Useful information for first-time visitors to Dubai

Visa

GCC citizens do not require an entry visa to the UAE, but requirements for other nationalities vary. It is therefore recommended to confer with your country’s embassy prior to travel. Most Europeans, Americans and East Asians can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, which can be extended at an immigration office or by driving to nearby Oman. Sponsorship by a UAE resident is required for many other nationalities. Proof of employment and income of more than Dh60,000 ($16,332) a year is necessary to obtain a residence visa. Further information about visa requirements can be found online at www.dubaivisa.net.

Business Hours

Government offices are open from 8.00am to 2.30pm, while most private businesses operate from 9.00am to 6.00pm, although some are closed from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Ramadan office hours are 9.00am to 2.00pm. The UAE’s weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. Daylight saving time is not observed.

Currency

The UAE dirham (Dh) is pegged to the US dollar at $1:Dh3.67. ATMs are widely available and cash can be exchanged in most malls. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout hotels and retail outlets.

Communications

The UAE’s international dialling code is +971 and Dubai’s dialling code is 04. There are two local telecoms providers, du and Etisalat. Pay asyou-go SIM cards for du and Etisalat, the two local telecoms providers, can be obtained at most shopping malls upon presentation of a passport. Healthy competition between the two providers has resulted in competitively priced services for both data and voice.

Dress

Dubai is more liberal than neighbouring countries when it comes to dress, but modesty is still advised.

Dining & Drinking

Reflecting its population, Dubai offers a wide variety of international cuisines. Alcohol consumption is restricted to adults over 21, and is only served in licensed hotels and selected restaurants. A personal licence is required to purchase alcohol from liquor stores, but drinking in public is strictly prohibited and punishable by a custodial sentence. Special restrictions also apply during the month of Ramadan.

Language

English is the most widely spoken language in Dubai, and public signs are commonly in both Arabic and English. Other languages in common use include Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Persian and Chinese.

Public Holidays

UAE National Day is celebrated on December 2. Muslim religious holidays such as Eid are observed nationally, and their exact dates are calculated each year according to a lunar-based calendar. It is advisable to call businesses in advance to confirm operating hours during the month of Ramadan.

Electricity

The UAE uses the same square, threepin sockets as the UK, although some outlets are compatible with Europlugs. Adapters are widely available. The electricity supply is 220/240 V at 50Hz.

Health

Dubai’s health services are excellent and UAE nationals have access to full medical coverage provided by the state. Tourists who do not possess travel health insurance can visit private hospitals where payment is expected upon treatment. A recent law has made health insurance coverage compulsory for every resident in Dubai, and discussions are under way about the introduction of an insurance scheme for tourists.

Tipping

There are no strict conventions in Dubai concerning tipping, although restaurants often include a 10% service charge. In the absence of such a charge it would be advisable to tip 10-15% for good service. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip but it is often easier and more convenient to round up your fare. Hotel staff can be tipped from Dh5 ($1.36) to Dh10 ($2.72).

Transport

Taxis are generally the most reliable way to get around Dubai. The minimum fare is Dh10 ($2.72) and it will cost about Dh90 ($24.50) to cross the city. The Dubai Metro is also a convenient option, connecting most areas of the city on two lines. One fare costs a maximum of Dh13.00 ($3.54) per trip and provides the fastest transportation at peak hours. Tourists who have a driving licence from any of 36 governmentapproved countries can drive without a local licence. Luxury, chauffeur-driven car services such as Careem and Uber Taxi can also be booked via smartphone app.