Dubai Summer Surprises (mid-June – mid-August) features activities for children as well as imaginative weekly themes, competitions, displays, entertainment and activities; World Offshore Powerboat Race (November – December); UAE Desert Challenge off-road desert rally (November); Dubai Rugby Sevens (November – December); during the Dubai Shopping Festival (January – February) you can avail amazing discounts, raffles and bonus vouchers, as well as experience a comprehensive programme of cultural activities, street entertainment, art and musical extravaganzas. Dubai Tennis Open (February); Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament (January – February); Dubai World Cup (March).
Visas:
Nationals of the following countries can obtain a visa for a stay of upto 30 days and can extend the visa for an additional fee: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vatican City.
Health requirements:
A valid certificate for cholera and yellow fever is required from persons who have travelled or transited from infected areas.
Travel insurance:
Adequate holiday and travel insurance is vital. Emirates Holidays offers a comprehensive insurance package to enable you and your family to travel with peace of mind. Please contact your nearest Emirates Holidays office or your travel agent for details of our HolidayGuard Travel Insurance cover.
We also recommend that water sports enthusiasts cover themselves, in case of an accident while water-skiing or participating in any other water sport. An extra premium is required for these covers.
Currency:
UAE Dirham (AED/DHS) and fils.
Notes in denominations of AED1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.
Coins in denominations of AED1 and 50 and 25 fils.
Approximate exchange rate:
EUR1 = AED4.88
USD1 = AED3.67
GBP1 = AED5.19
Please check the rate of exchange prior to travel.
Banking hours -
0800 to 1430 hours, Saturday - Wednesday,
0800 to 1200 hours, Thursday.
Ramadan timings -
0900 to 1300 hours, Saturday - Wednesday
0900 to 1200 hours, Thursday.
Some banks remain open -
Saturday - Wednesday
1630 to 1800 hours
There is no restriction on the import and export of foreign or local currency.
US Dollars are accepted in most major retail outlets. Currency exchange bureaus such as Thomas Cook (Al Rostamani), Al Fardan Exchange, Al Ghurair Exchange, Al Ansari Exchange and others are present in most parts of the UAE. You can also find exchange outlets at Dubai and Abu Dhabi international airports, major shopping malls and in most hotels.
Hours of work of exchange outlets located in the malls
1000 to 2200 hours, Saturday - Thursday,
1600 to 2200 hours, Friday.
Ramadan timings
1000 to 1300 hours and
1900 to 2300 hours, Saturday - Thursday,
1900 to 2300 hours, Friday.
Hours of work of exchange outlets located throughout the city
0800 to 1300 hours and 1600 to 2100 hours, Saturday - Thursday,
1600 to 2000 hours, Friday.
Ramadan timings
0900 to 1300 hours and
1900 to 2300 hours,
Saturday - Thursday,
1900 to 2300 hours, Friday.
Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted and can be used in most hotels, restaurants and shopping malls. Banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) that can be accessed 24-hours a day.
US Dollar travellers cheques can be encashed at most banks, shopping malls and at Dubai and Abu Dhabi international airports.
Clothing:
Lightweight cotton or linen clothing is suitable during the summer as the weather is very hot and humid, but light sweaters and jackets maybe required for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Good quality sunglasses are a must during the summer.
Airport information:
Dubai - Dubai International
Airport is approximately five kilometres from the city centre. The airport telephone number is 04 224 5555. The Emirates office telephone number is 04 504 7064. Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi International Airport is approximately 38 kilometres from the city centre. The airport telephone number is 02 575 7500.
Customs:
Duty free allowance - 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco; four litres of alcoholic beverages or two cartons of beer.
The following items are prohibited:
• Firearms and explosives
• Narcotic drugs, poisons, industrial and hazardous chemicals
• Pornography of any kind
• Natural or cultured unstrung pearls except for personal use.
Animals must have a veterinary certificate attesting their good health and a valid rabies certificate.
Drivers licence:
In order to drive in the UAE, an International Driving Permit is required. However, citizens of the following countries can hire a vehicle with a driving licence from their country of residence: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, GCC countries, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands,
United Kingdom and the United States of America. The use of seat belts is compulsory in the front seats and driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
Emergency telephone numbers:
Ambulance - 998/999
Fire - 997
Police - 999
Hours of work:
Business:
0800 to 1300 hours and 1600 to 1930 hours, Sunday - Thursday.
Ramadan timings:
0900 to 1300 hours and 1900 to 2200 hours, Sunday - Thursday.
Multinational companies:
0900 to 1800 hours, Sunday - Thursday.
Ramadan timings:
0900 to 1800 hours, Sunday - Thursday.
Government offices:
0730 to 1430 hours, Sunday - Thursday.
Ramadan timings:
0900 to 1400 hours, Sunday - Thursday.
Shopping malls:
1000 to 2200 hours, Saturday - Thursday,
1600 to 2200 hours, Friday.
Souks:
1000 to 1300 hours and
1600 to 2200 hours, Saturday - Thursday,
1600 to 2200 hours, Friday.
Ramadan timings for shopping malls and souks:
1000 to 1300 hours and
1900 to 0100 hours, Saturday - Thursday,
1900 to 0100 hours, Friday.
Public holidays (fixed):
01 January - New Year’s Day
02 December - National Day
Please note, some companies remain closed on 25 December - Christmas Day.
Public holidays (moveable):
Eid Al Fitr
Waqfat Arafat
Eid Al Adha
Hijra New Year’s Day
Prophet’s Birthday
Lailat Al Mairaj (also known as Isra’a wal Mairaj)
Time zone:
GMT + 4 hours.
Language:
The official language is Arabic but for business purposes, English is widely spoken. Farsi, Hindi and Urdu are the other commonly spoken languages.
Tipping:
Tipping practices are similar to most other parts of the world. Some restaurants include a service charge, otherwise a tip of 10 per cent of the total bill is adequate.
Dress code:
Office wear ideal for men is lightweight trousers, long or short-sleeved shirts and ties. Jackets should be worn for formal visits to government offices and important business meetings. If attending a business meeting, formal attire, a light weight cotton or linen dress or suit with a tie is recommended. Cotton clothing is popular for casual wear due to the hot and humid weather. All types of beachwear includingbikinis are acceptable but only on the beach or by the pool.
The local women in the UAE wear a conservative black robe called Abaya over their dress and the men wear a long, light costume, usually white in colour, called Dishdasha.
Electricity:
220/240 volts, 50 cycles AC. US-made appliances may need an adapter.
Safety tips:
The UAE is a safe destination with almost no crime. However, it is advisable to keep valuables and passports in the safety deposit boxes provided by your hotel.