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The City
Dubai is the premier tourist destination of the Middle East with unrivalled hotels and resorts such as Bab Al Shams, Al Maha resort and Mina Salam. The iconic 7 star Burj Al Arab, dominates the coastline of the Dubai gulf and service, and throughout Dubai, rivals those of the finest resorts in the world. Dubai is rapidly becoming a business hub of the region with many offices making Dubai their main headquarters. Dubai was the first area in the region to introduce foreign ownership of property and still remains the forerunner, not only in the property market, but also in leisure activities, shopping, sports and entertainment facilities.
Climate
Dubai enjoys moderately warm weather and sunshine for most of the year [Oct – Jun] and experiences rain for a few short days of the year.
Language
Arabic is the official language of the United Arab Emirates, but English is the common tool of communication amongst the multi-cultural melting pot, which is Dubai. Even the road signs are in Arabic & English!
Money
The dirham is the currency of the United Arab Emirates and has been fixed at a rate of 3.67 to the US Dollar. Other forms of currency e.g. US$, € & £ are also widely accepted in various resort hotels and shopping malls across the country.
Visas
Thirty-three European, North American and Asian nationalities are given instant visas on arrival at the airport, at no charge. Other nationalities should pre-arrange visas through hotels, Emirates Airlines or their local UAE embassies and consulates.
Entertainment
The largest ski dome, The Dubai Film Festival, the richest horse race in the world, desert safaris, water sports, shopping festivals, theatres, bowling alleys – the list is endless. Dubai has an entertainment and leisure industry capable of challenging the most active minds and bodies.
Freedom of worship
The dominant religion in Dubai is Islam although freedom of worship is allowed and Christian churches of many denominations exist in Dubai today, and have been for years.
Crime
Dubai is relatively crime-free and considered to be one of the safest cities in the world. Women and children have peace of mind to be out and about in the city, with no concern for their safety, as crimes against people are considered rare.
Population
Dubai’s population is approximately 4 million.
Living Costs
When compared to places like Europe and the United States, Dubai is considered a cheap place to live. Food is relatively cheap, allowing many to order and eat out extensively during the week.
Flights / Airport
Emirates Airlines has one of the fastest growing fleets and destination lists of any airline in the world. Often at the top of the list for comfort and service, Emirates offers 91 flights per week between Dubai & the UK and 2 daily flights to New York, with a total of more than 80 routes connecting Dubai to the rest of the world. The airport is modern and convenient, with hotels within walking distance and transport links to the rest of the city. The 2billion US$ expansion currently underway, promises a state of the art airport and facilities. The project should be completed by the end of 2008.
Useful Links
Dept. of Economic Development – www.dubaied.gov.ae
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry – http://www.dcci.org/
Dubai Municipality – http://www.dm.gov.ae/
Dept. of Ports & Customs - http://www.dxbcustoms.gov.ae/
Dubai Development & Investment Authority - www.ddia.ae
Dubai International Financial Centre - www.difc.ae
Dubai Duty Free - www.dubaidutyfree.com
Dubai Healthcare City - www.dhcc.ae
Dubai Internet City - www.dubaiinternetcity.com
Dubai Media City - http://www.dubaimediacity.com/
Knowledge Village - http://www.knowledgevillage.ae/
Dubai International Airport - http://www.dubaiairport.com/
Emirates Airline - http://www.emirates.com/
Etisalat [Telecommunications Operator] - www.etisalat.co.ae
Dubai Shopping Festival - http://www.mydsf.ae/
Dubai City Guide - www.dubaicityguide.com
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Time Zone
GMT+4, same as Muscat. Dubai is three hours behind Bangkok and eight hours ahead of New York. |
