Water: Tap water is quite safe to drink but visitors usually prefer locally-bottled mineral water and this is generally served in hotels and restaurants.
Languages: Main language spoken in Dubai is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, etc are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
Currency: The main currency is Dirham (Dh). Approximately US$1 = Dh 3.67
Banks: Dubai has local and many international bank branches. Money transfer can be made without difficulty as dirham is freely convertible.
Religions: The official religion of Dubai is Islam. Other religions are also respected in Dubai.
Electricity: The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
Clothing: Summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweater or jackets may be needed for winter months. General dress code is relaxed but clothing which may be revealing could be considered offensive. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Sunglasses are advised and photochromatic lenses for tourists who wear spectacles. Hats are advised for protection of the head when in direct sunlight.

    Climate

    Dubai has a sub tropical, arid climate with sun and blue skies most of the year. Temperatures vary from a low of 10.5°C to a high of 48°C. The average daily maximum is 24°C in January rising to 41°C in July.

    Local Time: GMT + 4 hours.

    Visa

    EMBASSY OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

    30 Princes Gate
    LONDON – SW7 1PT
    Tel : 020 7581 1281
    Fax : 020 7581 9616

    Visa Requirements

    British citizens do not require a visa before their arrival in the UAE
    EGYPTIAN CONSULATE UK
    NO 2 LOWNDES STREET,
    LONDON – SW1X 9ET,
    UNITED KINGDOM
    Tel : 020 7235 9777
    Fax : 020 7235 5684
    E – mail : info@egyptianconsulate.co.uk, consulate@egyptianconsulate.co.uk

    Nationals from UK, EU and USA travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweida and Taba for a maximum of 14 DAYS, do not require a visa prior to travelling as a free entry permission stamp will be granted upon arrival at resorts only. If they intend to travel outside of the above mentioned areas they must obtain a visa.

    Note: The above is only for information purpose. Visa requirement might be changed by the concerned embassy, hence kindly visit the embassy website or speak to the concerned authority before applying for the visa.

    Dubai

    This is a unique experience of Arabian desert traditions in one of the world’s most modern cities. The residents are a blend of many cultures that provide gracious hospitality to a wide diversity of visitors who come for business and pleasure

    Travel

    Most travelers to Dubai will pass through the Dubai International Airport. Long one of the regions’ major transportation hubs, it has some of the world’s best duty free shopping. One can easily arrange for transportation to the nearby city center or your hotel from Arrival Terminal. Numerous car rentals have offices just beyond the baggage collection.

    Money

    The currency of the country is the U.A.E. dirham (DH). It replaced the “Gulf Rupee” in 1971. Currently the exchange rate is US$1=Dh3.68. There are many locations available to exchange currencies.

    Communication

    Arabic is the official language. However, only about 30% of Dubai residents are native Emiratis or Arabs from neighboring countries and English isactually the most widely spoken language. The majority of the expatriate community is composed of residents from Asian countries like India, Pakistan, or the Phillipines. German and French are also widely spoken in hotels. Dubai has an effective telecommunications system. Most large hotels now provide business centers with full Internet services. The government has ambitious plans for the internet and recently opened a large complex called “Internet City,” which located off of Jumeira Beach near the Hard Rock Café.

    Health

    For most people, the most serious health care problem they will face in Dubai will be the effect of jet lag. This of course passes within a couple days with rest and adjustment to the local time zone and weather. One should always use common sense about drinking or eating from questionable sources. Most people in Dubai drink bottled water as the main supply comes from desalination plants which although safe has a distinct taste to it. Whenever one is in a location with extreme temperatures, one should be sure to wear adequate head covering, drink lots of fluids and use sunscreen lotion frequently. Healthcare and hygiene seem to be of acceptable standards.

    Security

    Although one should always take standard precautions, theft does not seem to be as much of an issue in Dubai as it is in other parts of the world. We know dozens of people who have vacationed here and never has anyone had anything taken. We left a bag hanging on the back of a chair and retrieved it some time later with everything intact. Hotel safes are provided in most rooms and it is always a good idea to take advantage of available security. Always take a copy of tickets, passports, credit cards, etc and pack in a separate location to minimize any problems if you should loose them. (Sometimes things just fall out or under when shopping, sightseeing or packing and get left behind!)

    Activities

    People do come to Dubai for a variety of reasons. Increasingly Dubai hosts many professional sporting events as well as their annual March Shopping Festival. It goes without saying that almost everyone who journeys here will take advantage of the scenic sights found on the beautiful beaches, Dubai Creek or the desert landscapes. While there are many family activities, at night the town comes alive in a variety of venues. Dubai does really provide something for everyone.