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| Facts & Figures |
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Local Time: +4 GMT.
Climate: The emirates have a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue
skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular,
falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about
10.5°C/50°F to a high of 48°C/118°F. The mean daily maximum
is 24°C/75.2°F in January rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July.
Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year,
but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the
evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very
relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by
wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. At the pool or on the
beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality
sunglasses are advised and photo- chromatic lenses for those who wear
spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct
sunlight.
Language: The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken
and understood. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce.
Religion: Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a
large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and
Dubai has Christian churches.
Useful Tips: Do not sit in such a way that the soles of your feet are
pointing at someone else. In Ramadan, never eat, drink or smoke in public
during daylight hours. Do not take photographs of military installations or
national women. Never drink alcohol in public.
Photography: Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is
considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask
permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government
buildings or military installations should not be taken.
Currency: The monetary unit is the dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100
fils. It has been held constant against the US dollar since the end of 1980 at
a mid-rate of approximately US$1=Dh3.65
Credit Cards:American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, etc are
generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer
better bargains for cash.
iTipping: Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some
restaurants include service; otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.
Weights and Measures: Officially the metric system is followed, although
British and American standard weights and measures are understood by most
merchants. Local weights and measures are also used occasionally but seldom for
international trade.
Business Hours: The weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon
and Friday, but some organizations now close on Friday and Saturday, working
through Thursday afternoon instead. Government offices are open from 7.30am-
1.30pm (7.30am-12.00 noon on Thursday). Private sector office hours vary, but
are generally from 8.00am-1.00pm, re-opening at either 3.00pm or 4.00pm and
closing at 6.00pm or 7.00pm. Shop hours are similar in their opening times, but
most shops remain open until 9.00-10.00pm. Department stores, boutiques, souks
and many food shops remain open on a Friday, apart from prayer times (between
11.30am and 1.30pm), while larger shops re-open on a Friday afternoon at around
4.00-5.00pm. Embassies and consulates are generally open from 8.45am-12.30pm
and are closed on Fridays and in most cases on Saturdays, but usually leave an
emergency number on their answering machines.
Newspapers: Local news papers and magazines in both Arabic and English
languages are available. Foreign newspapers and magazines, especially British
and Asian, are readily available in hotel bookshops and supermarkets.
Electricity: The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50
cycles. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
Water: Tap water is quite safe to drink but visitors usually prefer
locally-bottled mineral water and this is generally served in hotels and
restaurants.
Telephones: Telecommunications are excellent. Direct dialing is
available to most countries. Mobile phone lines are also available.
Facilities for the Handicapped: An increasing number of public areas now
have access and facilities for people with disabilities. Several of the city's
leading hotels also have specially adapted rooms and facilities for the
handicapped.
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