Useful facts and tips for travellers to Dubai

Language

Arabic is the official language, although English is the most widely spoken language in Dubai. Public signs are often in both Arabic and English. Other languages in common use include Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Persian, Chinese, French and Russian.

Currency

The UAE dirham (Dh or AED) 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 in hotels and retail outlets.

Visa

GCC citizens do not require an entry visa to the UAE, but requirements for other nationalities vary. It is recommended to confer with your country’s embassy prior to travel. Most US citizens 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. The EU recently signed a short-stay, visa waiver agreement allowing its citizens to stay in the UAE for a period of 90 days (the period is shorter for some countries, such as the UK). Tourist visas can be obtained in some cases through hotels or Emirates airlines, whereas sponsorship by a UAE resident is required in others. Proof of employment and income of more than Dh60,000 ($16,300) per year is necessary to obtain a residence visa. Further information can be found at www.dubaivisa.net.

Etiquette & Dress

Hospitality plays a central role in Emirati culture and longer greetings are an important prelude before proceeding to other matters, be it in business or social interactions. Dubai is more liberal than neighbouring emirates and countries when it comes to dress, but modesty is still advised.

Dining & Drinking

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, and drinking in public is strictly prohibited and punishable by a custodial sentence. Special restrictions also apply during the holy month of Ramadan.

Communications

The country code for the UAE is +971, followed by Dubai’s dialling code 04. There are two local telecoms providers, du and Etisalat. Pay-as-you-go SIM cards can be obtained at most shopping malls upon presentation of a passport.

Electricity

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

Health

Dubai’s health services are excellent, and a recent law has made health insurance coverage compulsory for every resident in Dubai, with the final deadline ending on March 31, 2017. UAE nationals have access to full medical coverage provided by the government. Tourists who do not possess travel health insurance can visit private hospitals, where English-speaking staff are common and payment is expected upon the end of treatment.

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 business hours are 9.00am to 2.00pm. As in most Arab countries, weekends fall on Friday and Saturday. The UAE National Day is on December 2. The time difference is 3-4 hours ahead of GMT depending on the season, since daylight saving time is not observed.

Tipping

There are no strict conventions 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 more convenient to round up your fare. Hotel staff can be tipped between Dh5 ($1.36) and Dh10 ($2.72).

Transport

Taxis are generally the most reliable form of getting around, and the booking apps Uber and Careem are popular. The minimum fare is Dh12 ($3.27) and it costs around Dh108 ($29.40) to cross the city. The metro and tram also connect most areas.