fact file: dubai dubai 2012
Geography: The second largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It covers an area of 3,900 square kilometres.
Climate: Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid and generally hot climate. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5¡C/50¡F to a high of 48¡C/118¡F. The average daily maximum is 24¡C/75.2¡F in January rising to 41¡C/105.8¡F in August.
Visas: Visa requirements vary according to a visitor's nationality. Regulations should always be checked prior to travel, since they are subject to change without notice.
Currency: The UAE dirham is the accepted
currency.US$1 = Dh3.67. Money exchanges are widely available across the emirate.
Getting there: More than 130 international carriers fly to Dubai. Dubai International Airport is the hub of Emirates airline, one of the world's fastest-growing carriers, which offers services to Dubai from more than 110 cities worldwide.
Entering Dubai: No customs duty is levied on personal effects brought into Dubai. It is forbidden to import drugs and pornographic items. Luggage is x-rayed at Dubai International Airport on arrival and any suspicious material - banned DVDs, books or magazines, for example - will be checked and/or confiscated by customs officials.
Language: The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and under- stood. Guides and facilitators who speak other languages can be easily sourced locally.
Local time: GMT +4 hrs.
Business hours: Friday and Saturday is the official weekend in Dubai, although some private sector offices remain open on Saturdays. Government offices are closed on Friday and Saturday. Most shops and malls open by 10am and close around 10pm, although they close later during Ramadan. Banks, embassies and consulates are open from 8.30am to 12.30pm, Saturday to Thursday. Private sector organis- ations typically operate between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.
Metro Mania
Dubai has one of the best transport infrastructure networks in the Middle East and is home to the region's first automated metro rail service. Most importantly for meetings industry professionals, the Dubai Metro links the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre with key hotels and tourist attractions, including Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina and Dubai International Airport. Tickets are among the most affordable of any metro service worldwide.
Electricity: The electrical system is based on 220/240 volts AC. US-made appliances may require an adaptor.
Religion: Islam is the official religion while other faiths are respected.
Photography: Tourist photography is allowed but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is always courteous to ask permission beforehand.
Essential Knowledge When to visit
Sunny, blue skies are the norm year- round, although June to September is hot and humid with temperatures averaging more than 40 degrees Celsius. The most popular period to visit is October through to May, when average daily temperatures hover around the mid 20s. Air-conditioning is present in all vehicles and buildings, including hotels, conference and exhibition halls, and shopping malls.
Clothing
While Dubai has earned a reputation as one of the more liberal cities in the Gulf, visitors should take care not to offend local sensibilities by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing. Lightweight summer clothing in cottons or blends is ideal for the majority of the year. A sweater, light jacket or shawl may be needed for the cooler evenings.
Alcohol
Alcohol is available to non-Muslims at licensed premises across the emirate. These include hotels, sports facilities such as golf clubs, and exhibition venues. Outdoor events catered for by hotels or clubs are also allowed to serve alcohol.
Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking and smoking in daylight hours (from around 7am to 6.30pm). As a sign of respect, visitors are also required to refrain from these activities in public during the fasting hours. In 2012, Ramadan is expected around July 20 - August 20.
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