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Economy | Climate | Visas & Passport | Local Time | Langauge | Holidays | Business Hours | Exchange Rates | Clothing | Credit Cards | Shopping | Getting Around | Parking | Dubai International Airport

OVERVIEW: The United Arab Emirates on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula is a bit of an anathema in the Middle East. This union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms was formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971, and today it is a modern, trend-setting conglomeration of high-rise cities with state-of-the-art tourist infrastructure, magnificent beaches and a paradise of duty free shopping. Unlike other Arab states the UAE actually courts and encourages tourists, constantly adding and upgrading events and attractions to complement its renown as the shopping capital of the world.

The sun always shines on the UAE and its gleaming cities, the most popular of which is cosmopolitan, wealthy Dubai, which is characterised by a ten-mile long (16km) deep creek that forms a natural harbour. In Dubai resides the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone, which makes the city a must for shop-a-holics. A major attraction is the annual Dubai Shopping Festival.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and one of the most modern cities in the world. Visitors revel in large gardens and parks, green boulevards, sophisticated high-rise buildings, modern communication services and transport, international luxury hotels, rich shopping malls and cultural centres. The city's airport ranks as one of the finest in the world.

Just in case travellers forget they are actually in Arabia, the UAE also offers a host of experiences and attractions that utilise it's historic Bedouin heritage, including camel treks, henna tattoos, desert stargazing, 4x4 trips through sand dunes and cruises aboard a dhow. Hundreds of tour companies offer a variety of excursions and adventure packages to suit all tastes and persuasions.

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A federation of seven Emirates, the uae ( United Arab Emirates ) came into being on December 2, 1971. Since then, the country has made tremendous progress in all fields. Dubai, the second largest of teh seven emirates, has traditionally been a commercial centre and has now consolidated its position on the key trading route between the East and the West..

Economy :
Although oil was the engine that began Dubai's rapid development, it now contributes only 20 per cent of GDP. The non-oil sector, including services, manufacturing and trading, are now the key segments of teh economy. Dubai has also emerged as a location of choice for global corporations, large numbers of which conduct their local and regional operations from the city.

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Climate :
Dubai is known for its blue skies and glorious sunshine. From mid-September to mid-May, the climate is moderate and ideal for outdoor activities. The mercury may dip to 10 degrees C in winter months, but average day temperatures rarely exceed 30 degree C. United Arab Emirates Local Time & Weather:

Summers, mid-May to mid-September, are hot and humid and day temperatures are generally upward of 40 degree C.

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Visas:

Any person wishing to vist the uae must have an entry visa.

* Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council ( GCC ) countries and British nationals, with the right of abode in UK, do not need visas to enter the uae. Britons can stay for one month, renewable for a further two months.
* US and German citizens can obtain tourist or business visas through any uae embassy. It can be quicker if you apply in your home country.
* A business visitor may enter the uae on either a transit or visit visa.
* Visa Holders may enter and exit the uae through any port of entry.
* Airlines may require evidence that the incoming visitor has a sponsor who holds the valid visa.

A VISIT visa is valid for 30 days, renewable twice upto a total of 100 days including a grace period of 10 days. It takes one week to 10 days for a visit visa to be issued. An express service also exists.

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens may enter the United Arab Emirates for 30 days without a visa (an entry permit will be stamped in their passport upon arrival). An extension of another 30 days is possible.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: Citizens of the UK (with right of abode in the UK) will be granted a free of charge visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Visas are valid for 60 days. British passports not endorsed British Citizen must hold tickets and documents for next destination and have a sponsor in the UAE to cover their stay.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians may enter the United Arab Emirates for 30 days without a visa (an entry permit will be stamped in their passport upon arrival). An extension is possible for another 30 days.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals may stay in the UAE for up to 30 days with a visit visa, which can be obtained on arrival. An extension of a further 30 days is possible.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must obtain a special tourist visa to visit the UAE. The visit and visa must be sponsored by a hotel or tour operator, and entitles the holder to a 30-day stay. Travellers must also be in possession of all tickets and documents required for next destination.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a visa that is valid for a stay of up to 30 days. This may be obtained at the point of entry.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required and can be obtained on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days (an extension of another 30 days is possible).
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors to the United Arab Emirates must hold a passport that is valid for three months from the date of entry. All passport photographs are to be recent color photographs. Visitors must hold documents and tickets needed for their next destination. Visas, except the entry stamp granted to UK citizens on arrival, cost Dhs100.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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TRANSIT Visa's are issued for 15 days only and cannot be extended or renewed. Some travel and tour operators can arrange for Transit / Tourist visas. Large Hotels can sponsor transit visas for tourist and business visits.

Local time :
The uae is four hours ahead of GMT ( GMT +4 ). United Arab Emirates Local Time & Weather:

Your Travel Time:

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Language :
The official language is Arabic, but English is commonly used. Urdu and Hindi is also widely spoken.

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Holidays:
Friday is the weekly holiday. Governments observe a two-day weekend and are closed on Thursday and Friday. Some private sector organisations working to a five-day week, are closed on Thursday; others on Saturday. click here for uae holiday calendar

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Business hours :
Government offices are open between 7.30am and 2.30pm. Banking hours are from 8am to 1pm, Saturday to Wednesday and 8am to 12 noon on Thursday; some banks also open in the evenings. Money exchanges begin serving customers at 8.30am and are open till late. Most shops in teh souks open between 9.30am and 1.30pm and then again between 4pm and 10pm. Shopping malls are open throughout the day. Supermarkets open early and close late; some operate round-the-clock.

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Exchange rate :
The uae Dirham is divided into 100 fils and is pegged to the U.S dollar at an exchange rate of Dhs. 3.67 = $ 1. The currency is freely convertible. click here currency converter

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Clothing :
Light clothing is ideal for most of the year, though a jacket or pullover would be required in winter and while camping in the desert. There is no formal dress code but be conservative in the way you dress. In conformity with local customs, women should avoid revealing dresses and men should always wear a shirt in public. Proper swimwear is necessary on all beaches. Sunglasses, hats and suncream are essential if you wish to avoid the agony of sunburn.

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Credit cards :
Most shops, hotels and restaurants accept leading international credit cards. You could, however, get better discounts with some retailers if you pay cash.

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Shopping :
From exquisite porcleain and designer labels, to the latest electronic gadgets and gold jewellery, Dubai is a shopper's delight. Explore the souks and shopping malls, visit more than one outlet, compare prices and don't forget to bargain - many retailers will offer you a discount if you ask for it.

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Getting around :
Taxis are the most convenient way of getting around. The beige Dubai Transport taxis are metered, and can be called on teh phone. Private taxis are not metered and you should confirm the fare before the trip.

Most hotels offer airport transfers for guests and provide courtesy coaches to various points around town.

There are a host of car rental companies that offer excellent deals on self-drive cars.

Dubai Transport Corporation has its City Bus services to almost all the places in Dubai. It has bus stations in Bur Dubai, Satwa, Deira ( Gold Souk ), Deira ( Naif Road ) etc..

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Parking :
Dubai Municipality has implemented a system of paid parking in crowded business districts of the city between 8 am and 9pm, Saturdays through Thursdays. These areas are clearly marked and drivers are required to obtain parking tickets from automatic vending machines and display them on the dashboards of their cars. Parking in most other areas of the city is free.

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Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Location: The airport is 3 miles (4km) from Dubai city centre and 105 miles (170km) from Abu Dhabi. Time: GMT +4. Contacts: Tel: + 9714 2062525 Transfer between terminals: There are two terminals, but most major airlines arrive at Terminal 1. There is an airport shuttle service available between Terminal 1 and 2. Transfer to the city: Dubai Transport taxis are available 24 hours a day at the Arrivals Terminal. Buses leave regularly for the city centre; the bus stations are located opposite both terminals. Car rental: There are 12 car rental firms available in the Arrivals Hall. Some also offer a specialised limousine service. Facilities: Facilities at the airport include the renowned Dubai Duty Free, a foodcourt, banking, internet services, entertainment for children, business facilities, medical care, special needs, an airport hotel, post office and lounges. Passengers can also use the swimming pool, jacuzzi and gymnasium, charged on an hourly basis