Dubai is one of the seven emirates that attract tourists from all over the world. Dubai is a unique blend of rich tradition, cultural heritage and contemporary multi-ethnic culture. The city is well known for its large number of beaches, shopping malls, and above all the traditional Arab hospitality. Holidaying in Dubai proves to be a fantasy trip as it helps you to unwind and relax, making you forget all your stresses of the world. The city of Dubai is a heaven for tourist and it offers myriad of attractions for its visitors. However following are some points that should be kept in mind while visiting Dubai.
When to Visit Dubai
The ideal time to visit Dubai is during the months of November and April. It is coolest at this of the year. Summer temperatures usually hover around the mid 30’s and can often shoot higher up as well. The sea temperature reaches up to 28 degrees C. The beaches are visited all through the year, but the ideal time is during the months of early spring and late fall. At this time the temperatures are really comfortable and make visiting Dubai a pleasurable experience. It is difficult to walk outdoors during the summer months since both the humidity and the temperatures are extremely high.
It is important to consider Ramadan, while planning your trip. Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting and is followed very strictly. The timings of Ramadan vary every year, so it is advisable to consult the Dubai moon calendar to help you decide whether or not to visit during Ramadan.
Business Hours: 7:30 am – 14:30 pm. Dubai is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Local Time: GMT + 4 hours
How to Go Around Dubai
Land Travel
Dubai offers plenty of car-rental agencies to its tourists. There are both prominent global companies as well as local businesses. The company charges are a little more than the local operators but they give you several facilities as well.
Air Travel
Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest hub of the Middle East. It is also an important airport for transit and boasts of famous duty-free shopping.
Travelling within Dubai
Bus
Dubai has an efficient bus network, although it is generally used by the low income groups. The bus numbers and routes are written in both English and Arabic.
Taxi
Dubai provides a good taxi service and the taxis are metered. Fares start at Dh3. Women should not travel unaccompanied in these taxis at night after dark. Taxis can be called over the phone also. If you hire a taxi at a five-star hotel, it is advisable to ask the fare before boarding it.
Practical Information -Visa Details
To obtain a a tourism visa to Dubai it is important to make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your arrival. British citizens and residents of the Gulf States can get visas for a period of three months on arrival, while citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and most western European countries are issued visas for one month on arrival. The following is list of tourism visas that travellers can obtain in order to enter Dubai.
Tourist Visas
This is a 30-day visa that is issued to individuals who would like to spend less than 30 days in the UAE and who are unable to procure a visit visa.
Visit Visas
These are issued to people who intend to stay for a period longer than 30 days in the UAE. There are some countries who do not need to procure this visa in advance and can obtain it on arrival. This visa is valid for a period of 60 days.
Other Tourism Visas
A transit visa is a 4-day visa that is issued to the transit travellers who would like to spend their transit hours or days outside of the Dubai airport terminal. A transit visa can be issued to individuals who have a valid ticket for a journey ahead by any airline. The transit visa can be applied either at the transit airport or through the airlines at a cost of around Dhs. 250 (US$ 70).
Tips and Etiquette
Since Dubai is a Muslim State it is important to follow certain rules to avoid embarrassment and to cover the risk of being anti social.
The sale and purchase of alcohol is a litigious issue in Dubai. Drinking in public is a serious offence that bears hard penalties. However, you are permitted to consume alcoholic drinks in specific places. It is important to remember never to drink and drive, since it is unforgivable with serious consequences.
Swearing, impolite gestures and public display of affection should not be done at all.
It is important to pay attention to your clothing details. Baring arms, legs and midriffs is considered discourteous and rude. Men should be clothed in knee length trousers and women should wear loose-fitting trousers or skirts that go below the knee.
During the holy Ramadan you should avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public places from sunrise to sunset. All hotel restaurants serve food throughout the day, however many local restaurants will close until sunset.
Tipping is a common practice and you are recommended leave around 10 per cent of the bill in cash.
Health Concerns
Visitors need not worry about any serious health concerns and no special vaccinations are required to visit Dubai. However, it is advisable to run a check down o the current situation just before your visit.
Dubai is equipped with some excellent hospitals in the region. But remember that private hospitals can cost a fortune. So it is recommended to take a complete medical insurance before entering the country. The emergency numbers in case of an eventuality are as follows: Police – 999; Fire – 997; Ambulance – 998
Safety Information
Dubai is a safe country for travel. Crime rate is very low. However tourists should avoid all political or religious gatherings.
Language
The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic but English is spoken almost everywhere.
Currency
The currency in the United Arab Emirates is the dirham (DH), which is divided into 100 fils. There are ATM’s all over Dubai.