Holidays to Dubai, Dubai

Location

Dubai is to be found at the northern end of the west coast of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is nestled between Saudi Arabia and Oman with the Arabian Gulf making up half of its borders.

Shopping

Shopping is one of the key features attracting so many visitors to Dubai with prices often much cheaper than at home due to the low levels of tax. As well as the great malls where you can find goods from just about every major brand, there is the souk district where you can pick up many bargains from the market stalls.

Geography

The UAE lies in an arid tropical zone giving rise to its hot and dry climate. The climate is heavily influenced by the Indian Ocean which causes higher humidity on the coast than inland during the very hot summer months.

History

In 1820 the British started to bring about an end to piracy which was rife in the area and by 1892 the British had assumed the protection of the area. Despite this the sheikhdoms followed their traditional Arabic monarchy with absolute autonomy and power for their regions.

In 1953 the emirates established a Trucial Council to look after their common interests.

The emirates gained independence in 1970 which led to the forming of the UAE, first with six members and then with the seventh joining a short while later.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was established on 2 December 1971. The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

Climate

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Av Temp (F)	76	77	82	90	99	102	104	104	99	95	87	79
Av Temp (C)	24	25	28	32	37	39	40	40	37	35	31	26
Sunshine Hours	8	8	8	9	10	11	11	11	10	10	9	9
Rain (inches)	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1

Basic Information

Language
Arabic is the official language although English is also widely spoken and understood.

Currency
The official currency of the UAE is the Dirham.

Electricity
220/240 volts AC 50 Hz.

Banks
Opening hours Sat-Thur 8am-1pm.

Driving
Driving is on the right. Roads are in good condition. Taxis are widely available.

Time difference
GMT +4 hours.

Tipping and local customs
Tipping is discretionary, but 10% is sometimes added in restaurants and is an acceptable amount for any other tip.

Alcohol may not be drunk in the streets.

Alcohol is not served in many restaurants during the holy month of Ramadan.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Tourist Board information
www.dubaitourism.ae

Visas
Visa are currently not required for British and Irish passport holders. Six months valid passport is required.

What makes it so special?

Dubai offers a great city and shopping break destination year round with the added bonus of great beaches and deserts just a short distance from the city. There is great golf albeit on the expensive side as well as camel and horse racing. All this with great year round temperatures makes Dubai a must to visit.

Where to visit?

Shopping in the cities luxury shopping malls as well as the souk district
The desert for a dune safari and an overnight camp

Most popular tours
City shopping tour
Half day desert safari
Overnight desert safari staying at a camp