About Dubai

Tradition and innovation meet in Dubai.

Mosques and traditional Emarati villas stand amid daring examples of modern architecture.

The emirate's wealth is based on commerce rather than oil and Dubai attracts investors from a variety of nations.

A cosmopolitan city, of all the Arabian Gulf countries.

Airport

Dubai International Airport is 4kms from the city centre.
For flight information please call +971 4 206 6666.

Transfers

Metered taxis are readily available. Most hotels operate courtesy coaches or limousines for guests with confirmed reservations.

Customs Regulations

Visitors may import 2,000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2 Kgs of tobacco and 150g of perfume.
Only Non-Muslims can import 2 litres of spirits or 2 bottles of wine.

Currency

The UAE Dirham (AED) is divided into 100fils. Notes are issued of denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 dirhams, coins in 5, 10, 25, 50fils and 1Dirham.
Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be converted at all banks and hotels.
International Credit Cards are accepted just about everywhere except at a few shops in the Souks.
There are no currency import or export restrictions.

Accomodation

Dubai has a comprehensive range of hotels in all categories - the deluxe properties being among the best in the world.
All major hotels offer a variety of restaurants and superb leisure and sports facilities.

Climate

Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Summer, which is from March to October, is very hot however, winter sets in from November and mostly the weather then varies from pleasant to cold.

Visas

Up-to-date information on visa requirements can be found at www.dnrd.gov.ae, the official site of the Dubai Naturalisation & Residency Department.

Getting Around

Taxis - Three companies operate metered taxis which are easy to find on the street - Dubai Transport Corporation recognizable by their cream cars, National Taxis with silver cars and Cars Taxi with white and blue/red stripe on their cars.

Car-hire - Self-drive cars are available from car rental companies for visitors who have an international license. Renters must produce their passport along with a valid license.
Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side.

Water Taxis - An interesting way to travel between Dubai and Deira is by water taxi (abra) across the Creek. The cost of this experience is 50 fils.

Working Hours

Business - Although an increasing number of organizations now work Sunday to Thursday, the working week is still mainly Saturday through to Wednesday.

Banks - 0800-1300 Saturday to Thursday. Some banks re-open in the afternoon.
Government - 0800-1400, Saturday to Wednesday.

Tipping

Restaurants, bars and hotels ask a service charge.
Additional gratuities are entirely discretionary and not necessary.
Porters and bellboys expect modest tips.
Taxi driver do not expect a gratuity.

International Direct Dialing Code

+971 4

Links

For more information on Dubai, please visit www.dubaitourism.ae and www.dubaicityguide.com