ORIGINALLY a fishing
development, Dubai was taken over in 1830 by a branch of the
Bani Yas Tribe, the Maktoum family, who still rule the Emirate
today. In the early days, traditional activities included goat
herding, cultivating dates, fishing and pearl diving. Oil has
been a crucial factor in Dubai's development since the late
1960's.
TODAY, Dubai is a class destination with all the modcons
of the western world. Dubai is a fascinating Emirate with
beautiful buildings, excellent restaurants and nightlife as well
as white sandy beaches, culture and history that you can feel as
you visit the souks, shopping malls, museums and historic
buildings and sites. There is something for everyone in Dubai.
LOCAL TIME: Dubai is four hours ahead of GMT, during BST,
three hours ahead.
RELIGION: Islam.
LANGUAGES: Arabic, English, Urdu and Hindi are widely
spoken.
SOCIAL AND BUSINESS HOURS
Mediterranean in style:
Government Offices 07.30 - 13.30 (12.00 on Thursday), closed on
Friday.
Private sector 08.00 - 13.00, 15.00 - 18.00 or 16.00 -19.00,
closed on Friday.
Many of the large shopping malls and tourist attractions are
open all day everyday.
PHOTOGRAPHY
It is strictly forbidden to take pictures of Government
Buildings, Army areas, Refineries, Airports and Sheikh Palaces.
Tourist photography is allowed but it is considered offensive to
photograph Muslim women. It is always courteous to ask
permission before taking pictures.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is sold only in hotels and clubs. Street restaurants do
not serve alcohol. During Ramadan alcohol is not served anywhere
from Sunrise to Sunset.
RELIGION
Official Religion is Islam. During the Holy Month of Ramadan
Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset.
Non-Muslim visitors to the country are politely asked not to
eat, drink or smoke in public. Restaurants in hotels are open
during the day.
CLOTHING
Light weight summer clothing is suitable most of the year. A
cardigan is recommended for the winter months, Dec - March.
There are no clothing restrictions, however a little respect for
local customs doesn't go amiss. Don't forget the sun block and
sunglasses!
WATER
Tap water is drinkable but most people drink bottled water.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
T220/240v. Socket type is indentical to the British 3 point
system.
BARGAINING
Shop 'till you drop!
Bargaining is part of the tradition on most purchases. Shop
keepers will often offer you a cup of tea/coffee whilst you
bargain away.
CURRENCY
The Dirham is the UAE's currency and this is divided into100
fils. The Dirham (Dh) is held constant against the US Dollar at
approximately US$=Dh 3.67. Banks operate from 8 am to 1pm,
Saturday through Wednesday and 8 am - noon on Thursday. Currency
exchange houses open until late in the evening. International
credit cards are widely accepted.