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Lying on the southern shores of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is one
of the seven states which make up the United Arab Emirates. Located at the
crossroads between East and West, the emirate’s long-standing trading tradition
has for centuries brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and
neighbouring regions.
Dubai had already established itself as a quality destination, offering winter
sunshine, beaches, cheap shopping and desert safaris.
The History of Dubai
Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken over around 1830 by a
branch of the Baniyas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the Makhtoum family who
still rule the emirate today.
Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating dates,
fishing and pearling. The liberal attitudes of the emirate’s rulers made Dubai
attractive to traders from India and Persia who began to settle in the growing
town, which soon developed a strong reputation as the leading entry point for
the region. An independent emirate for most of its history, in 1971 Dubai came
together with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972)
Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates.
The discovery of oil in 1966 dramatically transformed the emirate by allowing
the development of the economic and social infrastructure which laid the
foundations for today’s modern society. Much of the credit for this development
can be traced to the vision of the late Ruler, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al
Makhtoum, who ensured that Dubai’s oil revenues were deployed to maximum
effect. His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Mahktoum
bin Rashid Al Makhtoum.
Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf.
It has an area of some 3,900 square kilometres. Outside the city itself, the
emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterised by desert vegetation. The
landscape ranges from rugged mountains to majestic sand dunes. These days, oil
contributes just twenty per cent of economic production. Trading, manufacturing
and services—including tourism—now dominate the economy.
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Population
The population of Dubai was estimated at 605,000 in 1994. Current estimates put
this figure around the 1.5 million mark
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Entering Dubai and Visas
All visitors except AGCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi
Arabia) require a visa sponsored by a local entity such as a hotel or tour
company.
There are two types: transit visas for 14 days and visit visas for 30 days
(renewable). Airlines may require confirmation that the sponsor is holding a
valid visa for incoming visitors. British citizens with the right of abode in
the UK and expatriate residents of the AGCC of certain nationalities and
professions may qualify for automatic 30 day visit visas on arrival, but
current regulations should be checked before travelling.
German and US citizens may obtain visas from the UAE Embassies in their
respective countries. Visas are easily obtainable for other visitors except
Israelis and travellers whose passports bear Israeli stamps.
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Health Requirements
No health certificates are required for entry to Dubai, but it is always wise
to check before departure, as health restrictions may vary, depending upon the
situation at the time.
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Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most
of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter.
Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C / 50 °F to a high of 48°C /
118.4°F. The mean daily maximum is 24 °C / 75.2 °F in January rising to 41°C /
105.8 °F in July.
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Culture and Lifestyle
Dubai’s culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Courtesy
and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues, and the visitor is
sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people. Dubai
society is marked by a high degree of tolerance for different lifestyles.
Foreigners are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels
and, provided reasonable discretion is shown, the dress code is liberal. Women
face no discrimination and may drive and walk around unescorted.
Despite rapid economic development in recent years, Dubai
remains close to its heritage. Local citizens dress in traditional robes and
headdress. Arab culture and folklore find expression in poetry, dancing, songs
and traditional art. Weddings and other celebrations are colourful occasions of
feasting and music. Traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and dhow
racing at sea continue to thrive.
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Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a
large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and
Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary’s (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity
(inter-denominational)
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Ramadan
Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims commemorate the
revelation of the Holy Koran. The timing of Ramadan is not fixed in terms of
the western calendar, but occurs a few days earlier each year.
It is a month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food, drinks and
cigarettes during from dawn to dusk. Visitors are also required to refrain from
consuming these items in public places during this time as a sign of
respect.The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and
understood both languages commonly used in business and commerce.
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Alcohol
Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars.
However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic
beverages. Permanent residents who are non-Muslims can obtain liquor supplies
without difficulty under a permit system.
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Getting there
Dubai’s location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and
Africa makes for easy accessibility. London is seven hours away; Frankfurt six;
Hong Kong eight; and Nairobi four. Most European capitals and other major
cities have direct flights to Dubai, many with a choice of operator.
Over 90 airlines take advantage of Dubai’ s open skies policy and operate to
and from Dubai International Airport to over 110 destinations, making it one of
the world’s busiest airports. Dubai is the home base of Emirates, the
award-winning international airline of the UAE.
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Getting
Around
Taxis are the most common way of getting around.
Metered taxis from Dubai Transport Corporation, recognised by their cream
colour, are efficient, with well trained and courteous drivers.
The journey to the town centre from the airport costs around Dh 30 - 35 in
specially-registered airport taxis. Most hotels operate transport for their
guests. There are also several radio taxi companies which have cars on call:
numbers are available at all hotels.
Car Hire
Self-drive cars are available and the rental company will arrange temporary
local driving licences for visitors. Renters must produce their passport, and
either a valid international or national licence from one of the following
countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Holland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK,
and USA.
Roads and Highway
Over the past two decades, Dubai has built an impressive first-class network of
roads connecting all parts of the city and surrounding areas. There are two
bridges and a tunnel linking the two main districts of Dubai and Deira on
either side of the Creek. Roads to all major towns and villages are excellent
and an eight lane highway heads southwards from the city to Abu Dhabi.
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Money and currency
The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dhs/AED) which is divided
into 100 fils. The Dirham is linked to the Special Drawing Right of the
International Monetary Fund. It has been held constant against the US Dollar
since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$ 1 = Dh 3.67.
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Banks
Both the local banks and the many international banks
represented by branches in Dubai, provide usual commercial banking services.
Transfers can be made without difficulty as there is no exchange control and
the Dirham is freely convertible. Bank hours are 8am to 1 pm, Saturday through
Wednesday, although some also open from 4.30 to 6.30 pm. On Thursdays banks
operate only from 8am to noon. Exchange houses are open from 8.30am to 1 pm and
4.30 to 8.30pm.
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Credit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard etc are
generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer
better bargains for cash.
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Business Hours
The weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon and Friday, but some
organisations now close on Friday and Saturday, working through Thursday
afternoon instead. Government offices are open from 7.30am to 1.30pm (7.30am to
12 noon on Thursday).
Private sector office hours vary, but are generally from 8 am to 1 pm,
reopening at either 3 pm or 4 pm and closing at 6 pm or 7 pm. Shop hours are
similar in their opening times, but remain open until 9-10 pm.
Department stores, boutiques, the souks and many food shops remain open on a
Friday, apart from Prayer Times (11.30-1.30), while larger shops re-open on a
Friday afternoon around 4 pm - 5 pm. Embassies and consulates are generally
open from 8.45a m to 12.30 pm and are closed on Fridays and in most cases on
Saturdays, but will leave an emergency number on their answering machines.
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Communication and Newspapers
The Khaleej Times and Gulf News are daily English-language newspapers. Arabic
newspapers include Al Bayan, Al-Ittihad and Al-Khaleej. Foreign newspapers,
especially British and Asian, are readily available in hotel bookshops and
supermarkets. What’s on is a colourful monthly magazine which covers social and
cultural events within the UAE.
The most popular reale state and property newspaper is Gulf News in which Cubic
Real Estate has 2 full page advertisements throughout the working week.
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Water &
Electricity
Tap water is quite safe to drink but visitors usually prefer locally bottled
mineral water and this is generally served in hotels and restaurants
The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made
appliances may need a transformer.
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Medical Care
Dubai has many well-equipped hospitals. The Dubai Department of Health and
Medical Services runs Dubai, Rashid, Maktoum and Al Wasl hospitals. Dubai
Hospital is one of the best medical centres in the Middle East, with
specialised clinics; Al Wasl is a specialised maternity and gynaecology
hospital. The Department also operates a number of out-patient clinics, of
which one is situated in Jebel Ali.
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Telephones
Telecommunications are excellent, both within the UAE and with the outside
world. Telephone calls within Dubai city are free. Direct dialling is available
to most countries.
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Dubai Attractions
Year-round sunshine, clean sandy beaches, luxury modern hotel accommodation,
tolerant welcoming ambience, crime-free environment cosmopolitan lifestyle
(alcohol is available in hotels) varied nightlife, Arabian heritage, exotic
sights and experiences, desert safaris, bargain shopping (Dubai is a tax-free
city), fabulous water sports, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving, three
championship golf courses, direct air links to more than 100 cities
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Shopping
One of Dubai’s greatest attractions for visitors is its superb shopping. Being
an open port with low import duties and no taxation, the city offers the
bargain hunter unbeatable value. Most major brand name products are readily
available, and are often less expensive in Dubai than their country of origin.
Modern shopping malls are conveniently located throughout the city, their
marble walls and efficient air conditioning providing a cool welcome to
customers. Whether you’re looking for French fashion, Japanese electronics or
Italian accessories and footwear, Dubai’s malls have it all.
Souk shopping can be entertaining as well as profitable, and bargaining is
expected. The sheer variety of goods available in the winding alleys is
bewildering - from gold and the latest in electronics, cameras and wrist
watches to spices, silks, household appliances and sports goods.
Dubai’s major shopping areas include Al Rigga Road, Karama, Al Dhiyafa Road and
Bani Yas Square, not forgetting the Dubai Duty Free complex at the airport.
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Sport and Leisure
Dubai is the undisputed “sports capital of the Middle East”, hosting world
class international events that attract some of the biggest names in their
respective sports, whether in golf, tennis, horse racing, rallying power
boating, rugby, or sailing.
Apart from spectator sports, visitors to Dubai can actively participate in a
wide variety of land and water sports that include golf, bowling, ice-skating,
archery, horse riding, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, water-skiing,
jet-skiing, deep sea fishing and windsurfing. Facilities are excellent, the
weather is fine almost all year round and equipment can be hired at reasonable
rates.
But Dubai also offers the adventurous sports fanatic some new experiences too.
For examples, there are local tour operators offering sand skiing and camel
riding for visitors.
In addition, all major hotels boast well equipped sports clubs, with flood-lit
tennis courts, squash and badminton, swimming pools and fully equipped health
and fitness centres as part of their accommodation package.
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