which is evident not only in that fact that Dubai allows freedom of worship but also in the overall attitude of its administration which seeks to enable people.

Local Attire

The ethnic populace of Dubai mostly wears traditional Arabic attire. The Khandoura (or dishdash) is the long, usually white garment worn by Arabic men with a headscarf known as the guthra, held together by an Egal, a black rope. The colour of the Khandoura may vary with the season, and darker colours are used in the colder months. Women wear Abayas, which are black, flowing robes along with a Shaila (head scarf).

If you’re a visitor, or even a new resident, you’re advised to dress conservatively in public. Beach wear, very skimpy clothes etc, are best reserved for the beach. For regular city-wear, skirts, pants, blouses and jackets are recommended for women. If you plan to visit the Jumeirah Mosque, a headscarf is a must for women.

Weather

Dubai’s weather changes with the season so it’s hot in the summer, but wonderfully cool and pleasant in the winter months, which last for at least 6 months in the year. The mercury can rise up to 45° C in the summer. In the winter season temperatures average around 23° C. It’s a good idea to always carry a cap, maybe an umbrella and couple of bottles of water with you when you’re out shopping or sightseeing, so you can combat any kind of weather.

Travel Tips

Visas

Pre-arranged visas can be picked up on arrival, so visitors will be all set to discover the city. Visitors from the GCC, the EU, USA, Canada, Australia and some Far Eastern countries won’t need an entry visa. It is recommended that one check with the UAE Embassy in one’s country beforehand. If you’re staying at a hotel, they can also arrange a visa for you. Check with them in advance.

At the Airport

After passing passport controls, visitors should retrieve their baggage and proceed to customs, where the bags will pass through routine scanning. Luggage trolleys are free. Clearly identifiable baggage handlers will assist you for a small fixed price per bag. Though public busses are available, the best way to travel would be to take a metered taxi just outside the airport. The base rate is approximately Dhs 20 and then charged per kilometre. There are also numerous international car rental companies available. Visitors must produce a passport and valid international license to rent a car.

Safety

Dubai is considered very safe and crime is almost non-existent. Yet, it is prudent to be careful and employ common sense in not displaying money and making sure to keep a watch on your belongings. If in trouble, call emergency: 999

Dubai by Road

Dubai has an impressive network of roads connecting all parts of the city and surrounding areas. There is a tunnel and several bridges across the creek, linking the two main districts of Bur Dubai and Deira. The main highway, the Sheikh Zayed Road leads to the southern corridor, which houses the new Dubai and all the new developments.

These are a few general tips on road safety

Traffic moves on the right.

Parking is generally plentiful but it is crowded in the main business districts of the city. Parking meters are charged from 7:00am-1:00pm and 4:00pm-9:00pm. During 1:00am-4:00pm, it is free of charge. Parking can be paid for over the cell phone by sending a text message to 7275: carnumber parkingzoneID hours. (E.g., A12345 Z456 2 will get your 2 hours of parking time. Zone IDs are signposted at every parking space.)

Maps are available at all major bookstores at shopping malls. (And in this guide.)

Petrol filling stations are dotted all over the city. These are fully serviced.

Seat belts are mandatory.

Using cell phones while driving is an offence.

Drivers should be aware of the occurrence of abnormal weather conditions such as thick fogs and sand storms, typical to this region.

Income Tax

There is no federal income tax in Dubai for consumers.

Local Time

UAE is GMT +4.

Water

Tap water is safe for drinking, but many buy bottled water.

Electricity

The voltage system in Dubai is 220 Volts and 3-pin sockets are available everywhere.

Language

While the official language is Arabic, English is also widely spoken and understood.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the UAE.

Clothing

Light cottons and summer wear is ideal as Dubai has a tropical climate most of the year. Visitors should carry a few light woolens during the winter months. Shorts and skirts are acceptable for ladies, though clothes that are too revealing may not be appreciated. Moreover, clothing should not be transparent, or display obscene or offensive pictures and slogans.

All visitors to Dubai’s official government buildings as well as business buildings and office towers should adopt an official business or business casual dress code. Access may be denied if dress code is considered inappropriate.

Beachgoers – men and women – should wear conservative swimwear that is acceptable to Dubai's culture. Nudity is strictly forbidden in every part of the city and is liable to be punished by imprisonment or deportation.

Alcohol

Alcohol is available in clubs and in restaurants and bars located in hotels. Restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to sell alcohol. You cannot purchase alcohol in Dubai for consumption at home unless you have a special alcohol license. Buyers should respect the local culture by carrying their alcohol in paper bags such that it cannot be seen. The UAE has adopted a zero-tolerance policy in terms of driving under the effect of alcohol.

Drugs

Holding, consuming, buying or selling any kind of illegal substance– in any quantity – as well as being tested positive to any drug by the authorities in the UAE is considered a crime. Some medicines containing psychotropic substances are forbidden in the UAE. Their holders must carry a prescription from a UAE-licensed medical doctor. Visitors should verify that their medicines are allowed in the UAE before entering the country.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in government facilities, offices, malls and shops. Smoking outside designated areas is subject to fine.

Currency

The monetary unit is AED Dirham (Dhs), which is divided into 100 fils. The dirham has been held constant against the US Dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$ 1 = Dh 3.67. Most international banks have offices in Dubai and there are various money exchange houses throughout the city.

Timings: Banks - 8 am-1 pm; Money exchange houses - 8 am-1 pm and 4:30 pm-8: 30 pm.

Tipping

As in most modern cities, tipping is considered the norm in Dubai. At a restaurant or a coffee shop, a 10% - 15% tip is accepted.

Taxi drivers accept a few dirhams with a smile.

When checking out, one should leave around Dhs 10 for each day stayed for the housekeeping staff.

Porters & valets are tipped anywhere from Dhs 5 to Dhs 10.