Local Time
Dubai is four hours ahead of UTC. During British Summer Time (BST), Dubai is three hours ahead of UTC.
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. Local/street restaurants do not serve alcohol.
Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable most of the year. There are no clothing restrictions, however a little respect for local customs would be appreciated. You will feel most comfortable in clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.
Don’t forget sun protection – sun lotion 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 8 minutes.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink, but most people drink bottled water.
Electricity Supply
T220/240v. Socket type is identical to the British 3 point system.
Currency
Dirahms (DHS) 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 8am to 1pm, Saturdays to Wednesdays. On Thursdays, opening hours are usually 8am to noon, and banks (like other businesses) are closed on Fridays. Some banks re-open in the afternoon from 4.30 to 6.30pm
VISA
Getting into Dubai
By plane:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) – The airport is famous for its duty-free shopping. The allowance is 4 bottles (or four 6 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
Trains run every 10 minutes from 6am to 11pm, Saturday to Thursday and from 2pm to midnight on Fridays. - 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 will be Friday and Saturday.
Weather
The weather in Dubai will be around 28-30 degrees Celsius at the end of March.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected, but is common practice. Gratuities to staff at hotels are at your discretion. Most restaurants add service charges to the bill (10 percent). If this charge is not included, add 10 percent 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 Dhs2.
Places to See
• Atlantis hotel
• Bastakiya District
• Burj Al-Arab hotel
• Burj Khalifa
• City Walk
• 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