Travelers Tips to Dubai By Oct 18, 2004, 05:38

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Travelers Tips to Dubai

Dubai, the second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has an area of some 3,900 sq km and an established population of 695,000 (1996). Oil contributes just 20 per cent of economics production. Trading, manufacturing and services - including tourism - account for 80 per cent.

Dubai Airport Information

Name of airport: Dubai International Airport

Transportation between airport and city:

• Taxi

Dubai Visa

All visitors except AGCC nationals require a visa sponsored by a local entity such as a hotel or company. Visitors may apply for a transit visa (for 14 days), a visit visa (for 30 days renewable), or a tourist visa (for 30 days non-renewable). British citizens with a right of abode in the UK and expatriate residents of the AGCC who meet certain criteria may obtain 30 days visas on arrival. All current regulations should be checked before travelling, as they are subject to change.

Dubai Currency

The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 fils. The official exchange rate is US$ 1 = Dh 3.675.

Dubai Weather

Sunny, blue skies can be expeted most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Temperatures range from 10.5 C to 48 C. The mean daily maximum is 24 C in January rising 41 C in July.

Temperature - Five Day City Forcast

Precipitation - Five Day City Forcast

Dubai Transportation

Taxi (sand-coloured)

• fare: minimum of around Dh5-Dh10 for short local journeys

Car Hire

Dubai Tourist Attraction

• The Creek The Creek, a natural deep-water inlet which cuts through the center of the city, is the historical focal point of life in Dubai.

• Bastakiya
  The old district of Bastakiya with its narrow lanes and especially its tall windtowers gives a ranralising hint of old Dubai.

• Al Boom Tourist Village
  The Al Boom Village has several restaurants, an ornament lake, an amusement park and a marina.

• Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House
  The retored palace, which datesfrom the late 1800s, was built in a commanding position near the mouth of the Creek at Shindagha.

• Jumeirah Mosque

• Dubai Museum
  Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, was built around 1787. Its lifelike exhibits vividly depict the everyday life of Dubai in pre-oil days. Also on display are 4000-year-old artefacts from excarvations in the emirates.

• WonderLand
  The WonderLand family fun park features a wide range of water attractions extending over 18 hectares.

• Al Ahmadiya School
  Traditional, restored school in Deira.

• Burj Nahar
  One of the three watchtowers guarding the old city, the restored Burj Nahar is set in picturesque gardens in Deira.

• Bayt Al Wakeel
  Build in 1934, Bayt Al Wakeel was the first office building in Dubai. It now houses a maritime museum.

• Dubai World Trade Centre
  Rising 39 floors above the city, alongside is the Middle East's leading exhibition and conference complex.

• Bani Yas Square
  Bani Yas Square lies in the heart of the deire district. It is the location of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing's visitor information centre.

• Dubai Zoo
  Located in Jumeirah, it houses a wide range of widelife including indigenous Arabian species.

• Parks and Gardens
  Situated around Dubai are numerous public parks and gardens, including Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai Creekside Park, Mushrif Park, Mamzar Park and Safa Park.

• Heritage Village and Diving Village
  Located near the mouth of the Creek, these twin villages give visitors a taste of traditional life.

Dubai Tours and Safaris

City Tour

Creek Tour

Desert Safaris

Sand-Skiing

Camel Racing

Horse Racing

Birdwatching Tour

Hatta

Dubai Main souks/shopping areas

• Al Dhiyafah Road, Satwa
  Lively shopping area with fashion boutiques, fabric stores, restaurants and cafes.

• Al Karama
  A popular centre offering unbeatable value. Clothing, accessories, toys and furniture on offer.

• Al Sabkha Souk
  Adjacent to the Deira Covered Souk, Al Sabkha is packed with electronics at competitive prices.

• Deira Covered Souk
  This souk specialises in textiles and is located in the Al Sabkha Bus station area.

• Deira Old Souk
  In this maze of alleyways can be found a huge variety of goods, particularly spices.

• Dubai Old Souk and Al Fahidi Street
  Known for textiles and electronics at low prices.

• Gold Souk
  One of the largest retail gold markets in the world, the Gold Souk sells all types of jewellery.

• Naif Souk
  Fully-renovated traditional soul.

Dubai Sport Facilities

• Golf
  Dubai is the pioneer of golf in the Middle East with three champion-stantard grass courses open to visiting golfers.

• Diving

• Watersports and Deep Sea Fishing

• Horse Riding
  Riding and horses are part of the local tradition.

• Co-Karting
  Dubai has the Middle East's first fully-equipped indoor go-kart facility.

• Flying

• Ice-Skating
  Dubai has two ice rinks, operated year-round.

• Shooting and Archery

• Jet Skiing

Dubai Tourism Organizations

Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board

Language

Official Languages: Arabic

Language of Business and Administration: Arabic and English

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected.

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