Geography
Dubai is part of the seven states that comprises the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the second largest.
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.
When to go
The best time of the year to visit Dubai is between November and April, when the weather is coolest. The rest of the year you're more likely to be running from one air-conditioned environment to the next instead of getting out and exploring. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. That means that it's illegal, not to mention rude, to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset at this time. On the 'up' side, hotel rates drop to 50% of their usual cost.
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.
When to go
The best time of the year to visit Dubai is between November and April, when the weather is coolest. The rest of the year you're more likely to be running from one air-conditioned environment to the next instead of getting out and exploring. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. That means that it's illegal, not to mention rude, to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset at this time. On the 'up' side, hotel rates drop to 50% of their usual cost.
Econo
myDubai has changed dramatically over the last three decades, becoming a major business centre with a more dynamic and diversified economy. Dubai enjoys a strategic location and serves as the biggest re-exporting centre in the Middle East.
Its low logistical and operational costs and excellent infrastructure, international outlook and liberal government policies are attracting investors in a big way. Activities such as trade, transport, tourism, industry and finance have shown steady growth and helped the economy to achieve a high degree of expansion and diversification
Its low logistical and operational costs and excellent infrastructure, international outlook and liberal government policies are attracting investors in a big way. Activities such as trade, transport, tourism, industry and finance have shown steady growth and helped the economy to achieve a high degree of expansion and diversification
Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate, with perfect weather for at least six months out of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and happens mainly in winter. Usually it amounts to about 13 centimeters, spread over five days per year. Temperatures range from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius on winter nights, to a high of 48 degrees Celsius in the midday summer heat.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of all of the emirates. A vast majority of the locals are Sunnis. There are foreign minority Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians as well. Dubai is the only emirate that has Hindu temples and a Sikh gurudwara.
Culture
Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National's lifes
tyles. However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. Expatriates are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code is liberal. Women don't face discrimination. Courtesy and hospitality are one of the many virtues of Dubai. Rulers are keen to maintain their culture and do so through a number of practices. One is promoting sporting events that are representative of their past. Falconry, camel racing and dhow sailing are still popular in Dubai.
Population of Dubai
tyles. However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. Expatriates are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code is liberal. Women don't face discrimination. Courtesy and hospitality are one of the many virtues of Dubai. Rulers are keen to maintain their culture and do so through a number of practices. One is promoting sporting events that are representative of their past. Falconry, camel racing and dhow sailing are still popular in Dubai.Dubai city recorded one of the highest growth rates in urban population because of a business upsurge that has turned the city into the region's main commercial hub. The city has a population of 1.35 million (2005 estimate). Dubai has a highly cosmopolitan environment and a large part of the population are non-UAE nationals, primarily a mix of other Arab nationals, Asians and Europeans. 80% of Dubai's population is comprised of expatriates with Europeans and Asians.
Languages
The official language of the country is Arabic, however most people in and out of the workplace communicate in English. There are so many different nationalities in Dubai, English finds common ground with most people. The majority of road and shop signs, restaurant menus etc. are in both English and Arabic.
DresscodeDubai is a cosmopolitan city and visitors can dress however they like. Still, a good amount of respect for local customs is appreciated. In deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea for visitors not to wear very short, tight clothing, at least until such time as they are comfortable with the city. UAE nationals usually wear their traditional dress. For men this is the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red checked headdress known as a gutra. In public women wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal clothes. They also wear a headscarf.
Currency
- Dhs = UAE dirhams. 100 fils = 1 dh
- Notes: Dhs 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 & 5
- Coins: Dhs 1, fils 50, 25, 10
Local Time
GMT + 4 hours
Electricity
220 / 240 volts (50 cycles) is the standard electrical current and a 3 square pinned adapter may be required.
Education
Nursery & Pre-school
(Age: 2 - 4 years)
English is the medium of instruction in most schools which adopt variations of the popular Montessory method of instruction. Annual fees vary dramatically. Some play-schools like the New Dubai Nursery (Satwa) accept children from 18 months onwards.
Primary & Secondary Schools
(Age: 4 - 11
years & 11 - 18 years)
An academic record of your child is required for admissions. Some schools conduct entrance tests. Schools offer GCSE, 'A' Levels, French, American, Indian, Japanese and any other system that you can think of! Standards are above average.
Universities
(Age: 18 years and above)
Most expatriates prefer sending their children to their countries of origin at this stage. However, the scene is changing as you are reading this piece. Educational Institutes are affliliating themselves to prestigious colleges abroad and students will not have to leave the Emirates for higher education.
Health
Dubai generally has a high standard of Medical care, both in primary health and in Hospital facilities. It must be remembered that the conditions in the Middle East are quite different from our home countries and these conditions lead to some special precautions and requirements to live in Dubai in a healthy manner.
Many Medical Centres exist around the city, the private clinics are mostly for the local community, there are several catering to the specific needs of the expatriate community. Most provide after-hours care and some ,house calls. Look for a clinic which provides for your specific family’s needs.
Visa/vaccination
As visa regulations change frequently, it's worth checking with your local embas
sy, but American and British nationals don't need to obtain a visa before travelling.
No vaccinations are needed, but avoid the tap water, dairy products, raw salads and kebabs if you have a sensitive stomach. Certificate required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from affected area.
Emergency numbers
Police - 999; Fire - 997; Ambulance - 998
Hours of work
Government - 7:30 am - 14:30 pm. Closed Thursdays and Fridays
Tipping etiquette
It is customary to tip when you feel you have received good service, although it's not obligato
ry. Gratuities are at your discretion. Most restaurants add service charges, 15%, to the bill, but whether you want to leave an extra tip is up to you. If the service charge isn't added, the usual tip is 10% of the bill.
Taxi drivers often give you part of your change and wait to see if you ask for the rest. Tipping them is discretionary but most customers give a few dirhams extra.
Public holidays
The fixed dates are as follows:
- 1st January, New Year's Day
- 11th January, Mount Arafat Day
- 6th August, Accession of Sheikh Zayed
- 2nd December, UAE National Day Variable dates include:
- Eid Al Adha, a three-day feast to mark the end of the haj pilgrimage to Mecca
- Ras al Sana, Islamic New Year
- Mawlid al-Nabi, The prophet Mohammeds' birthday
- Lailat Al Miraj, the accession day of the prophet Mohammed
- Eid Al Fitr, the three days at the end of Ramadan
Currency
- Dhs = UAE dirhams. 100 fils = 1 dh
- Notes: Dhs 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 & 5
- Coins: Dhs 1, fils 50, 25, 10
Local Time
GMT + 4 hours
Electricity
220 / 240 volts (50 cycles) is the standard electrical current and a 3 square pinned adapter may be required.
Education
Nursery & Pre-school
(Age: 2 - 4 years)
English is the medium of instruction in most schools which adopt variations of the popular Montessory method of instruction. Annual fees vary dramatically. Some play-schools like the New Dubai Nursery (Satwa) accept children from 18 months onwards.Primary & Secondary Schools
(Age: 4 - 11
years & 11 - 18 years)An academic record of your child is required for admissions. Some schools conduct entrance tests. Schools offer GCSE, 'A' Levels, French, American, Indian, Japanese and any other system that you can think of! Standards are above average.
Universities
(Age: 18 years and above)
Most expatriates prefer sending their children to their countries of origin at this stage. However, the scene is changing as you are reading this piece. Educational Institutes are affliliating themselves to prestigious colleges abroad and students will not have to leave the Emirates for higher education.
Health
Dubai generally has a high standard of Medical care, both in primary health and in Hospital facilities. It must be remembered that the conditions in the Middle East are quite different from our home countries and these conditions lead to some special precautions and requirements to live in Dubai in a healthy manner.
Many Medical Centres exist around the city, the private clinics are mostly for the local community, there are several catering to the specific needs of the expatriate community. Most provide after-hours care and some ,house calls. Look for a clinic which provides for your specific family’s needs.
Visa/vaccination
As visa regulations change frequently, it's worth checking with your local embas
sy, but American and British nationals don't need to obtain a visa before travelling.No vaccinations are needed, but avoid the tap water, dairy products, raw salads and kebabs if you have a sensitive stomach. Certificate required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from affected area.
Emergency numbers
Police - 999; Fire - 997; Ambulance - 998
Hours of work
Government - 7:30 am - 14:30 pm. Closed Thursdays and Fridays
Tipping etiquette
It is customary to tip when you feel you have received good service, although it's not obligato
ry. Gratuities are at your discretion. Most restaurants add service charges, 15%, to the bill, but whether you want to leave an extra tip is up to you. If the service charge isn't added, the usual tip is 10% of the bill.Taxi drivers often give you part of your change and wait to see if you ask for the rest. Tipping them is discretionary but most customers give a few dirhams extra.
Public holidays
The fixed dates are as follows:
- 1st January, New Year's Day
- 11th January, Mount Arafat Day
- 6th August, Accession of Sheikh Zayed
- 2nd December, UAE National Day Variable dates include:
- Eid Al Adha, a three-day feast to mark the end of the haj pilgrimage to Mecca
- Ras al Sana, Islamic New Year
- Mawlid al-Nabi, The prophet Mohammeds' birthday
- Lailat Al Miraj, the accession day of the prophet Mohammed
- Eid Al Fitr, the three days at the end of Ramadan
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