Dubai - everything you need to know
When we are talking about Dubai we are referring to one of the following :
- one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf
- the same emirate’s main city, sometimes called “Dubai City” to distinguish it from the emirate
Dubai the most populous and second largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi. Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenues from oil account for only 6% of its gross domestic product. A majority of the emirate’s revenues are from the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) and, increasingly, from tourism.
ORIGINALLY a fishing development, Dubai was taken over in 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas Tribe, the Maktoum family, who still rule the Emirate today. In the early days, traditional activities included goat herding, cultivating dates, fishing and pearl diving. Oil has been a crucial factor in Dubai’s development since the late 1960’s.
TODAY, Dubai is a class destination with all the modcons of the western world. Dubai is a fascinating Emirate with beautiful buildings, excellent restaurants and nightlife as well as white sandy beaches, culture and history that you can feel as you visit the souks, shopping malls, museums and historic buildings and sites. There is something for everyone in Dubai.
LOCAL TIME: Dubai is four hours ahead of GMT, during BST, three hours ahead.
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. During Ramadan alcohol is not served anywhere from Sunrise to Sunset.
CLOTHING
Light weight summer clothing is suitable most of the year. A cardigan is recommended for the winter months, Dec - March. There are no clothing restrictions, however a little respect for local customs doesn’t go amiss. Don’t forget the sunblock and sunglasses!
WATER
Tap water is drinkable but most people drink bottled water.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
T220/240v. Socket type is indentical to the British 3 point system.
BARGAINING
Shop ’till you drop!
Bargaining is part of the tradition on most purchases. Shop keepers will often offer you a cup of tea/coffee whilst you bargain away.
VISAS
Required by most Nationals.
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.
By car :
Dubai’s only international road border is with Oman at Al Wajajah. Expatriate residents of Oman will require an official permit to exit Oman by road. Visitors do not require the permit. There is an OMR 3.000 charge per vehicle to exit Oman and, if returning, retain the charge receipt as it will be required to reenter. Ensure that insurance is valid for the UAE (preferably before commencing the journey). Temporary UAE insurance can be purchased at the border for a premium price. Exiting Oman is fairly orderly but several kilometres down the road, entry into the UAE is totally disorganised; so, be prepared for a wait.
There are also road borders between the neighboring Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Oman at the Al Burami Oasis which divides the sister cites of Al Ain, UAE and Al Burami, Oman. Some people have experienced problems entering Oman at the Al Wajajah post and reentering the UAE at Al Burami Oasis.
By boat :
Dubai is a trading hub for dhows from around the Indian Ocean. Travellers wanting to arrive in the city this way will probably need to make their own arrangements with the captain of the vessel.
PLACES TO SEE
- Bastakiya District
- Burj al-Arab hotel
- Dubai Museum
- Dubai Zoo
- Gold Souq, Deira
- Ibn Battuta Mall
- Jumeirah Mosque
- Mall of the Emirates
- Shindagha District
THINGS TO DO
- Shopping
- Entertainment (Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises. Most 3-5 star hotels have bars and nightclubs for those interested in the nightlife. World-class DJ’s frequent Dubai’s nightclubs, and many A-list musical celebrities are adding Dubai to their list of tour dates. )
- Beaches and sea (There are endless water-sport opportunities as Dubai has some of the whitest and sandiest beaches in the world. Ocean temperatures range from 22 in winter up to 35 degrees Celsius in summer)
- Desert Safari or Dune Bashing
- Ski (yes ski … on snow) - Dubai now has its own snow skiing centre. Located in the new Mall of the Emirates (MOE), on the Sheikh Zayed Road, it offers both skiing and snowboarding
- Wild Wadi
- Dubai Creek Cruise/Ride
- Sand Golf
ACCOMODATION
Budget :
- Gulf Pearl Hotel, Al Baraha Street, Omar al khattab Road, tel: +971-4-2728333, (mail: P.O. Box 88767, Al Baraha Road, Deira, Dubai, UAE) Rooms from $71.
- Pacific Hotel, Sabakha Street 115, Deira, Dubai, tel: +971-4-2276700 (mail: P.O. Box 21423, Dubai, UAE, info@pacifichotel-dubai.com, fax: *971-4-2276761). Rooms from $80.
- New Peninsula Hotel, Mankhool Road, PO Box 33502, Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Rooms from $99. Indian restaurants.
- Panorama Hotel, Mankhool Road, PO Box 14703, Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates, tel: +971-4-3518518. Rooms from USD$41.
Mid-range :
- Dubai Apartments and Dubai Villas alternative solution to hotel accommodation rentals ph: +971-50-451-1579. Pay on line.
- Ascot Hotel, Khalid bin waleed Road, Bur Dabai, ph: +971 4-3520900 (mail: PO box 52555, Bur Dabai, Dubai, UAE, email: info@ascothoteldubai.com, fax: +971 4-3529819). Has Russian, Irish and Thai themed restaurants. Rooms from $180.
- Landmark Plaza Hotel, al Nasser Square, Deira, Dubai. More expensive . noticable version and cheaper Landmark Hotel a few meters further (same chain). Rooms from $108.
Luxury :
- Burj al-Arab, Jumeirah, PO Box 74147, Dubai, ph: +971-4-3017777 (email: reservations@jumeirah.com, fax: +971 4 3017000). Popularly known as the first seven-star hotel in the world (technically a five star deluxe hotel), this striking sail-shaped building is a symbol of Dubai and one of most opulent hotels in the world. Rack rates over US $700 per night.
- Dusit Dubai, 133 Sheikh Zayed Road, PO Box 23335, Dubai, ph: +971-4-3433333 (fax: +971-4-3434222). Thai hotel. Rooms from $350.
- Jumeirah Beach Hotel, PO Box 11416, Dubai, tel: +971-4-3480000 (email: JBHinfo@jumeirah.com, fax: +971-4-3482273). Next to Burj al-Arab and run by the same company. Rooms from $700.
- Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh Road, P.O. Box 53567, Dubai, tel: +971-4-3995533 (email: sherjum@emirates.net.ae, fax: +971-4-3995577) Rooms from $350.
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