Frequently Asked Questions
Is English spoken?The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and used in business, as well as on signs and menus.There are three English newspapers, English language television stations and international channels available in hotels via satellite. British publications are also on sale in shops and hotels. |
What is the currency?The local currency is UAE Dirhams (Dhs.) divided into 100 fils.The UAE Dirham is pegged to the US dollar: 1USD = 3.65 Dirhams. |
Can I drink the water?Tap water is safe to drink but bottled water is drunk by most people and widely available. |
What's the time difference?Dubai is + 4 GMT |
What is the voltage?The electricity voltage is 220/240V AC. Three pin wall sockets are used but most appliances come with two-pin plugs and adaptors. |
Do I need vaccinations?No special injections are required for visitors. Dubai has a good standard of hygiene, advanced healthcare and efficient hospitals, however it is advisable to ensure passengers have adequate health cover on their travel insurance. Western medicines are widely available from pharmacies. |
Do I need a visa?Most European countries, including British and Irish passport holders are granted an automatic 60-day visa free of charge on arrival. The same applies to specified other countries including the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. A full passport, valid for six months from the end of the visit, is also a requirement.For transit passengers staying for at least five hours, a city tour can be booked, with visa included, at the City Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall at Dubai International Airport. |
What do I wear?Lightweight clothes can be worn for most of the year, but something warmer may be needed in the evening during the winter, or when going into the desert at night.The dress code is relaxed by Middle East standards, but, despite its cosmopolitan tag, it is a Muslim country and revealing excessive amounts of skin in public will still cause offence. While the most daring swimwear is acceptable on the beach and by the pool, around town visitors should be more modest and avoid wearing very short shorts and tight T-shirts. Outside Dubai city itself, more care should be taken to avoid showing too much bare skin. Upper arms should be covered and women are advised to wear long skirts or trousers. |
What is the Duty Free allowance?Alcohol can be brought into Dubai by non-Muslims. The duty free allowance is 2 litres of wine and 2 litres of spirits. The duty free allowance for other items is 400 cigarettes, or 1/2kg of tobacco, or 50 cigars and 'a reasonable amount' of perfume. The allowance is valid both on the way into, and out of Dubai as there is also a duty free outlet on arrival at the airport! |
Can I smoke?Like most major cities in the world, smoking is restricted in public places where there are non- smoking signs, except during Ramadan when it is banned in public during daylight hours. |
Is Alcohol available?Alcohol is legal in Dubai but only in licensed places, like restaurants, bars and nightclubs linked to hotels as well as some sports clubs i.e. golf and tennis clubs.The freedom to serve alcohol is sometimes restricted around public holidays. During Ramadan (Sep /Oct 2008), alcohol is not served until the breaking of fast (Iftar) from sunset at about 18.00. Drinking and driving is illegal and there are stiff penalties. |
Can I use my mobile phone?People in Dubai love mobile phones and many have several. International GSM roaming is available but pre-paid SIM cards can also be bought for holidaymakers who take their own phone. Phones can also be hired from car rental companies and from Dubai International Airport.E-mail and Internet access is available in hotels, shopping centres and Internet cafe's. |
Is it safe?Dubai is virtually a crime free city. Crimes are relatively rare and it is safe to walk around at night, making it one of the best places in the Middle East for women travellers. The police to ensure they better serve Dubai's visitors have now introduced the Department of Tourist Security. |