Fast Facts
Climate
Dubai is generally sunny all year round. The months between November and May are the best times to visit with temperatures averaging around 26ºC. January is the coolest month of the year with temperatures generally reaching a maximum of 24ºC and minimum of 14ºC. A few days of rain are expected in January and February. Starting in March, temperatures begin their climb towards the hot summer months with temperatures averaging around 33ºC but humidity is still low. June onwards brings hot summer days with humidity often reaching an uncomfortable 100%, mainly in August. Extreme summer temperatures of 47ºC have been recorded.
Currency
The local currency is the UAE Dirham, or otherwise referred to as the Arab Emirate Dirham AED, or DHS. The value of the dirham is pegged to the US dollar at the rate of $1 to AED 3.67. Exchange centres, and local and international banks can be easily located in the city and will likely have the best rates. Banks operate from around 8 am to 1 pm Saturday through Thursday. Exchange houses are generally open from 8 am to 7 pm Saturday through Thursday. The weekend falls on a Friday in Dubai and therefore all banks will be closed on this day and exchange houses are likely to only be open for a portion of the day.
Language Arabic is the official language although English is widely spoken and used.
Voltage Guide: 220V, 50Hz. British 3-pin plugs are standard.
Country Dialling Code: +971
City Dialling Code: From a landline, the code is 04. If you are calling a cellular, you dial 971 + network code + 7-digit number.
Visa Requirements
On arrival in Dubai, UK and US citizens can obtain a visa for free which is valid for 60 days and can be renewed for an additional 30 days for AED 500 ($137). Passports must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry into Dubai.
Vaccinations
None required
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory, but is considered general practice. At restaurants and bars, a 10% tip is usually added. Tips to porters, bellboys, valet service and others in the hotel industry is generally between 5 or 10 dirhams.
Public Holidays
1 January: New Year’s Day
10 January: Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
20 March: Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
30 July: Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)
6 August: Sheikh Zayeds accession
1-3 October: Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
2 December: National Day
7-11 December: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
29 December: Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
Shopping
Normal shopping hours at the souqs are from 9 am - 1 pm and 4 pm - 9 pm. Most major shopping centres however are open from 10 am to 10 pm. Supermarkets are generally open all day. Shopping centres and most shops are open on Friday, but shops in the souqs all close for Friday prayers from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm.
Added 2008/07/07 @ 16:02:08
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