Dubai Travel Information
ACCOMMODATION: Check out hotels in Dubai Marina.
LOCAL TIME: UTC +4hrs
RELIGION: Islam
PHOTOGRAPHY
It is strictly forbidden to take pictures of government buildings, army areas, refineries, airports and Sheikh palaces.
Tourist photography is allowed but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is always courteous to ask permission before taking pictures.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is sold only in hotels and clubs. Street restaurants do not serve alcohol.
CLOTHING
Light-weight summer clothing is suitable most of the year. There are no clothing restrictions, however a little respect for local customs wouldn’t go amiss. You will feel most comfortable in clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.
Don’t forget the sunblock and sunglasses!
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Ambulance 998 or 999
Fire 997
Police 999
Coastguard 04 3450520
East Coast Coastguard 09 2380380
HELICOPTER SERVICE
If you dial 999 or 04 2821111, Dubai Police guarantee that in an emergency a police helicopter will be with you within eight minutes.
WATER
Tap water is drinkable but most people drink bottled water.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
T220/240v. Socket type is identical to the British 3-prong outlets.
CURRENCY
http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/
Dirahms is the currency of Dubai. Interestingly the Dubai currency symbol is displayed as both AED and Dhs in many places.
BANK
Banks are open from 08:00-13:00, Saturdays to Wednesdays. On Thursdays, opening hours are usually 08:00-12:00. Most banks and many businesses close on Fridays, but some banks have limited opening hours from 16:30-18:30.
VISA
Please read the Visa Information page.
GETTING INTO DUBAI
By plane:
Dubai International Airport (DXB) – The airport is famous for its duty-free shopping. The allowance is four bottles (or four six-packs) per person.
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) – only half an hour by road from Dubai and is taking an increasing number of international flights as Dubai airport struggles to keep up with demand.
GETTING AROUND IN DUBAI
Dubai Taxi
Order a Dubai taxi telephone (04) 2080808 in Dubai
Metro
From Saturday-Thursday, trains run every 10 minutes from 06:00-23:00. On Fridays, trains run from 14:00-00:00.
Boat
You can also cross the Dubai creek by means of a water taxi which local residents call Abra. These special Dubai water taxis, Abras, can be found all along the creek in Dubai.
WEEKEND
The UAE's official weekend is Friday and Saturday.
WEATHER
The weather in Dubai will be around 30 degrees Celsius in April.
TIPPING
Tipping is not expected, but is common practice. Gratuities to staff at hotels are at your discretion. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. If this charge is not included, add 10% of the total to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. Supermarket baggers, bag carriers and windscreen washers at petrol stations are generally given Dh2.
PLACES TO SEE
Atlantis hotel
Bastakiya District
Burj Al-Arab hotel
Burj Khalifa
Desert camping
Desert safari
Dhow cruise
Dubai mall and fountain
Dubai Museum
Dubai Zoo
Gold Souk, Deira
Ibn Battuta Mall
Jumeirah Mosque
Mall of the Emirates (indoor skiing)
Scuba diving
Shindagha District
Skydive
Souk Madinat Jumairah
Waterpark Wild Wadi