Dubai

Sun, Sand and Blue Skies

Overview of Dubai

History

Dubai is now a business and tourism hot-spot, and the region stretches all the way from Egypt to the Indian Sub-continent and from South Africa to what are now called the CIS countries.

Its history initially started in 1833, when 800 members of the nomadic Bani Yas tribe, led by the Maktoum Family cleverly settled at the mouth of a creek, which ultimately flourished, due to its abundance of natural resources, and became a busy fishing port, renowned for its pearls. In only half a century, it flourished spectacularly and on the Deira side of the creek, was situated the largest souk on the coast, with hundreds of outlets and businesses. In only one hundred years, Dubai’s population had grown to almost 20,000, expatriates numbering a full quarter of the population.

However, in the 1950s disaster struck. Due to the frenetic activity of the passing traffic of ships, the creek began to silt and collapse. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late ruler of Dubai, commenced a visionary and costly mission to industrialise further, thus strengthening Dubai’s position as a major trading port.

In 1966, oil was discovered in his country, and Sheikh Rashid utilized this new-found wealth to modernise Dubai with breath-taking speed and foresight, spending vast amounts on amongst others, hospitals, schools, roads and a modern telecommunications network. In addition, a port and terminal building were built at Dubai International Airport. Also the largest man-made harbour in the world, at Jebel Ali, was constructed. As a result of this visionary foresight, Dubai became a magnet for both entrepreneurs and tourists alike, keen to enjoy ex-patriot friendliness and accommodation, and low import duties, and zero tax on both personal and corporate income.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was created in 1971, a long-held dream of creating a federation for its rulers, and thus includes Dubai, Sharjah , Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, and, Ras Al Khaimah joined in 1972, thus creating the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE has morphed into one of the richest countries in the world.

Dubai took a decision in the 1980s and early 1990s to become a major “high end” tourist destination, and this decision has paid off handsomely, with Dubai boasting unmatchable hotels, inspiringly remarkable architecture, and world-class entertainment and sporting events-this-in addition to one of the most sought-after shopping destinations in the world.

Geography

Dubai is located on the Persian Gulf, to the northeast of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is the second largest emirate with an urban area of 3885 sq km and the city is roughly 35 sq km in size. However it is poised to expand to twice this size with the addition of the man-made islands; the Waterfront, the three Palms, the World, the Universe, Dubailand, as well as many other construction projects underway in the desert.

"Dubai
Quick-facts "

Population

Abu Dhabi is the largest and most populated of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, with over 80% of its landmass. The emirate’s population, now over 1.6 million, is expected to reach 3 million by 2030. Across the UAE, Emirati citizens make up nearly 20% of the total population; the other 80% are expatriates from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America.

Local time

The UAE is four hours ahead of UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time – formerly known as GMT) and there is no daylight saving. Hence, when it is 12.00 midday in Abu Dhabi, it is 3am in New York, 8am in London, 10 am in Johannesburg, 1.30pm in New Delhi, and 6pm in Sydney (not allowing for any summer time saving in those countries).

Social & business hours

Generally speaking, government departments, embassies and consulates work from 8am to 4pm. Embassies and consulates may designate specific times of day for processing certain requests (such as passport applications) so always call before you visit. The Islamic holy day is Friday and most organisations operate a Friday / Saturday weekend. Shops and visitor attractions are open on both days, though usually towards the end of the day or in the early evening on Fridays.

During the holy month of Ramadan shops often change their hours by closing during the day, re-opening an hour or two after sunset, and staying open later at night. Food outlets and restaurants generally remain closed or offer takeaway services only during the day and then open up for Iftar after sunset.

Currency and Credit Cards

The unit of currency of the United Arab Emirates is the UAE dirham (AED). Participants can exchange money at the airport and hotels. Major credit cards (Amercian Express, DinersClub, MasterCard and Visa) are accepted at hotels, major restaurants and shops.

UAE dirham (AED)

As of 20 May 2013

1 US$ = AED 3.67

1 EUR= AED 4.81

1 CHF=AED 3.96

Electricity

The United Arab Emirates operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with a UK style plug that fit into recessed wall sockets.

Language

The Business language is English. Arabic is the official language in Abu Dhabi, and English is widely spoken and used as a second language in commerce.

Mobile Network

The International dialing code is +971. The United Arab Emirates uses the international GSM (Global System for Mobile Telephony) standard. Foreign visitors can use mobile phone (operating on the 900 MHz and/ or 1800 MHz bands) outside the national network under the international roaming system.

Temperature

In May, the average temperature in Abu Dhabi is between 25C and 38C.

Time

Abu Dhabi is four hours ahead of GMT/UTC and does not adjust its time to DST (Daylight saving time).

Tipping

Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise 10% is adequate.