Government

The Supreme Council of the UAE, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, is the highest federal authority. It is responsible for general policy matters involving communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and development, and for ratifying federal laws. The President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members. The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto. While Abu Dhabi is the centre of federal government activities, most ministerial departments also maintain offices in Dubai.

History

Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken over in about 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating dates, fishing and pearling, but the inhabitants built up trade too. By the turn of the century, Dubai was reputed to have the largest souks on the Gulf coast, with 350 shops in the Deira district alone.Commercial success allied to the liberal attitudes of Dubai's rulers, made the emirate attractive to traders from India and Iran, who began to settle in the growing town. But, while trade developed, Dubai remained politically a protectorate of Britain as part of the Trucial States extending along the northern coast of the Arabian peninsula.On the British withdrawal 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.This was shortly after the discovery of oil in 1966, which was soon to transform the emirate and its way of life. Dubai's first oil exports in 1969 were followed by a period of rapid development that 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 Maktoum, who ensured that Dubai's oil revenues, despite being relatively modest by the standards of the region, were deployed to maximum effect.His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his brother, Their Highnesses Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry. The result is that Dubai is constantly building up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society

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.In addition, there are a number of well-equipped private hospitals with in- and out-patient facilities.

Water

Tap water is quite safe to drink but visitors usually prefer locally-bottled mineral water and this is generally served in hotels and restaurants.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Radio

The English-language service of UAE Radio Dubai broadcasts daily on 92MHz FM 24 hours a day. Channel 4FM also broadcasts 24 hours a day on 104.8MHz.

Television

Most leading hotels now receive international news and entertainment broadcast via satellite. Star TV, Orbit and Showtime are among the satellite networks which transmit a wide variety of programmes, including BBC World and CNN.Locally, there are four channels: Dubai 2, 10 and 41 which show Arabic programmes, and Dubai 33, which broadcasts in English. Emirates Dubai Television broadcasts through satellite in many parts of the world in Arabic and English.Reception from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Qatar and Bahrain is usually possible and programme details are published in the local press.

Newspapers

Gulf News, Khaleej Times, Emirates News and The Gulf Today are daily English-language newspapers. Arabic newspapers include Al-Bayan, Al-Ittihad and Al-Khaleej.Foreign newspapers and magazines, especially British and Asian, are readily available in hotel bookshops and supermarkets.

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– 1.30pm (7.30am–12.00 noon on Thursday).Private sector office hours vary, but are generally from 8.00am–1.00pm, re-opening at either 3.00pm or 4.00pm and closing at 6.00pm or 7.00pm.Shop hours are similar in their opening times, but most shops remain open until 9.00–10.00pm. Department stores, boutiques, souks and many food shops remain open on a Friday, apart from prayer times (between 11.30am and 1.30pm), while larger shops re-open on a Friday afternoon at around 4.00–5.00pm.Embassies and consulates are generally open from 8.45am–12.30pm and are closed on Fridays and in most cases on Saturdays, but usually leave an emergency number on their answering machines.

Weights and Measures

Officially the metric system is followed, although British and American standard weights and measures are understood by most merchants.Local weights and measures are also used occasionally but seldom for international trade.

Tipping

Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.

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.

Banks

Both the local banks and the many international banks represented by branches in Dubai provide the usual commercial banking services. Transfers can be made without difficulty as there is no exchange control and the dirham is freely convertible.Bank opening hours are 8.00am to 1.00pm, from Saturday to Wednesday, although some also open from 4.30–6.30pm. On Thursdays, banks operate only from 8.00am to noon.Exchange houses are open from 8.30am–1.00pm and 4.30–8.30pm

Currency

The monetary unit is the dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 fils. The dirham is linked to theSpecial 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= Dh3.67.

Getting Around

Taxis
Taxis are the most common way of getting around. Metered cabs from Dubai Transport Corporation, recognised by their cream colour, are efficient and have well-trained and courteous drivers.The fare is Dh3.00 for pick-up (Dh3.50 from 10.00pm to 6.00am), followed by Dh1.17 per kilometre. It is also possible to hire a taxi for a 12-hour period for a fixed fee of Dh500. Alternatively, Dubai Transport Corporation operates a fixed-fare minibus service to and from the other emirates.The fares of non-metered taxis are negotiated between driver and passenger, starting at a minimum of around Dh5 for short local journeys, while Dh10 to Dh15 is the rule of thumb if you cross the Creek from one side of the city to the other.Dubai Transport taxis also operate a service from the airport. The pick-up fee is Dh16 and the fare then accrues at Dh1.17 per kilometre.Most hotels operate transport for their guests. There are also several radio taxi companies which have cars on call and whose numbers are available at all hotels.Car-hireSelf-drive cars are available from car rental companies for visitors who have an international driving licence. Renters must produce their passport along with the valid licence. Visitors without an international driving licence may obtain a temporary local driving licence as long as they hold a valid national licence from one of the following countries: Germany, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Netherlands, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Greece, Turkey, UK, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. The passport, valid national licence and two photographs are also required. Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side.

Roads and highways
Over the past two decades, Dubai has built an impressive network of first-class roads connecting all parts of the city and surrounding areas.There are four 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 a multi-lane highway heads southwards from the city to Abu Dhabi.

Water taxis
An interesting way to travel between Dubai and Deira is by water taxi across the Creek. The cost of this experience is 100 fils.

Photography

Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.

Getting There

Dubai’s location at the cross-roads 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.More than 80 airlines take advantage of Dubai’s open skies policy, and operate to and from Dubai International Airport to more than 130 destinations, making it one of the world’s busiest.Dubai is the home base of Emirates, the award-winning international airline of the UAE, which operates scheduled services to more than 45 destinations.A $540 million expansion programme is currently under way to offer passengers a state-of-the-art terminal in the year 2000.Dubai International Airport has comprehensive facilities for people with physical disabilities

Useful Tips

1) Do not sit in such a way that the soles of your feet are pointing at someone else.
2) In Ramadan, never eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.
3) Do not take photographs of military installations or national women.
4) Never drink alcohol in public.

Alcohol

Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.

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).

Language

The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce.

Clothing

Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets 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. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo- chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight.

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°F. The mean daily maximum is 24°C/75.2°F in January rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July

Entering Dubai

Visas: Please click here for detailed information about visa regulations.

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. Customs Duty-free allowances: 1- 4 liters Spirits (any kind of alcohol) (1000 ml each liter) In case that a passenger wants to buy beer it will be 24 cans (every 6 cans equivalent to 1 liter spirit) 2- 400 pieces of cigarettes (which is equivalent to 2 boxes) 3- 2 Kilos of Tobacco (any kind of snuffing or chewing tobacco is not allowed) 4- Cigars which is equivalent to Dhs. 3000 (Three Thousands Dirhams) maximum which is for personal use. 5- Perfumes or any other gifts which is equivalent to 3000 (Three Thousands Dirhams) maximum which is for personal use. 6- Currency below 40,000 Dhs. or equivalent of this amount in other currencies, other wise he should declare to Customs Office in arrival section the exact amount he carry it.

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

Facilities for the Handicapped

An increasing number of public areas now have access and facilities for people with disabilities.Several of the city’s leading hotels also have specially adapted rooms and facilities for the handicapped. These are: City Centre Hotel, Crowne Plaza Dubai, Hilton International Dubai, Hyatt Regency Dubai, Jebel Ali Hotel & Golf Resort, The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, JW Marriott Hotel, Metropolitan Palace Hotel, Oasis Beach Hotel, Radisson SAS Hotel Jumeira Beach, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai and Renaissance Hotel Dubai. For more detailed information about available facilities, see each hotel’s individual entry in the section Places To Stay.

Travel Tips - Caution

Dubai visitors must be aware of medicines prohibited in the UAE.For more information, you may click on the following link:
http://www.moh.gov.ae/moh_site/phar_med/price_list/controlled%20list.pdf
Or visit the Ministry of Health Website: http://www.moh.gov.ae

Port of Call

Dubai, The Pride of the United Arab Emirates. A place of fascinating contrasts. Where the East and the West meet. The ancient and modern merge. The desert and the sea blend.Dubai has always had a strong marine association thanks to its excellent location on the southern Arabian Gulf Its shores has for generations attracted seafarers and traders for commerce.In fact, Dubai was a principal Gulf Coast port and an important Trading Centre. It was called the City of Merchants and was famous throughout the region for its courtesy and hospitality. A tradition that lives on to this date. Dubai's growing popularity amongst world travellers has resulted in the evolution of a mature tourism sector.With over 282 hotels, more than 91 airlines connecting to over 132 destinations, experienced ground operators, modern seaports and most importantly a government dedicated to creating a sound social and economic infrastructure for the tourism industry.Underlining the importance of the Tourism industry is The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) which under the able leadership of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Chairman and Khalid bin Sulayem as the Director General, is making Dubai the favourite tourist sport of the millennium. An increasing number of cruise ships are already choosing Dubai as an ideal and unique destination.The Dubai Cruise Terminal opened in 2001 at Port Rashid and able to handle up to two ships simultaneously. It has an unique 'mobile' design to enable customisation of passenger and baggage flows. Other thoughtful features include special facilities for the physically challenged like electric golf carts for transportation, duty-free shops, internet access, money exchanges, information centre, beautiful palm gardens, Arabian heritage and cultural exhibits, a Cafe and much more.

Geographical Location

Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Gulf, between 55° 16 East and 25°16 North.Dubai's strategic location midway between Europe and Asia, makes for easy accessability. London is seven hours away by air, Frankfurt six, Cairo four and Hong Kong eight.

Cruise Terminal

Dubai brings together the highest standards of comfort and convenience with the timeless adventure of Arabia - from bustling souks to the majestic desert. Cruise ship operators will find a government that is committed and eager to welcome vessels from around the world. Discerning passengers will find that Dubai offers the perfect blend of luxury and leisure, shopping and culture, in an environment that is hospitable, safe and virtually crime free.

Shopping Hours

Normal Dubai hours are from 9.00am–1.00pm and 4.00–9.00pm or later. Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 9.30 or 10.00am. Shopping malls tend to open from 10.00am–10.00pm.Most supermarkets stay open until late at night seven days a week, while some remain open 24 hours. Shops close for prayers on Fridays from 11.30am–1.30pm. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until late.

Dubai Duty Free

Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport has won numerous international awards and ranks among the top duty-free operations in the world. As part of the airport’s expansion for the next millennium it will quadruple in size to cover an area of 9,000 sq m.Dubai Duty Free is open 24 hours a day and offers a wide variety of merchandise catering to the multinational passengers using Dubai International Airport. One of the main attractions at Dubai Duty Free is the Finest Surprise raffle draw which gives passengers the chance to win a luxury car.

Popular Gifts

The Dubai shopping scene offers something for everyone.Apart from competitively-priced electronics products, watches, cameras and other international items, popular traditional gifts include:
Arabic coffee pots.
Silver and brass swords and khanjars (Arabic curved daggers).
Prayer beads.
Soapstone figures.
Coasters, letter racks, jewellery boxes, chests etc, decorated with lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite and other semi-precious stones.
Marble goblets.
Antique silver jewellery.
Brass items.
Silver and wooden miniature dhows.
Persian carpets and cotton dhurries (oblong floor coverings).
Inlaid rosewood and walnut furniture.

Malls

Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food outlets.Deira malls:Leading malls in Deira district include Deira City Centre, Al Mulla Plaza, the Inter-Continental Plaza, Abu Hail Shopping Centre, The Galleria, Al Ghurair Centre, Al Warba Centre, Al Manal Centre, Al Bustan Centre, Al Futtaim Centre, The Dana Centre, The Center and Hamarain Centre. Dubai malls: On the Dubai side of the Creek the Wafi, BurJuman Centre, Lamcy Plaza, Al Dhiyafa Centre, Karama Centre, Al Rais Shopping Mall, Dune Centre, Al Hana Centre, Al Khaleej Centre and Holiday Centre are among the largest complexes.Jumeirah malls:The Jumeirah district has Magrudy’s Shopping Mall, Markaz Al Jumeirah, Mercato, Jumeirah Plaza, The Beach Centre, Town Centre Jumeirah and Palm Strip

Souks

Foodstuffs: These range from the traditional narrow streets of the spice souk just a stone’s throw from the Creek, to the modern fish souk with the many varieties caught in Gulf waters, and the fruit and vegetable souk with its bustle and vivid colours.Gold: Dubai’s most famous market of all is the gold souk, where narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 18, 21 and 22 carat gold. Bars of 24 carat in any form and weight, and bullion coins in 22 and 24 carat are also available.Prices are very reasonable and largely determined by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship.Carpets: In Deira Tower’s shopping mall, carpet traders from countries across the Gulf — Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan — have established a carpet souk where prices in the 40 shops range from a few hundred dirhams to many thousands. Consumer goods: In Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Street is noted for its electronic goods shops while nearby Cosmos Lane is lined with stores selling the textiles of West and East, from cool printed cottons to exotic brocades.Further out from the city centre, Karama is Dubai’s bargain basement with an array of busy shops selling toys, household goods, textiles, fashions, accessories and much more.

Shopping in Dubai

One of Dubai’s greatest visitor attractions is its superb shopping. The city draws large numbers of ‘ shopping tourists’ from countries within the region and from as far afield as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.As an open port with low import duties, Dubai’s retail prices are reasonable and the variety of products available is virtually unrivalled.Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in the countries of their origin.Whatever the visitor’s tastes — be it couture from Paris or Milan, hi-tech electronics from Japan, or a piece of silver Bedouin jewellery — he or she will find it at the right price in Dubai.In addition to the souk districts and shopping malls listed below, there are many top-class department stores and boutiques throughout the city

Jumeirah Mosque

The city has many fine mosques. One of the largest and most beautiful — Jumeirah Mosque — is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture.Built of stone in medieval Fatimid tradition, the mosque with its twin minarets and majestic dome is a city landmark. It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief.The elaborate Jumeirah Mosque is Dubai's most admired mosque from the outside and one of Dubai’s most photographed sights

Dubai Museum

Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, is another imposing building. It once guarded the city’s landward approaches. Built around 1799, it has served variously as palace, garrison and prison.

It was renovated in 1970 for use as a museum; further restoration and the addition of galleries was completed in 1995. Colourful and evocative dioramas, complete with life-size figures and sound and lighting effects, vividly depict everyday life in pre-oil days. Galleries rescenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date gardens, desert and marine life.

One of the most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl-diving, and is accompanied by sets of pearl merchants’ weights, scales and sieves.

Also on display are artefacts such as fine copper, alabaster and pottery objects found in 3,000–4,000 year-old graves at Al Ghusais. The main fort is a fascinating military museum.

Dubai Creek

The Creek, a natural sea-water inlet which cuts through the centre of the city, is the historic focal point of life in Dubai. A stroll along its banks evokes the city’s centuries-old trading traditions.Visitors will be captivated by the colour and bustle of the loading and unloading of dhows which still ply ancient trade routes to places as distant as India and East Africa.An attractive way to view the Creek and the dhows is from an abra, one of the small water taxis which criss-cross the Creek from the souks of Deira to those on the Bur Dubai side.Boatmen will also take visitors on a fascinating hour-long trip from the abra embarkation points to the mouth of the Creek and inland to the Maktoum Bridge, passing on the way many of the city’s historic and modern landmarks.Redevelopment work has transformed parts of the Creek’s banks. On the Deira side, a broad and well-lit, paved promenade extends from the Corniche, which faces on the Arabian Gulf, all the way to the attractive purpose-built dhow terminal constructed beside Maktoum Bridge.On the Bur Dubai side between Maktoum and Garhoud bridges, Creekside Park provides pleasant paved walks and extensive landscaped public gardens.At the inland end of the Creek is a large, shallow lagoon, now a wildlife sanctuary which has become a haven for migrating shore birds. Some 27,000 birds have been counted here at one time during the autumn migration. The most spectacular are the many Greater Flamingos which have made the Creek their permanent home.

Dubai City

Having expanded along both banks of the Creek, Dubai’s central business district is divided into two parts — Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south — connected by a tunnel and two bridges. Each has its share of fine mosques and busy souks, of public buildings, shopping malls, hotels, office towers, banks, hospitals, schools, apartments and villas.Outside this core, the city extends to the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah to the north, while extending south and west in a long ribbon of development alongside the Gulf, through the districts of Satwa, Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim.At first glance, the city presents a predominantly modern face, an ever-changing skyline of new developments, from striking glass and concrete towers to gracious modern buildings incorporating traditional Arabian architectural motifs and features

Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) was established to stimulate trade and commerce in the United Arab Emirates in 1979. Over the past two decades, the DWTC has become a symbol of economic growth and prosperity in the Middle East. It undertakes three core activities: organizing exhibitions, providing hospitality services and property leasing. From humble beginning in 1979 to being a state-of-the-art complex today, the DWTC has recorded remarkable growth in all areas of its core activities. The Complex includes a 39-storey office tower, 492 serviced residential apartments with a sports club, seven international standard interconnected and purpose built exhibition halls, a 200-seat theatre, a congress center and a private member's business club.