About Dubai

Climate
The climate of the U.A.E generally is hot and dry. The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above 48 °C (118.4 °F) on the coastal plain. In the Al Hajar Mountains, temperatures are considerably cooler, a result of increased altitude.[40] Average minimum temperatures in January and February are between 10 and 14 °C (50 and 57.2 °F).[41] During the late summer months, a humid southeastern wind known as Sharqi (i.e. "Easterner") makes the coastal region especially unpleasant. The average annual rainfall in the coastal area is fewer than 120 mm (4.7 in), but in some mountainous areas annual rainfall often reaches 350 mm (13.8 in). Rain in the coastal region falls in short, torrential bursts during the summer months, sometimes resulting in floods in ordinarily dry wadi beds.[42] The region is prone to occasional, violent dust storms, which can severely reduce visibility.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

Currency
The UAE Dirhman' is the currency used in the UAE. The currency was introduced in 1973 to replace the Qatar and Dubai riyal.

Customs
>Passengers are permitted to bring the following items into Dubai International Airport without paying customs duty:

>The baggage and gifts must be of a personal nature and not in commercial quantities

> The passenger must not enter the country with goods on a regular basis, be a trader in what he possesses or a member of the respective conveyance crew..

>Passengers below 18 years of age may not bring cigarettes or alcoholic beverages into the country.

>Prohibition and restriction procedures shall be applicable to items or belongings accompanying passengers.

>The amount of alcoholic beverage and beer shall not exceed 4 litres for alcohol beverages; or 2 cartons of beer (each consisting of 24 cans, not exceeding 355 ml for each can or its equivalent)

Driving
People in u.a.e drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.RTA with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in uae.

Duty Free Procedures
Duty-free goods can be bought at accredited shops and will be delivered to the customs desk at the airport or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s desk.
Visitors returning home can claim a VAT refund at the airport by showing a receipt and goods bought.

Economy
The u.a.e economy is based on three sectors: oil , Tourism, and Services.

Electricity:
220 volts

Emergency
Police(ambulance ) :999, Police : 999
Fire : 997, General Information: 101

Flights from Europe
Air u.a.e operates over 25 weekly flights from several major European cities, mainly through France together with five direct weekly flights from the UK. British Airways operates three direct weekly flights from London and Emirates operates four weekly flights to u.a.e. l There are 3 cities in United Arab Emirates with direct flights to Europe

Geography
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven independent emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Al Fujairah. The UAE has a total geographical area of 83,600 sq km (including an archipelago with an area around 5900 sq km). Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate of the UAE covering an area of about 67,340 sq km, while Ajman is the smallest emirate with an area of just 259 sq km.The country is located in the southern corner of the Arabian Peninsula between latitudes 22°-26.5°N and longitudes 51°-56.5°E. The UAE is bordered by the Persian Gulf to the north, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, Qatar to the northwest, and Oman and the Gulf of Oman to the east.

Government
United Arab Emirates takes place in a framework of a federal, presidential, elected monarchy. The UAE is a federation of seven absolute monarchies: the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain. The ruler of Abu Dhabi is President of the United Arab Emirates, the head of state, and the ruler of Dubai is the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, the head of government.

Health
Standards of health care are considered to be generally high in the United Arab Emirates, resulting from increased government spending during strong economic years. According to the UAE government, total expenditures on health care from 1996 to 2003 were US$436 million. According to the World Health Organization, in 2004 total expenditures on health care constituted 2.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), and the per capita expenditure for health care was US$497. Health care currently is free only for UAE citizens.

Language
Arabic is the official language of the UAE. English is used as the favorite medium of communication in the majority of trade and commerce activities, along with Arabic. English is widely spoken and understood in major cities of the UAE like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah etc. Urdu, Hindi, and Farsi are other major languages in the UAE

Medical services
Free public medical facilities are widely available.DOHMS. clinics provide medical services for a fee.

Newspapers
Besides a wide choice of local papers, the pick of the European and American press is available.

Nudism
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on our public beaches.ÊNo hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches.ÊTopless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.

Population
2.8 million (Year 2010)

Population literacy rate
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged to eradicate illiteracy within seven years to become the first Arab country to attain 100 percent literacy,

Public holidays
New Year's Day. Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet).Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).National Day.Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).Ashoura.
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region

Security
• A tourist police service has been set up to ensure security in tourist zones.
• An anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed.u.a.e specific law relating to all tourist activities and corrupt practices has also been voted.
• The following essential pieces of advice are meant for you: safety :
> Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
> Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
> Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
> Do not leave anything inside your car.
> (For trips or purchases) use only recognised operators or suppliers.
> Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody.
> During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat house.
> For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards.
> Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden.

Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory.

Time
UTC/GMT +4

Telecommunications
u.a.e has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and internet services.

TV channels
Satellite TV and local tv & radio are available in most of the hotels.

VAT
In a report to the UAE's federal authorities Dubai Customs has recommended a 3% limit for the Value Added Tax (VAT) expected to be rolled out across the country in early 2009.

Visa & Entry Requirements
passport is valid for at least 2-6 months before your arrival. Information about the various UAE visa.
A visit visa applies to tourists who wish to spend more than 14 days in the UAE, whether it is to visit relatives or for business purposes. The categories given below identify whether an individual requires a visit visa before arrival or whether one can be issued to them at the airport or entry point

What to Wear
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (december -february), carry some light woollen
clothing for the cool evenings.
Please show due respect when visiting religious places.Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.

Working Hours
According to the UAE Labour Law the maximum working hours in Dubai are eight hours per day, or 48 hours per week