Geography

The second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It has an area of some 3,900 square kilometres. Outside the city itself, the emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterized by desert vegetation.

Transport

Dubai has an excellent road system. Driving is on the right hand side of the road.

Taxis are obtainable in Dubai. The Dubai Transport Corporation's ivory coloured cabs are fitted with fare meters. In the case of all other taxis, fares are subject to negotiation between driver and passenger.

Driving licenses issued by some overseas governments may be exchanged for a Dubai license. Where reciprocal arrangements do not exist, it is necessary to take a driving test to obtain a license. Full details about obtaining and exchanging driving licenses are available from the Traffic Department of the Police, telephone number + 971 4 692222, or by writing to PO Box 1493, Dubai.

Accommodation

Dubai is the easiest place to live in the Gulf and high quality accommodation is in good supply.

Luxury apartments are available in plaza complexes throughout the city. All have excellent recreational facilities, in-house video and covered car parking. Some residential complexes provide a daily maid service

A wide variety of villas is available to suit most tastes and circumstances. Most expatriate executives choose to live in the Jumairah suburb stretching southward along the coast from the city centre. For villas at the top of the range, the choice is between larger independent properties or smaller villas in compounds. The latter usually have swimming pools, and squash and tennis courts.

Most rented accommodation in Dubai is unfurnished and kitchens only partly equipped, but many villas and new apartments have central air-conditioning already installed. However, all types of furniture and household equipment are readily available

Climate

Dubai has 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Language

The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce.

Even Hindi and Malayalam are widely used.

Local Time

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.