Welcome to Dubai
Welcome to Dubai - The city of "the future"
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Island of modernity in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, located between East and West, the second largest emirate of the UAE embodies the new Arab dream.
Dubai is the city of superlatives and of thousand and one follies, where everything seems possible. Architects, designers and entrepreneurs from around the world express their creativities: ski resort in the desert, restaurants out of sight, the tallest tower in the world, artificial islands in the shape of planet, underwater hotel... The objective is to become the “Hong Kong Arab of tomorrow with glitter of Las Vegas.”
Information and Facts
Money:
The monetary unit is the dirham UAE
Language:
The official language is Arabic but English is widely present
Emergencies:
- Police : 999.
- Police of Dubaï : 04-229-22-22.
- Firefighters : 997.
- Ambulances: 998.
- Department of Tourism Security: 800-4438.
Accommodation:
For 2 persons, here are some examples of hotel costs from the most economical to the most luxurious.
- Cheap: it costs around 100 € per night in a double room in a hotel downtown. The Ibis chain offers a night in a double room from € 40 (taxes included).
- Average Price: from 120 € per night in double room or guesthouse.
- Very chic: Dubai counts a lot of luxurious hotels, like the One and Only Royal Mirage and the famous Burj Al Arab (7 stars ...).
Transport:
- Taxi: For those who do not have a car, a taxi is the best solution. Must negotiate the price before departure.
- Bus: There are also bus lines that run from 6am to midnight with a very competitive price (between 1 and 4 Dhs).
- Airport: The Dubai International Airport, is located at few kilometers from from the city center, it is one of the most modern in the world.
Restauration:
-Cheap: 30-50 Dhs in many Indian restaurants
-Average price: 130 Dhs
-More chic: minimum 200 Dhs
Take care: Alcohol is taxed at 30% and can quickly increase the bill. If you really want to take a glass of alcohol, ask a “house wine”. Alcohol is forbidden by the Koran, tea is the main beverage.
Typical foods you must taste :
Tajines
Shawarna
Falafel
Kebab
Hoummous
Taboule
Climate:
The climate is subtropical and arid. The sun is guaranteed during all the year. In summer, Dubai is a real furnace, the thermometer can rises to 50 ° C at midday. There are also some violent winds, called "shammal" which can cause sandstorms.
The best time to enjoy Dubai is to go there from November to March. Temperatures are pleasant: 24-25 ° C.
General Information:
In general, you should avoid wearing clothes that are too short. This recommendation applies especially to women.
Do not photograph Emiratis without their consent, especially veiled women.
Non-Muslims can buy alcohol in shops licensed. Consumption of alcohol is permitted in institutions for non-Muslims. It is forbidden to drink alcohol during religious festivals.
Sensitives topics:
Do not criticize Islam, local authorities, or Palestine
What to do during the day?
1- Do shopping in the Mall of the Emirates : which is one of the largest shopping complexes in Dubai with more than 500 shops, 80 restaurants, 14 movie theaters. This mall is known for its "Ski Dubai", the the largest indoor ski resort in the world.
2-Visit the souks
3- Practice sport : Dubai has invested a lot in sports facilities to enable tourists to enjoy many sports. Top sports practices are water recreation (sailing, diving, water skiing, jet ski...), the 4x4 excursion into the desert, golf and tennis.
4- have a break on sandy beaches
5- Excursions and desert safaris
6- See the Burj Al Arab which is the most luxurious and highest hotel in the world
