Dubai

Introduction

Set between Europe and Asia, on the southern shores of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is the jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates. The second largest of the seven Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujaira, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Qaiwain), Dubai is like an oasis in the sweeping deserts. A city of alluring contrasts, Dubai is a cosmopolitan society with a global lifestyle and a culture rooted in, and secured by, age-old Islamic traditions. It is this unique personality of the city that draws in visitors, whether for business or for pleasure, from the four corners of the earth by land, sea and air. In fact, the Dubai International Airport, a vital link for business, commerce and tourism, is considered the busiest airport in the Middle East. Its state of the art facilities and runways permit daily take-offs and landings carrying visitors in and out of the emirate. This airport can be reached by daily flights from anywhere internationally on Emirates Airlines.
City of Contrasts
Tourists and business travelers will find something to provoke their imagination in this busy and cosmopolitan city. The central city itself is designed with ultra-modern offices, hotels and shopping malls all set alongside the Creek. This natural sea-water inlet cuts through the center of the city. But just around the corner, you might come upon an ancient house or other testament to the rich heritage of this city. Don't think the inhabitants of Dubai are living too abundantly with their dwindling oil supply though. They were smart enough to plan ahead economically to soften the blow, and tourism is one of their main plans. Dubai is able to boast an Arabian experience in a protected, open-minded city. Even the desert itself holds tourist appeal.

Ideal for
City Breaks
Designer Chic
Eco
Golf
Gourmet Dining
Honeymoons & Weddings
Multi-Centre Holidays
Safaris
Sail & Stay
Spa 

Travel Tips

Climate
Temperatures run from a mean daily maximum of about 106 degrees Fahrenheit in July to a mean daily maximum of 75 Fahrenheit in January. The climate in Dubai is classed as sub-tropical, arid. But if you're expecting predictable weather, be surprised. Although Dubai is relatively regular, it does have its share of rain, wind, and storms.

TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT + 4 hours.
The time does not change during the summer. This means that there is a three-hour difference between UK and UAE local times in summer and a four-hour difference in winter

CURRENCY
The dirham (pronounced dir-ham) is the official currency of the UAE. Dirham notes are in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations.
The dirham is divided into 100 fils, coins include Dh1, 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils (10 and 5 fils are rarely used). The value is written in Arabic only but Arabic numerals are easy to memorize (see section on Arabic Language).
Exchange
There are no currency regulations and foreign currency of almost any denomination is readily exchanged in the UAE.
The dirham is index linked to the dollar and the official exchange rate is Dh3.671 = US$ 1.00. The best exchange rates are generally available at private moneychangers found throughout the UAE, but especially in the more popular souqs and shopping centres. The UAE Exchange Centre (associated with Western Union) has branches throughout the UAE. Thomas Cook Al Rostamani (authorized representative of Thomas Cook’s financial division) and Al Razouki International Exchange Company are also well represented.

Flight Information
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow to Delhi, with onward connecting flights to Jaipur, Udaipur and Goa with Jet Air and Sahara Air.

HEALTH
A successful government immunization programme, the provision of adequate clean water and high standards of cleanliness in hotels and restaurants virtually guarantees you an illness-free visit to the UAE. .