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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. DUBAI HOTELS | IMPORTANT INFORMATION | TOURS Useful information about Dubai, United arab Emirates. Visitors to Dubai will find a land of startling contrasts, from endless stretches of desert to rugged mountains and modern towns. The city of Dubai itself is situated on the banks of a creek, a natural inlet from the Arabian Gulf that divides the city neatly into two. Dubai is one of the seven emirates (states) that joined together in 1971 to form the United Arab Emirates. The other members are Abu Dhabi (the capital city), Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.
Area The total area of the country is approximately 83,600 square kilometres, of which Dubai covers an area of 3,885 square kilometres. Geographic Info Lying at the north-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the South and west, the Sultanate of Oman to the east and north. It has a coastline on both the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf and is south of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Visa Visas are required by all visitors except nationals of the GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) and citizens of the following countries: Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Other countries: Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and Canada. Currency The unit of currency in U.A.E. is called Dirham/AED, which is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham has been tied to the US Dollar since 1980. Credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants as well as shops. Cash and travellers cheques can be exchanged in licensed exchange offices and international hotels.
Shopping Dubai justly deserves its title as the 'Shopping Capital of the Middle East'. Ardent shoppers will find plenty of opportunities to develop their skills and flex their plastic! All areas provide a great shopping environment, but in particular the modern, spacious shopping malls offer virtually every kind of store that one can imagine. During the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Summer Surprises, the larger malls are the venues for special events such as dancing or magic shows. The malls also feature numerous raffles during these months - the prize for the lucky few is usually a luxury car. Bargaining is very much expected in the souks. Visit the textile souk, the gold souk or the spice souk. Taxes 10% Service Charge and 10% Municipality Tax Tipping Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Service may be included in the bill; otherwise ten per cent is usual. Business Hours
Ramadan Month (The Holy Month) Ramadan lasts a full lunar month. All adult Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and tobacco and certain other pleasurable pursuits between sunrise and sunset. The start of the Ramadan month is not on fixed dates thus may be confusing as the Muslim year is lunar based, a new moon marks the start of each month. There may be some variance in the official announcement of the start of Ramadan by each Gulf state. This can be a great burden, especially in the summer, and working hours are shortened accordingly. The sighting of the new moon marks the end of Ramadan, which is the start of the two or three days Eid al-Ftr holidays and the beginning of the following month Shawwal. Some Muslims will say that Eid al-Fitr corresponds in importance for Muslims to the importance of Christmas for Christians. Even though most Arabs are happy to deal with matters of business at any time, it would be somewhat clumsy (but by no means impossible) to guide conversation to business during a Ramadan call. The extent of abstinence depends on how strict the individual Muslim considers himself to be. In addition to fasting, the good Muslim will also try to avoid all evil thoughts, actions, demands and wrong-doing, some of which can annul the fast. Non-Muslim women should dress modestly and should not wear short skirt or have bare arms as it is insensitive to wear such clothing during Ramadan. Naturally one should show consideration and not eat, drink or smoke in public or in the presence of a Muslim during daylight hours. It is a punishable offence to do so in public in some Arabic countries. Therefore most restaurants are closed during daylight hours during Ramadan. The fast serves to inculcate the virtues of endurance, tolerance and respect for fellow human being. Dress Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters 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. Care should be taken not to offend by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Health No health certificates are required for entry to the Emirates, except for visitors who have been in a cholera or yellow fever infected area in the previous 14 days. However, it's always wise to check health recommendations before departure. International medical services are of a high standard and are readily available. Weather
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