DUBAI INFORMATION
Dubai is the leading centre for Tourism and Business in the Middle East. A city of some 900,000 inhabitants, it is the second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi, which is the capital city, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah are the other six emirates in the federation.

Dubai offers the visitor a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new. An exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai combines the comfort and convenience of the western world with a unique charm and hospitality of Arabia. If you're looking for an action-packaged holiday, Dubai offers superb facilities for sports and recreation, from golf and watersports to desert safaris and dhow cruises, or simply the opportunity to relax and enjoy the year-round sunshine on our clean, peaceful beaches.

Dubai is a shopper's paradise. Gold, jewellery, designer creations, cameras, electronics, and oriental rugs - whatever you taste, you will find it here. From ancient souks to luxurious shopping malls, the visitor can count on bargains galore.

Families are not forgotten. The city has many parks and playgrounds to keep the youngsters amused. While at the end of the day, Dubai's restaurants and nightspots offer a wide choice of international cuisine and entertainment, so go ahead and enjoy your stay in Dubai.

 
TRAVELERS GUIDE

Climate: Temperatures range from a low of 10'C/ 50'F to a high of 48'C / 118.4'F. The mean daily maximum is 24'C / 75.2'F in January, rising to 41'C / 105.8'F in July.

Customs: There are no exchange restrictions in Dubai and no customs duty is levied on personal effects entering Dubai. Visitors may also bring in the following free of duty: Cigarettes 2000, cigars 400, tobacco 2 Kg. Alcohol (non-muslim adults only) 2 litres spirits or 2 litres wine.

Business Hours: Government offices are open from 07.30 Hrs to 14.30 Hrs (Sunday to Thursday). Private sector office hours are generally from 08.00 Hrs to 13.00 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs. Many shops stay open until 22.00 Hrs. The weekend is Friday & Saturday.

Language: The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. Other languages may be spoken by hotel staff.

Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter. A the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and shorts are quite acceptable but, when in the city, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing.

Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)

$ 1 US DOLLARS = AED 3.65 approx. (changes as per the daily exchange rate)
1 AED = INR 12.10 approx. (changes as per the daily exchange rate)