CURRENCY: The UAE dirham is the accepted currency. US$1 = AED3.67. Money exchanges are widely available across the emirate.
ENTERING DUBAI: No customs duty is levied on personal effects brought into Dubai. It is forbidden to import pornographic items, drugs and certain medicines. Luggage is x-rayed at Dubai International Airport on arrival and any suspicious material – banned DVDs, books or maga- zines, for example – will be confi scated by customs offi cials.
BUSINESS HOURS: Friday and Saturday make up the offi cial weekend in Dubai, although some private sector offi ces remain open on Saturdays. Government offi ces are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Most shops and malls open by 10am and close around 10pm, although they open and close later during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Banks, embassies and consulates are open from 8.30am to 12.30pm, Saturday to Thursday. Private-sector organisations typically operate between 9am and 6pm on weekdays.
TOP TIP
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°C. Te 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 2013, Ramadan is expected to begin around July 9 and end around August 7.
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LANGUAGE: The offi cial language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood. Guides and facilitators who can act as translators can be easily sourced locally.
ELECTRICITY: The electrical system is based on 220/240 volts AC and three-pin plugs. US-made appliances require an adaptor.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: Tourist photog- raphy is allowed, but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is always courteous to ask permission beforehand.
LOCAL TIME: GMT +4 hrs.
RELIGION: Islam is the offi - cial religion while other faiths are respected.
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