About Dubai

This small trading port of 30 years ago is today established as one of the key commercial centres of the Middle East, being the first port of call for many businessmen and tourists and thus providing a vital trading link between the East and West.

The traditional values of the East, combined with the modern technologies of the West bring a wide range of nationalities and cultures together, living and working harmoniously to make Dubai a 20th century success story.

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The UAE is ruled by H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. H.H. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE.

The official language of the UAE is Arabic. Other languages spoken are English, Hindi and Farsi.  A large number of the expatriate population are from the sub-continent, Philippines, Iran  making Tagalog, Malayalam and Russian widely spoken.

Geography:

The UAE is situated on the southern shores of the Arabian Gulf and is approximately 83,000 sq km (including 200 islands - approximately). The UAE overlooks the Gulf of Oman to the East and the Arabian Gulf to the North. 

The Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman are linked by the Hormuz Strait.  The UAE is thus positioned at an important in the world of trade and has capitalized on its convenient location on the trade routes between Asia and Europe.

Climate:

The sun shines all the year round in the UAE and makes it an ideal summer resort. Temperatures, during the months from October to March, are very pleasant with an average temperature of 26°C. Summer, however, is very hot with temperatures reaching as high as 50°C. Combined with the humidity, this time of year can be rather unpleasant. Rainfall is rare, and occurs between December and March.

Population:

The population of the UAE as of 2001 was estimated to be 3,290,000. The population of Dubai was estimated to be 971,000. The UAE is a highly cosmopolitan environment, with a large part of the population being non-UAE nationals, primarily a mix of other Arab nationals, Asians and Europeans.

Approximately 80% of Dubai's population is comprised of expatriates with Europeans and Asians accounting for 70% of households. Approximately 71% of the population is male and 29% is female. The UAE population is expected to grow by 3.3% per annum to reach 4.15 million by 2010. Dubai is expected to have a population of 1.4 million by 2010.

National Break Down

Currency:

The currency of the UAE is called the Dirham (Dhs. or AED). Denominations : 100 Fils = 1 Dirhams. Exchange Rate Dh.3.67 = US$ 1.00

Dirhams (Notes) 5/-, 10/-, 20/-, 50/-, 100/-, 200/-, 500/-, 1000/-
Coins 1/- Fils 25, 50

Religion & Customs:

Islam is the official religion of the UAE although other religions are respected and there are several Christian churches in Dubai. There are an abundance of mosques located around the city, entry of which is restricted to Muslims only.

Muslims are required to pray to Mecca five times a day (times vary according to the position of the sun). It is a common sight to see people praying in public places if a mosque is not nearby. It is considered impolite to stare at people praying or to walk over their mats.

Ramadan is a Holy month in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset (this includes drinking and smoking). Non-Muslims must also refrain from drinking, eating and smoking in public places during this time. The Islamic calendar means that year Ramadan falls earlier than the previous year. Working hours are shorter during this Holy month. Shops stay open later in the evenings. The end of Ramadan is marked with a three day holiday called Eid-Al-Fitr.

Public Holidays:

New Years Day (1 day)
January 1 (fixed)
Eid Al Adha (4 days)
February 22 (moon)
Islamic New Years day (1 day)
March 14 (moon)
Ashoora (1 day)
April 2 (moon)
Prophet Mohammed?s Birthday (1 day)
May 23 (moon)
Lailat Al Mi?Raj
October 3 (moon)
Lailat Al Bara?a
October 20 (moon)
UAE National Holiday (1 day)
December 2 (fixed)
Lailat Al Qadar (1 day)
December 2 (moon)

Business hours:

The official weekend is Thursday and Friday, though many private companies still take a half day Thursday and Friday. Government offices and schools are closed all day Thursday and Friday. Many companies in Dubai now take a Friday and Saturday as their weekend, as the Thursday/Friday weekend would result in being out-of-touch with International business for four days.

Government offices are open Saturday ? Wednesday, 7.30 ? 13.30. Private companies working hours differ, some working split shifts (8.00 ? 13.00 & 16.00 ? 19.00) but more commonly, straight shifts (8.30 ? 17.30).

Dress code:

Whilst the dress code in Dubai in far more relaxed than its neighbouring states, it is still respectful to dress conservatively. Clothing which may be considered revealing, such as very short skirts and low-cut t-shirts, will attract distasteful reactions from the local community. On the beach, or poolside, bikinis are acceptable.