Fast facts

FIRST TIME IN DUBAI ? THESE TRAVELLING TIPS

Important Phone Numbers

Ambulance and Police: 999

Fire: 997

Directory Assistance: 181

Dubai Police Tourist Security: 800 4438

AIRLINES

Air Canada: +971 4 211 2537

Air France: +971 4 602 5400

Air India: +971 4 227 6787

American Airlines:

+971 4 316 6116

British Airways:

+44 207 365 5910

Cathay Pacific: +971 4 204 2888

Continental Airlines:

+971 4 351 9519

Emirates Airlines:

+971 4 214 4444

Etihad Airways: +971 2 511 0000

Finnair: +971 4 397 8434

Gulf Air: +971 4 271 6207

Kuwait Airways:

+971 4 228 5896

Lufthansa: +971 4 389 8100

Qatar Air: +971 4 229 2229

Royal Jordanian Airline:

+971 4 294 4322

Saudi Airlines: +971 4 221 4000

Singapore Airlines:

+ 971 4 316 6888

Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks are served in major hotels and clubs, but not in restaurants outside of hotels. Non-Muslim residents can buy supplies of liquor for home consumption by obtaining a permit. It is against the law to drink alcohol in public areas. During Ramadan, only hotels can serve alcohol, and serving cannot start until 7pm.

Business Hours

The working week in Dubai runs from Sunday to Thursday. Government and corporate offices are open between 8am and 5.30pm. However, some businesses trade between 8am and 1pm, then break for lunch and reopen from 3pm or 4pm until 7pm or 8pm, but these are generally located outside of the city.

The Islamic weekend generally begins at noon on Thursday, while Friday is recognised as a holy day when businesses close down completely. On regular days, shops are open from 9am until 1pm, and from 4pm until 9pm or later. Most supermarkets remain open all day except Friday, when they close for prayers between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Clothing

Light clothing is suitable all year round, but a jacket may be required for cool winter nights. Many of the air-conditioned hotels and restaurants can also be quite cold, so carry a jacket out with you. During the summer months, it is advisable to wear loose, comfortable, washable clothes in fabrics that are suitable for hot and humid conditions.

Except on beaches and around swimming pools where modern swimwear can be worn without contravening local dress codes, visitors are expected to dress conservatively in public. It is highly recommended to protect yourself from the sun with sleeved clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Hotel restaurants do not insist that male guests wear ties, but most men, if not wearing a lightweight suit and tie, will at least be in smart casual attire. Men should not wear open-toed shoes.

Communications Newspapers

There are a number of English language newspapers, including the Khaleej Times and Gulf News, which are published daily, alongside several Arabic newspapers. Foreign newspapers, especially British ones, are freely available in hotel bookshops and supermarkets, albeit a day or two late. Visit timeoutdubai.com for reports on social and cultural events throughout the UAE.

Radio

Both Arabic and English commercial radio stations broadcast in Dubai. UAE Radio Dubai broadcasts in English 24 hours a day on 92 MHz FM.

Telephone And Internet

Telecommunications in Dubai are modern and efficient.

Telephone calls within Dubai are free of charge and International Direct Dialling is available to most countries. Although, like many other places, pay phones have fallen into disuse in favour of smartphones. They still can be operated by coins (Dh1 or 50 fils) or phone cards, which may be purchased from the Etisalat Company, post offices or licensed agents throughout the city.

Major hotels also have fax services and can organise internet access. Internet services are modern and very fast due to large investments made in broadband infrastructure. Wi-Fi hotspots are found in hotel receptions and many modern cafés; however, you may need to pay a small fee.

Television

Arabic and English commercial television stations broadcast from mid-afternoon until late evening. Channel 33 televises a variety of programs in English. Some are locally produced, but most originate from the UK, the US and Australia.

Finances Credit Cards

Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and some of the larger stores. Cash is preferred by most market vendors and will usually gain visitors a better price.

Currency

Dirhams and fils are the units of currency with 100fils to the Dirham (Dh). The Dirham is tied to the US dollar at a steady exchange rate of US$1 = Dh3.672. Banks usually give the best rates on foreign currency exchange, but hotels and airports are often quicker and are open outside of normal banking hours. Moneychangers tend to have a wider range of currencies, but their rates may be higher.

Duty Free Allowance

Dubai’s duty free allowance permits four litres of alcohol (for non-Muslim adults only), 400 cigarettes or two kilograms of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you may bring to Dubai and no customs duty on personal effects, accompanied or unaccompanied. There is a duty free store at the airport for incoming visitors that also stocks liquor.

Electricity

The electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC at 50 cycles.

Embassies

Most diplomatic missions are located in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. There are, however, some consulates and commercial attachés in Dubai.

Language

The official language of Dubai and the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely understood in hotels and shops, and used as a second language in commerce. Because of the cosmopolitan expatriate population in Dubai, many languages are spoken, particularly Urdu, Hindi and Farsi.

Medical Care

There are several wellequipped, modern hospitals, including the New Dubai Hospital, regarded as one of the best medical centres in the Middle East. Most hotels have their own doctor on 24-hour call, and pharmacies carry the most common medicines and health products.

Photography

Dubai is popular with photographers worldwide for its diverse scenery. Photographers must note, however, that certain restrictions are enforced. It is forbidden to photograph Muslim women and military or other government installations. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing any nationals. Take particular care to protect your photographic equipment from the sand and heat.

Public Holidays

As the dates of Islamic holidays are not fixed, it is best to ask a local or consult the daily newspapers for information. There are some fixed nonMuslim holidays such as New Year’s Day on 1 January and National Day on 2 December. Western companies often observe Christmas and some diplomatic missions may observe Easter.

Ramadan

Ramadan signals a month of fasting when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking or smoking during daylight hours. Non-Muslims should observe these religious customs when in public view. During Ramadan, working hours are reduced and business is sometimes conducted after dark. The end of Ramadan is marked by ceremonial cannon shots, followed by joyous feasting and dancing during the three-day Eid al-Fitr holiday. The dates of Ramadan change every year.

Religion

Islam is the official religion, but other creeds are tolerated. Every Muslim has a duty to pray five times a day, with the precise times published daily.

Transportation Driving Licences

A temporary local driving licence is issued when you hire a vehicle, if you can produce a valid passport, two photographs and an international driving licence. A national licence from any of the following countries