Weather

The Best Time to Visit:

Given the high temperatures in the area, the best time to visit Dubai is from November to April so that one can enjoy the outdoor activities as well. Indoor activities are not hindered by the sun as hotels, malls and other complexes are all fully air conditioned.

The climate is arid with limited and irregular rainfall. Rainfall generally occurs between February and March. October and March experience sunny and cooler weather. Minimum and maximum average temperatures during these months is between 15 and 26 degrees C. During the summer months (April - September) temperatures can reach a high of 50 degrees C with some occasional sandstorms.

Visa, Immigration, Customs

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. You will be denied entry if your passport is marked with stamp indicating an Israel-Jordan border crossing. If it is not apparent to a border official that you are only visiting United Arab Emirates (by presenting your itinerary and/or return ticket) you might be asked to provide the address of your accommodations and your planned departure date. Regulations change periodically. Please contact the consulate office closest to you.

Visa/Permit/Tourist Card:Entry visas valid for 30-60 days are available upon arrival for no fee. For a longer stay, a traveler must obtain a visa before arrival in the UAE. In addition, an AIDS test is required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed after arrival. If you are a British passport holder but not a British citizen, you must obtain a visa prior to your arrival. Please contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London.

Single parents or other adults vacationing alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Transportation

Emirates Airlines operate scheduled flights between many international destinations and Dubai.

Travel by Water:Dubai has abra, water taxis which will transport you across the creek.

Travel by Road:There are numerous car rental companies and driving through this country is pleasurable. Highways connect the main cities, the road network is excellent and in great condition. You will require an International Driving Permit.

Taxi companies have operations in all cities. Generally short distance journeys are metered. If you do use taxi services for longer journeys you may need to negotiate the fare beforehand. The bus service between cities is limited. Urban public transport by bus is available in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain.

What Side of the Road?:Driving is on the right side of the road.

Speed Limits:Urban areas - 60/80 kph; motorways - 100 kph

Culture & Food

Languages Spoken:Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu.

Religions:Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%

People and Culture:The United Arab Emirates is a Arab-Islamic nation. Although the official religion is Islam, freedom of religion is tolerated. The official language is Arabic, but English, Hindi and Farsi are also spoken. It is important to respect the customs of your host country. During the month of Ramadan however, visiting Dubai on holiday is not a good idea as the rules of Islam forbid eating, drinking and smoking in public places. Although hotel prices drop to 70% of their usual, the strictly followed festival of Ramadan would lessen the fun for most vacationers.

Traditionally the majority of the inhabitants were camel herdsman or fishermen. The nomadic tribes roamed the almost inhospitable regions of the country. Many had permanent homes in oases were they settled during certain times of the year and cultivated date gardens. Later the pearl industry caused many inhabitants to relocate to the coastal regions. With the discovery of oil, urbanisation boomed and brought wealth to the country. These challenges have moulded the nation into what it is today. Photographs of the locals should be taken only after they have given you permission to do so.

A resident or national of United Arab Emirates is called "Emirati". The Term used to describe things from here is "Emirati". For example, "Emirati food".

Tipping and Bargaining: Tipping is not practiced but a service charge is usually added to your restaurant bill. This doesn't go to the waiter so you might want to leave something extra as a reward for exceptional service. Virtually all prices are non-negotiable.

Restaurants:	None
*Porters:	None
Taxi:	None

* Try to use local currency. Foreign coins cannot be exchanged and will be useless to the person receiving them. Foreign paper money requires a trip to the bank for exchange. However paper US dollars are accepted almost universally

Food:Fresh seafood served with rice and lamb dishes are popular Middle Eastern dishes. Others include Hummus, chickpea dip with garlic and shawarma, lamb or chicken and salad served in Arab bread. Any other imaginable international cuisines are on offer in the main cities.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in this country's customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised. Visitors should dress conservatively when and where appropriate (e.g. women should not wear tight or revealing clothing or short skirts, and both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities especially when visiting holy places and mosques. During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), Muslims refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking between sunrise and sunset. This may affect the availability of food services. Non- Muslims may wish to refrain from these activities in public. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about:
September 24, 2010
August 01, 2011
July 20, 2012
July 09, 2013
June 29, 2014
June 18, 2015
June 07, 2016
May 27, 2017
May 16, 2018
May 06, 2019
April 24, 2020

Money Conversion

Dubai's currency is called the UAE Dirham (AED)

Currency Converter :use the following currency converter tool to help you with your vacation. Currency Convertor Tool

Currency Cheat Sheet:use the following currency cheat sheet as a quick conversion reference on your vacation.Currency Cheat Sheet

Attractions

Destination Cities:The rapid expansion of Dubai has caused it to be divided into two parts: the northern Deira region and the southern Bur Dubai with the star tourist attraction of Jumeirah. Either side of the creek, these two areas can be travelled to by Abras: traditional water taxis. Both sides are rich in contemporary and historical sights.

Points of Interest:Bur Dubai

South of the creek, Bur Dubai contains the Bastakiya Quarters which portray old Dubai with the narrow streets and wind towers that used to cool houses during the days when electricity was a figment of imagination. Along with the historical Dubai Museum with its excavated graves, ancient weaponry and musical instruments, this part of Dubai allows the tourist to grasp exactly how much Dubai has changed. The unique desert life, Arabian homes, pearl diving and trade on show in these areas are remarkable. The Grand Mosque with the tallest minaret of the city at 70m and its numerous domes is also a distinguished landmark with spiritual importance as well. The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House near the sea port completes the list of star attractions in Bur Dubai. Built in the 1880s, this house was restored to its former grandeur and represents the cultural and historical roots of the city.

Jumeirah

This region contains perhaps the most illustrious of Dubai's landmarks: Burj Al Arab. Unofficially a seven star hotel, this sail shaped building boasts of an extraordinary design along with a royal interior and grand outlook. Another modern landmark close by is the Wild Wadi Water Park, a recreational area fit for the enjoyment of children. Modern Islamic architecture is portrayed in Dubai's largest mosque: Jumeirah Mosque. Its beauty is further amplified at night when it is floodlit after dusk. The Jumeirah Archaeological Site in the area is also a place worth visiting where artifacts dating back to the Umayyad Dynasty of the 6th century have been found.

Deira

Burj Nahar is one of the three watch towers which guard this city. It is located in Deira amongst scenic gardens exotic surroundings and attracts a lot of tourists due to its beauty and majesty. The Heritage House, a wealthy pearl merchants house built from coral and gypsum is also a must visit for tourists. A tour of the house also includes an Emirati snack of chick peas and tea. Deira also contains traditional markets such as the Covered Souk, Spice Souk and Gold Souk.

Shopping:

Being the shopping capital of Middle East, Dubai is the best place to find products at unbeatable prices. Cars, clothing, jewellery, electronics or sports goods- You name it, Dubai has it. International high street chains and luxury brands like Gucci, Armani, Next, Chanel and Givenchy are on show in malls like the Wafi Shopping Centre, Mercato Mall and Emirates Towers Boulevard. Dubai Google Map