DUBAI – General Information

Language: The official language is Arabic, Arabic and English are commonly used in business and commerce. Hindi and Urdu are also widely used.

Things to see:

Dubai is really two Cities, Dubai and Deira. Divided by the Creek, they are a paradise for sightseeing and both have their unique characters. You will be amazed at the diversity of architecture and cultures to be found here, ranging from traditional Arab houses to magnificent modern towers of steel and glass.

The Creek is the main artery of Dubai, winding inland from the Gulf for about six miles. On its clear waters you will see traditional teak trading dhows plying their trade across the Gulf, heading as far as India. At night, the waterfront is a hive of activity, as Abras, the local water taxis, criss-crosses the Creek carrying people to their chosen restaurant or attraction for the evening.

Other places of interest are the magnificent Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai Creek, Burj Al Arab, Dessert Safari, Ski Dubai and many more. 

Climate: The months of May and September are moderately hot. June through August is usually very hot and humid, with October through April being cooler.

Calendar:

The Islamic Hijri calendar is based on lunar months. There are 354 to 355 days in the Hijri year, which is divided into 12 months. The Hijri year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, and the events of the Hijri year fall about 10-11 days earlier on the Gregorian calendar each year. The Gregorian dates of the Islamic holidays are not very precise as they depend on the sighting of the moon. The actual dates on which these holidays will fall might differ slightly from the dates mentioned above.

Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims fast from daybreak until sunset each day. The fixed hours of prayer are observed and during daylight no Muslim will eat, drink or smoke. The fast is strictly observed. All non- Muslims, during this period are requested to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the presence or sight of a Muslim during the period of the fast. Some hotel restaurants remain open during this time, but will not serve alcohol. Alcohol is served only after sunset.

Dress: Normal attires in natural fabrics such as cotton and cotton blends are recommended. We also recommend passengers wear sunglasses, sun cream and hats to protect them from the glare of the sun. Good and comfortable shoes are essential for sightseeing.

Photography: The UAE is a photographer’s delight. Photographers will find an enormous choice of subjects here. It is advisable to take photographs of locals with their permission. Women in particular do not like being photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders and airports. Observe “No Photography” signs. Film availability and processing is excellent. Cameras and photographic equipment are excellent buys.

Safety: There is virtually no crime and visitors need have no fear for their own and their belongings' safety and security.

Museum timings

1.       Dubai        

-          Saturday – Thursday                   0900-1300 & 1600-2000 hrs.

-          Friday                                       1530-2000 hrs.

2.       Sharjah

-          Saturday – Tuesday & Thursday  0900-1300 & 1600-2000 hrs.

-          Friday                                       1630-2030 hrs.

-          Wednesday – Ladies only           1630-2030 hrs.

3.       Ajman / Al Ain

-          Sunday – Friday                           0900-1300 & 1600-1900.

-          Saturday closed.

4.       Abu Dhabi

-          Saturday – Thursday                      0900-1300 & 1600-2000 hrs.

-          Friday & public holidays               Closed.

 Beverages: It is illegal to carry alcohol in your car, and drinking and driving is penalised.

Electricity: Is 220 - 240 Volts at 50 cycles AC

Taxis: A range of taxis is available and the taxi sign can be seen on the roof of the car. All taxis are metered and have fixed tariffs.

Telephone: Telephone cards are readily available from shops and supermarkets throughout the UAE. International telephone calls are cheaper between 9pm & 7am and the whole day on Fridays and Public Holidays. All local telephone booths can be used for international dialling.

Time: GMT + 04 hours.

If it is your first time in Dubai there are few things you need to take note of and be aware of, as Dubai has a different culture to most European and North American cultures :

Alcohol : Alcohol is widely available at bars, restaurants, hotels, and leisure clubs. You cannot purchase alcohol from a supermarket. It is against the law to walk in the street drinking alcohol or to be drunk in a public place. You are not allowed to drink and drive. This means a total ban on the consumption of alcohol whilst in charge of a motor vehicle ; this includes the day after the night before. If you are caught drinking and driving you will face a prison sentence, if you are in doubt about the alcohol limits in your blood take a taxi !

Clothing : It is not appropriate for men to walk along the street bare-chested. It is very advisable that females avoid wearing very short skirts or revealing tops as you may attract unwanted attention.

Women : Females who are unaccompanied should be advised it is not practical to wear skimpy or revealing outfits on a public beach.

Nudity : Topless sunbathing is not permitted on the beaches or in the confines of your hotel. It is advisable not to wear thongs as it may cause distress to the locals.

Drugs : There is a zero tolerance in Dubai in relation to drugs and illegal substances. The penalties are extremely harsh and should you be found with the slightest amount of any substance you could face the death penalty.

Homosexuality : Homosexual practices are prohibited in Dubai

Sex : Try to avoid overt sexual contact i.e. extravagant displays of affection in public, as this will offend the local population.

UPDATED September 2008

ALL INFORMATION ABOVE IS GIVEN FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.