General Information
Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing is appropriate almost all year round, even in the winter months. However, it is advisable to bring a jacket or sweater, especially for the evening. Because of the intense sunlight, it is advisable to wear a good pair of sunglasses or tinted glasses.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques in the city. Other religions are respected in Dubai.
Language
Official language of the UAE is Arabic; English is widely spoken and understood. Both languages are consistently used in business and commercial life.
Power supply
The voltage in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 hertz. Sockets are 3-pin. Adapters are needed, but are usually available at the hotel front desk if forgotten.
Telecommunications
The Dubai telecoms networks are "Etisalat" and "Du". Almost all countries are accessible by direct dial telephone, fax and e-mail. Many hotels offer Internet access for a small fee and in the city there are numerous internet cafes.
Means of Payment
The currency of Dubai and the UAE is dirham (AED), divided into 100 fils. The exchange rate to the U.S dollar has been kept constant since the end of 1980, and is at a rate of approximately U.S. $1 = AED 3.67. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, VISA and other major credit cards are generally accepted in major hotels and shopping centres.
Gratuities
Gratuities are handles like almost everywhere in the world. 10% is common and welcome. In some restaurants gratuities are included in the price.
Drinking water
In Dubai, tap water is safe to drink. Guests usually prefer the cheap, locally bottled mineral water. This is also usually served in hotels and restaurants and is widely available in supermarkets.
Shopping
Dubai is a shopper's paradise. In the numerous shopping malls there is something to find for everyone. The large malls are open daily from 10am to 10pm. Popular souvenirs from the United Arab Emirates include Arabian coffee pots, ornate glasses with different coloured sands of the UAE and khanjars (typical Arabic curved daggers) etc.
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Things to be aware of in Dubai
Unprotected sunbathing
Skin burns and sunstroke are the price of sunbathing under the midday sun. A sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, a sun hat and 3 litres of fluid per day are advised.
Appropriate attire
In the UAE, it is not permitted to leave the beach area in swimwear/bathing suits. Please note that the Islamic way of life differs significantly from Western lifestyle. When walking in the city and on tours, it is recommended to dress in clothing that covers arms and legs.
Alcohol consumption
An absolute no-go in the United Arab Emirates is the drinking of alcohol in public. This is seen as an offence and is subject to a fine and or jail time. Even the "possession" of empty liquor bottles can be seen as solid proof for "drunkenness". Drinking and driving is punishable by prison and expulsion from the country.
Entering mosques
If you are not a Muslim you are not permitted to enter a mosque. The Shk. Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding has made one of the most beautiful mosque's in Dubai an exception to this rule and has launched a program where you can visit the mosque with an experienced tour guide at certain times several times a week.
Photography
It is prohibited in United Arab Emirates, to photograph government buildings and native women. Violations can result in a prison sentence.
Driving alone in the desert
If you are going on a tour in a 2-wheel drive rental car, you should resist the temptation to leave the road and drive into the desert. The sand is flat and seems solid, but soft "holes" can be hidden to the untrained eye. Even with an SUV you must be careful and stay on main roads.
Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing is appropriate almost all year round, even in the winter months. However, it is advisable to bring a jacket or sweater, especially for the evening. Because of the intense sunlight, it is advisable to wear a good pair of sunglasses or tinted glasses.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques in the city. Other religions are respected in Dubai.
Language
Official language of the UAE is Arabic; English is widely spoken and understood. Both languages are consistently used in business and commercial life.
Power supply
The voltage in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 hertz. Sockets are 3-pin. Adapters are needed, but are usually available at the hotel front desk if forgotten.
Telecommunications
The Dubai telecoms networks are "Etisalat" and "Du". Almost all countries are accessible by direct dial telephone, fax and e-mail. Many hotels offer Internet access for a small fee and in the city there are numerous internet cafes.
Means of Payment
The currency of Dubai and the UAE is dirham (AED), divided into 100 fils. The exchange rate to the U.S dollar has been kept constant since the end of 1980, and is at a rate of approximately U.S. $1 = AED 3.67. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, VISA and other major credit cards are generally accepted in major hotels and shopping centres.
Gratuities
Gratuities are handles like almost everywhere in the world. 10% is common and welcome. In some restaurants gratuities are included in the price.
Drinking water
In Dubai, tap water is safe to drink. Guests usually prefer the cheap, locally bottled mineral water. This is also usually served in hotels and restaurants and is widely available in supermarkets.
Shopping
Dubai is a shopper's paradise. In the numerous shopping malls there is something to find for everyone. The large malls are open daily from 10am to 10pm. Popular souvenirs from the United Arab Emirates include Arabian coffee pots, ornate glasses with different coloured sands of the UAE and khanjars (typical Arabic curved daggers) etc.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Things to be aware of in Dubai
Unprotected sunbathing
Skin burns and sunstroke are the price of sunbathing under the midday sun. A sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, a sun hat and 3 litres of fluid per day are advised.
Appropriate attire
In the UAE, it is not permitted to leave the beach area in swimwear/bathing suits. Please note that the Islamic way of life differs significantly from Western lifestyle. When walking in the city and on tours, it is recommended to dress in clothing that covers arms and legs.
Alcohol consumption
An absolute no-go in the United Arab Emirates is the drinking of alcohol in public. This is seen as an offence and is subject to a fine and or jail time. Even the "possession" of empty liquor bottles can be seen as solid proof for "drunkenness". Drinking and driving is punishable by prison and expulsion from the country.
Entering mosques
If you are not a Muslim you are not permitted to enter a mosque. The Shk. Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding has made one of the most beautiful mosque's in Dubai an exception to this rule and has launched a program where you can visit the mosque with an experienced tour guide at certain times several times a week.
Photography
It is prohibited in United Arab Emirates, to photograph government buildings and native women. Violations can result in a prison sentence.
Driving alone in the desert
If you are going on a tour in a 2-wheel drive rental car, you should resist the temptation to leave the road and drive into the desert. The sand is flat and seems solid, but soft "holes" can be hidden to the untrained eye. Even with an SUV you must be careful and stay on main roads.
