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| Geography |
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| The second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It has an area of some 3,900 square kilometers and is situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf, which divides the city into the Deira district to its north, and Bur Dubai on its south. The city ranks as the UAE's most important port and commercial centre. Outside the city itself, the emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterised by desert vegetation. |
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| Local Time |
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| The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT. |
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| Climate |
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| Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C to a high of 48°C. The mean daily maximum is 24°C in January rising to 41°C in July. |
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| Clothing |
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| Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photo- chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight. |
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| Language |
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| The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce. |
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| Religion |
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Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city.
Other religions are respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary’s (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (Inter-denominational). |
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| Alcohol |
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| Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. |
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| Electricity |
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The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made appliances may need a transformer. |
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| Currency |
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The monetary unit is the dirham (Dhs) which is divided into 100 fils. The dirham is linked to the
Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund. It has been held constant against the US dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1= Dhs3.67. |
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| Credit Cards |
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American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, etc are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
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| Useful Tips |
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- Do not sit in such a way that the soles of your feet are pointing at someone else.
- In Ramadan, never eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours.
- Do not take photographs of military installations or national women.
- Never drink alcohol in public.
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| Arrival at DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & transfers |
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Enquire for more information
Dubai International Airport is considered the Middle East’s premier & busiest airport & it has been ranked as one of the fastest growing airports in the world.
For passengers who wish to leave luggage at Dubai International Airport, there is a Left Luggage facility available, situated inside the Airport Terminal Building, on the ground floor beside the Baggage Services Counter.
Passenger Baggage Storage charges: |
Normal size bags: Dhs20 p/piece p/24hrs |
Left Luggage Facility Tel: + 9714 206 2725 |
Over size bags: Dhs25 p/piece p/24hrs |
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| Photography |
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| Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken. |
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