Dubai is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the South West corner of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates in the UAE.
Time zone: The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT (+4 GMT)
Dubai offers a variety of inexpensive and efficient public transportation and you can choose between metered local taxis, intra-city and inter-city buses, private car hire services and abras (local boats).
The UAE is one of the world's wealthiest countries, with a GDP of US $54 billion (2000), and has the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world. While oil and gas production form its foundation, Dubai is increasingly broadening its economic activity to include: real estate, tourism, trading and manufacturing.
Cultural mix: Owing to the resources and foreign enterprises located in Dubai, more than 80% of the population are expatriates from across the globe and the city is home to almost 200 nationalities.
Currency: The official currency of the UAE is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED or Dhs).
Dress code: Visitors are free to dress according to their personal choice. Dress sensibly, although very revealing clothes shouldn't be worn in public or places of worship. Shorts and skirts are acceptable for ladies. Most Emirati men and women still choose to wear the traditional national dress. Lightweight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter.
Languages: Official language – Arabic. English is widely spoken, especially in business.
Visa regulations: Travelers holding passports with a right of residence in the following countries can get a visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport - a visit visa valid for 60 days is stamped directly in your passport by immigration officials: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, GCC Countries, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Vatican City
The city of Dubai embraces its namesake creek, dividing it into two halves. The main sightseeing circuit in Dubai is split between Bur Dubai and Deira which lie on opposite sides of the water, and the gently curving Dubai Creek is an attraction in itself. You will have plenty of opportunities for some brilliant views of the city from the water: gleaming skyscrapers on one side, and old trading dhows on the other.
Deira's many attractions include the historic quarter of Bastakia, as well as old souks and covered marketplaces. Wandering along the alleys, you can explore the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. The Dubai Museum is housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort, and is a must-see for first time visitors to Dubai. Built in 1799 to defend the city against invasion, it has served as both palace and prison and the museum's collection includes life-size figures and galleries depicting Arab houses, mosques, date gardens, desert and marine life.
On the Bur Dubai side, Heritage Village, located in the Shindagah area, is a family destination where you can watch potters, weavers and artisans at their crafts. The adjoining Diving Village offers a cultural microcosm of pearl diving and fishing. Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, a museum restored from the house of Dubai's former ruler and dating back to the late 1800s, is within the same complex. With its unusual layered rooms and authentic wind towers, Sheikh Saeed's House showcases regional architecture at its best.
If you drive west from the city centre, you will reach the popular suburb of Jumeirah, home to some of Dubai's finest luxury hotels and resorts, unspoilt stretches of sunny beaches and water sports complexes. In Jumeirah is the Grand Mosque, re-built in 1998, with the city's tallest minaret, nine large domes and 45 small domes - a distinguished landmark and an important place of worship.
About 115 kms south east of Dubai, in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, is the 3000 year old Hatta Village, an important historical site for the region. The two towers overlooking the village used to be defence fortresses against hostile invaders, and during a relaxed day at the Village, you can visit the Houses of Traditional Handicrafts and Palm Products, The Castle Centre, and the 200 year old Sharia Mosque.
In contrast to the traditional attractions of Dubai and the surrounding areas, the city boasts world-class business and leisure facilities.
Ski Dubai
Dubai is home to Ski Dubai - the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. This unique resort spans 22,500 square metres, which is temperature controlled at -1° to -2°, and covered with real snow throughout the year. The theme of Ski Dubai is that of a mountain resort - with qualified instructors to guide you through the intricacies of learning to ski or snowboard. Inside the resort, a retail shop, themed restaurants and the world's largest Snow Park, offer something for everyone.
Dubai Camel Racecourse
The racecourse at the fringe of the city plays a winter host to the popular local sport of camel racing held on Thursdays and Fridays. Races held on the National Day and the Eid are particularly popular events.
Burj Al Arab
Currently the world’s tallest hotel, the Burj Al Arabis one of the most-photographed residences in the world, helped largely by Tiger Woods teeing off from its helipad over 1,000 feet up. Nestled 280m off the coast on its own island, the Burj’s billowing-sail-design is as striking a structure as you’ll see anywhere in the world. And inside it’s no less spectactular.
Art Dubai - Contemporary Art fair Dubai 2008 © 2007