Traveler Tips

Currency

The monetary unit is the UAE Dirham (AED) divided into 100 fils. The currency is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of US $= AED 3.67.  However US$ is accepted as a currency and form of payment in many outlets and hotels.  All other major currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus and hotels.

Credit Cards

All major international credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Master Card are accepted  in hotels, restaurants and shops, although some smaller retailers in the souks offer better bargains on cash transactions. 

There are no restrictions on the amount of cash you may bring to Dubai. There is also no customs duty on personal belongings you may have with you.

Tipping

Tipping practices in Dubai are comparable to most places throughout the rest of the world. Some restaurants may include a service charge on top of the bill; otherwise a tip of 10 per cent of the bill is the norm. For luggage porters at airports a tip of Dhs5 or Dhs10 is standard, depending on the amount of luggage.

Time

The UAE is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 3 in summer and + 4 hours in winter. UAE does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Business Hours

The working week in Dubai runs from Sunday to Thursday with Friday recognised as a holy day. Government offices and the public sector are generally open between 8am and 2pm. Meanwhile the private sector office hours are from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Shopping malls and retail stores are open seven days a week and shops usually open from 10:00am to 10:00pm and stay open till midnight on weekends. 

Water

Tap water comes from desalination plants and is safe to drink; however, many people prefer the bottled water served in most hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars, and available to buy from any supermarket, newspaper stand or petrol station.

Alcohol  

Alcoholic beverages are served only in hotels and clubs, and certain designated areas. Restaurants based outside of hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. Dubai Residents who are non-muslim can obtain a liquor permit that allows them to purchase alcoholic beverages from specialized stores.

Many visitors typically purchase alcohol at the Dubai Airport Duty Free upon entry into the country and after clearning customs and immigration. There is a quota to the quantity one is allowed to purchase, though it's very generous at 4 litres of beverages per traveler.

Electricity

The voltage is 220v and utilising the traditional British 3-pin plug. However, if you have an appliance with a standard European 2-pin plug, adapters are always available at ALL hotels, supermarkets and petrol stations.

Health

Health insurance is recommended for all travellers. In Dubai there are excellent hospitals with modern, state of the art facilities; however, costs are high. General Practice and Dental services are also of a high standard, but again, these are also expensive. An initial consultation with a GP would be approximately £50/$80/€60. Any tests or medication would be in addition to this. There are a good number of pharmacies and many are open 24 hours a day. Many prescription drugs are available over the counte

Safety         

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. However, crime is not non-existent and as a rapidly growing city it is suggested you take the due care and attention as you would anywhere else in the world.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the UAE, but followers of other religions are tolerated. There are a number of churches in Dubai which reflects its large Christian population. You will find that the various Christian sects are well represented.

Public Holidays

Holidays in 2012  

1 Jan   - New Year’s Day
4 Feb   - Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)*
17 Jun - Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)*
19 Aug - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)*
25 Oct  - Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)*
15 Nov - Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)*
2 Dec   - National Day

*Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given here are approximations. Easter and Christmas is observed by almost all Christians living in Dubai. You will see festive decorations in some hotels and shopping mall.

Ramadan

 Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Koran. It is a month of fasting when Muslims must abstain from all food and drink from dawn till dusk.  During this holy month, both Muslims and non-Muslims are required by law not to consume food and drink in public places as a sign of respect. Failure to comply is a criminal offence. Almost all the hotels in Dubai however, do serve food and drink to non-Muslims during Ramadan. It is also important that men and women dress conservatively in public during this holy month. Business office hours are usually reduced to 3 or 4pm. While alcohol is still available in hotels, it can only be served after 7 pm. The end of Ramadan is marked by three days of festivities called Eid Al Fitr.

Since Islam is based on the lunar calendar, the timing of Ramadan is not fixed- in terms of the Western/solar calendar, but occurs 11 days earlier each year.