Dubai is one of the seven United Arab Emirates, and is known as the fastest-growing city on the planet. Dubai is fast emerging as one of the most popular holiday destinations of the world, and is set to welcome 15 million tourists by the year 2010. It lies on the southeastern shore of the Persian Gulf, strategically located at the cross roads of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. This makes it a gateway to over 1.5 billion consumers. Dubai is a very modern and tolerent city where different cultures meet. Here, Muslim tradition and Western influence coexist, making it an attractive locale for tourists and businessmen from around the world.
The Dubai government does not want to depend on its oil reserves which are largely believed to become exhausted by 2010 and, as such, has diversified its economy to attract revenues in the form of expanding commercial and corporate activity. Tourism is also being promoted at a staggering rate with the construction of Dubailand and other projects that include the making of the Burj Al Arab, the Palm islands, mammoth shopping malls, theme parks, resorts, stadiums and various other tourist attractions.
The unit of currency in Dubai is the UAE dirham (Dh.) or the Arab Emirate Dirham (AED) as it is termed in international markets. The dirham is divided into units of 100 fils. Currency notes are issued in denominations of 5,10,20,50,100,200,500 and 1000 dirhams. Coin denominations are 1,5,10,25 and 50 fils and 1 dirham. However, coins with a denomination below 25 fils are rarely used. The value of the dirham has been fixed to the US dollar since 1980 at the rate of 1 USD to Dh.3.67. Payments are primarily based on checks, creditcards and cash. Prices in Dubai are attractive because everything is sold tax free and because Dubai is such a significant port that it imports great volumes and does so with low import duty.
Rooted in Islamic culture, the UAE has strong ties with the rest of the Arab world. Due to the predominant Muslim religious beliefs, pork and alcohol are not commonly served in the area. Residents need an alcohol license to purchase alcohol. Pork is sold in the more "western-oriented" supermarket chains. There is a seperate section in the butchery reserved for pork and any food items containing pork.
Dubai is a paradise in the Middle East with very pleasant climate within in a very safe environment as Dubai is home to one of the world’s lowest crime rates. Dubai an ideal destination for the traveller enjoying a luxury vacation or business trip.
Language: Arabic (official); English is also predominant
Religion: Islam
Currency: Dirhams
Exchange Rate: £1 = Dhs 6.5
Climate: Winter 15-25C Summer 27-45C
Time Zone: GMT +4 hrs
Added Benefit: Tax Free