About Dubai

Dubai's diversity guarantees a whole range of different experiences when you're not on the water: ski in a big shopping mall, watch the sharks in an even bigger mall, swim with dolphins in a hotel water park on Palm Jumeirah, take the metro the length of the city, cross Dubai creek on a traditional abra boat, play golf on a world championship course, walk along unspoiled beaches, enjoy afternoon tea in the only 7 star hotel in the world, dune bash in your 4x4 then watch the sun go down in a desert camp, ride a camel, smoke shisha into the early hours, barter for gold in the souqs or spoil yourself in this duty free shopping haven. Dubai is a city of adventure, contrast, discovery and surprise.

Click on the "links" section for useful tourist websites and activities. 

Interesting to know

Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates which make up the UAE (United Arab Emirates). The city is a very cosmopolitan place with a population of approximately 1.5 million. Only 20% of the residents are UAE nationals, the remaining 80% are primarily expatriates from other Arab Nations, Asia, Australasia and Europe. The official language of the UAE is Arabic but English is the main language of business. 

All about health

It is essential and a legal requirement to arrange travel health insurance before arriving in Dubai. All hospitals and medical centers are private and will charge for consultation and any treatment required. If you are taking any medication make sure you are able to bring these into the country. Certain drugs which are readily available in your home country, like codeine, may be illegal here. If you must travel with the drug, make sure you have a prescription for it.

Money, money, money

The local currency is the UAE Dirham which is divided into 100 fils. The exchange rate to the dollar is always fixed at 3.67. Bank notes available: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. All major credit cards are accepted and there are numerous cash machines all over the city that accept international cards. Always make sure you carry some cash on you at all times as the taxis and smaller stores or stalls do not take cards.

Time Zone

GMT + 4 hours

Dialing Code

The international dialing code to Dubai is 00971

Weather in March

Typically the March climate is one of the best times of year for Dubai with daily temperatures ranging from 17 degrees centigrade to a maximum of 28 -30 degrees. Humidity is low and rain is very rare in this month but possible. Don't bother packing an umbrella!

Do's & Dont's

Dubai is an Arab muslim country and there are certain local customs which all visitors should be aware of: 

  • do not swear in public or make hand gestures 

  • public displays of affection are not acceptable and could lead to arrest

  • only drink alcohol within a licensed bar (only hotels and a few members club are licensed - DOSC is one of these).

  • do not drink and drive (there is a ZERO tolerance). 

  • illicit drugs are illegal and punishment is severe. Dubai has very sophisticated drug screening equipment at the airport making even the smallest quantities of substances detectable.

  • dress modestly in public places

  • do not take photographs of the Arab Nationals (especially the females) unless you ask permission first