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Originally a small fishing settlement that became a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, the emirate was rapidly transformed into an international business centre and modern tourist destination following the discovery of oil in 1966. Today Dubai ranks as the country's foremost commercial centre, a city whose skyline is constantly being upgraded with new developments providing the infrastructure and facilities needed for a progressive society, including world-class hotels, shopping plazas and outstanding sports facilities. Dubai Creek divides the city centre into two parts: Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south and each has its fair share of souks, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and fine mosques. From within these high standards of luxury and convenience, visitors can experience exotic Arabia in the bustling souks or a night in a Bedouin tent with belly-dancing under the starlit desert skies, as well as a way of life that is still embedded in the Islamic traditions of an ancient land. Dubai's attraction lies in the contrast between the ultra modern and the enchantingly traditional, which gives the city a personality like no other and visitors a variety of experiences to choose from. From desert oases and unspoiled beaches, camel races and old wind towers, to top-class shopping opportunities, avant-garde architecture and the finest international cuisine, Dubai has more than enough depth to satisfy even the most seasoned of travellers. One of the city's top attractions is its excellent shopping. As an open port with low import duties, Dubai can offer an incredible range of top brand names at cheaper prices due to the tax-free environment, and 'shopping tourists'
are drawn from around the world to this paradise of malls, souks, boutiques and modern department stores selling everything from Paris fashions to Japanese electronics. The annual Shopping Festival attracts millions of tourists to the city for a shop-till-you-drop holiday. Dubai Travel Facts: Time: GMT +4.
Electricity: 220 and 240 volts, 50Hz. The most frequently used plugs are the square three-pin type.
Money: The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the Dirham (AED), which is divided into 100 fils. There are no currency regulations in the UAE and all major currencies are readily exchanged at banks and large hotels. The Dirham is fixed against the US Dollar. The best exchange rates are found at private moneychangers who operate throughout the territory, particularly in the more popular souks (markets) and shopping centres. All major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques. ATMs are common throughout the UAE. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.
Language: Arabic is the official language of the Emirates, but English is widely used.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: Citizens of the UK (with right of abode in the UK) will be granted a free of charge visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Visas are valid for 60 days. British passports not endorsed British Citizen must hold tickets and documents for next destination and have a sponsor in the UAE to cover their stay. Getting around: The most common way of getting around Dubai is by taxi; they are cheap and easy to find. Metered taxis are recognisable by their uniformed drivers and cream coloured cars. Public transport consists of a public bus service, which covers most areas of the city and its beaches; discounted bus passes are available. Routes and bus numbers are posted in both Arabic and English. Small wooden motorboats (abras) cross the Creek every few minutes between Bur Dubai to Deira. Cars are the most popular method of transport for locals in the city, and although roads are well signed and car hire cheap, visitors should think twice about hiring one, as driving standards are erratic and accidents frequent. All accidents must be reported to the police and chances are good that a visit to the police station will be necessary. Outside the city signposts are rare. To hire a car a valid passport and International Driving Permit is required and the minimum age is 21 (drivers must have held a full licence for one year). Health: No vaccinations are required for entry to the UAE, however a certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from an affected area. Tap water in the major cities is safe to drink, but elsewhere only
bottled water should be drunk. Medical care is excellent in the main cities, but extremely expensive, while medicines and medical care are not always available in the outlying areas. Health insurance is essential.
Tipping: Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, 10% is adequate.
Safety: Most visits to the UAE are trouble free. Crime is not a problem, but there is deemed to be a threat of terrorism against Western interests and gathering points, particularly entertainment venues. Customs: The Emirates states are all Muslim, therefore alcohol is not served except in hotels. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in public and penalties are severe. Dress and behaviour should be modest, particularly during the month of Ramadan when it is disrespectful to smoke, drink or eat in public between sunrise and sunset. Women's clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or show a public display of affection. In general, the country has a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but local laws and sensitivities should be respected.
Communications: The International code for the United Arab Emirates is +971. The outgoing international code is 00. City codes must also be dialled (Abu Dhabi 2, Dubai 4). Calls made within each state are free of charge. The Etisalat mobile phone network provides wide GSM900 coverage throughout the country and Internet cafes are widely available.
Duty free: Visitors to the UAE do not need to pay customs duty on 2,000 cigarettes, 400 cigars and 2kg tobacco; 2 litres of spirits with more than 22 % alcohol by volume, and 2 litres of wine; and perfume for personal use. Note that the alcohol allowance applies only to non-Muslims aged over 18. It is prohibited to bring raw seafood into Dubai and Sharjah. |
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