Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks are served in major hotels and
clubs, but not in restaurants outside the hotels. Non-Muslim residents
can buy supplies of liquor for home consumption by obtaining a permit.
Bargaining
In a city built on trade, bargaining or
haggling is a routine part of shopping in Dubai. Almost everything is
negotiable – standard procedure in the souks and markets is to offer
the vendor half the quoted cost, and to haggle an agreeable price from
there.
Business Hours
The working week in Dubai runs from
Saturday to Wednesday. Businesses and offices usually trade between 8am
and 1pm, break for lunch and re-open from 3pm or 4pm until 7pm or 8pm.
The Islamic weekend generally begins at noon on Thursday. Friday is
recognised as a holy day when business closes down completely.
Climate
The ideal time to visit Dubai is between
October and April when the climate is most pleasant. Most years there
are only about five days when rain falls. Temperatures are mild from
December to March, ranging from 26°C to 30°C in the daytime and 12°C to
16°C at night. From May till October, however, temperatures soar
between 38°C and 44°C during the day, and 26°C to 30°C at night.
Clothing
Light clothing is suitable all year
round, but a jacket may be required for cool winter nights. During the
summer months it is advisable to wear loose, comfortable, washable
clothes in fabrics suitable for the hot, humid conditions.
Except on beaches and around swimming pools where modern swimwear can
be worn without contravening local dress codes, visitors are expected
to dress conservatively in public.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards such as Diners,
American Express, Access/Mastercard and Visa are accepted at the major
hotels and some of the larger shops. Cash is preferred by most vendors,
however, and will usually gain visitors a better price.
Currency
Dirhams and fils are the units of
currency with 100fils to the Dirham (Dh). The Dirham is tied to the US
Dollar at a steady exchange rate of $US1 = Dh3.675.
Driving Licences
A temporary local driving licence is
issued when you hire a self-drive vehicle, if you can produce a valid
passport, two photographs, and an international driving licence. A
national licence from any of the following countries is acceptable in
place of an international licence: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark,
France, West Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and the US.
Electricity
The electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC at 50 cycles.
Health Requirements
No health certificates are required currently
for entry to Dubai except for visitors who have been in a cholera- or
yellow fever-infected area during the 14 days prior to arrival.
Language
The official language is Arabic, but English is
widely understood in the hotels and shops, and used as a second
language in commerce.
Photography
It is forbidden to photograph Muslim
women and military or other government installations. It is courteous
to ask permission before photographing any nationals.
Public Holidays
As the dates of Islamic holidays are not
fixed, it is best to ask a local or consult the daily newspapers for
information. There are some fixed non-Muslim holidays like New Year’s
Day on January 1, the holiday to mark the Accession of HH Sheikh Zayed
on August 6, and National Day on December 2.
Ramadan
This is a month of fasting when Muslims
abstain from eating, drinking or smoking during daylight hours.
Non-Muslims should observe these religious customs when in public view.
During Ramadan, working hours are reduced. The dates of Ramadan change
every year.
Time
The UAE time is four hours ahead of GMT.
Visas
Most visitors to the UAE require an entry visa
– only GCC and British citizens with the right of abode in the UK may
obtain a visa on arrival. Transit visas for 14 days, or visitor visas
for 30 days, the latter renewable for a maximum of 100 days, are easy
enough to obtain in advance through either the hotel at which you are
staying, or a business contact in Dubai. Those travelling on Israeli
passports, or with Israeli visas, will not be granted entry. Visitors
leaving Dubai whose visas have expired will face a fine of Dh100 per
day of illegal stay.
Water
Tap water comes from desalination plants and is
safe to drink – however, many people prefer the bottled water served in
most hotels and restaurants.
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