Location and Area:
The heart of one of the world’s richest regions, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Gulf in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. It’s strategic location is the key element in its success. It is the second largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates and ranks as the country’s leading commercial center.
Local Time:
The UAE is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Currency:
The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh), which is divided into 100 fils. The official exchange rate is US$ 1 = Dh. 3.675
Language:
Arabic is the national language but English is widely used in business.
Climate:
It has a subtropical arid climate. With year round sunshine the weather in Dubai is simply superb. Temperatures range from 10-25 degrees Celsius in winter and can reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius in summer.
Shopping:
Dubai is the genuine place for shoppers. The yearly awaiting Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises and famous international brands with reasonable prices surely attract millions of tourist. Shopping malls open from 10:00 am until 10 pm. However, on Fridays, they open from 2 pm – 10 pm.
Leisure Activities:
A truly cosmopolitan city, Dubai offers a varied and enjoyable social life, and dinner parties and barbecues are popular forms of private entertainment. Hotels offer a wide range of facilities including dinner, theatre and concerts. Cultural interests are well catered for and a number of clubs and societies exist for those interested in art, music and drama.
Recreational and sporting facilities in Dubai are excellent. The area is ideal for all types of water sports - diving, boating, sailing, fishing and water-skiing. Such activities can be arranged both through specialized clubs or the leading hotels and tour operators.
On land, Dubai is the pioneer of golf in the Middle East and has three championship standard courses: one at the Emirates Golf Club and one each at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and Dubai Golf and Racing Club. Golf may also be played on sand at the Nad Al Sheba Club. There is another grass course at the Jebel Ali Hotel and Golf Resort.
Medical Care:
Global medical and healthcare industry supports Dubai's aspirations to become centre of excellence in healthcare and medical services.
Visas:
All visitors except AGCC national require a visa sponsored by a local entity such as hotel or company. Visitors may apply for transit visa (for 14 days), a visit visa (for 30 days renewable), or a tourist visa (for 30 days non-renewable). British citizens with a right to abode in the UK and expatriate residents of the AGCC who meet certain criteria may obtain 30 days visas on arrival. All current regulations should be checked before traveling, as they are subject to change.
The pursuit of excellence has resulted in one of the best infrastructure facilities in the world. State of the art telecommunications, reliable power, world-class educational and healthcare facilities are all attracting an increasingly multi-cultural and highly trained workforce. The Government projects a doubling of population by the year 2010. Luxurious living, the finest cuisine and world class shopping are now the hallmarks of Dubai enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. And also, the emirate offers one of the safest and most secure living environments in the world. Coupled with this, world-class educational and healthcare facilities also make Dubai an ideal place to raise a family.
Dubai has rapidly become a vital real estate hub in the world and is considered by many as home. Dubai properties offer residence visa with the purchase of each property, All properties finished to a very high standard, Many UAE developments offer free or discounted success to superb facilities ranging from swimming pools, golf courses and equestrian centres to health clubs and spas and 100% freehold ownership with many of the Dubai developments.
