Guide to Dubai

Full name: United Arab Emirates

Location: Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf.

Population: 3.1 million (UN, 2005)

Capital: Abu Dhabi

Largest city: Dubai

Area: 77,700 sq km (30,000 sq miles)

Major language: Arabic

Major religion: Islam

Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 81 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 Dirham = 100 fils

Main exports: Oil, gas

Internet domain: .ae

International dialling code: +971

Climate: Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C/50°F to a high of 48°C/118°F. The mean daily maximum is 24°C/75.2°F in January rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July.

Weights and Measures: Metric officially, although British and American standards are generally understood.

Time Zone: GMT +4

Tipping: Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.

Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are widespread.

Water: Water is safe to drink though bottled water is widely avalable.

Entry/Visa: A valid passport is required by everyone. Nationals of the following Countries do not require Visas to enter the UAE:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holand, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtain, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican

Alcohol: Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.

Flight time: 7 hours 45 minutes from London / 14 hours 50 minutes from New York / 16 hours 15 minutes from Sydney

Airport: Dubai International Airport (DBX) Tel (04) 224 555
www.dubaiairport.com The airport is located 5km (3 miles) southeast of the city centre.

Transport to the City: Dubai Municipality (tel: 800 4848; website: www.dm.gov.ae) airport buses, with air conditioning and extra luggage space, leave for Al Subkha (bus 401) and Al Ghubaiba (bus 402) bus stations every 30 minutes daily 6am-8pm (journey time- 20 minutes).

From the bus stations there are regular transfers to all parts of the city. Prepaid airport taxis must be booked in the arrival hall. These charge a fixed rate for destinations in the city centre (journey time - 10 minutes). Otherwise, Dubai Transport taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal, with a hefty initial charge.

28 November 2007