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Destination:

Dubai


Basics

topWhen to Go

The best time to visit Dubai is between October-December and February-April, when temperatures are more moderate. May is quite warm; January is often cool, overcast and rainy, with occasional flooding. Lightweight clothing can be worn throughout the year, though you may need a sweater or jacket in the winter months, especially in the evenings. June through September are the hottest months, with average daily temperatures of 110° F (highs up to 120° are not uncommon in July-August, and even the seawater can reach nearly 100°). Although hotels are air-conditioned and swimming pools are cooled, this time of year is best avoided.

topWeather & Temperature

Dubai has an arid subtropical climate, with blue skies and sunshine nearly year-round. However, the amount of rainfall has increased in recent years. Rain usually occurs between December and March, with January being the rainiest.

topTime Difference

Set your watch 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+4GMT) or 9 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (+9EST). Dubai does not practice Daylight Saving Time.

topPassport & Visa Requirements

A passport, valid for more than six months beyond your date of entry, is required for US and British citizens. A visa is also required is no longer required for stay under one month. If you are staying longer, you may obtain a visa upon arrival.

topHealth Matters

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not required unless visitors are coming from an infected area. Check with your GP or the World Health Organization website for current bulletins on the UAE.

Health Insurance

Though medical fees are relatively low and care is excellent, health insurance is strongly recommended. By law, travelers who require medical treatment will have to cover the cost of any medical fees incurred.

Medications

Some common medications in the west are restricted in the UAE, including some cold and flu treatments. Medications must be brought into the country in their original packaging, plus a doctor’s prescription with a note indicating what it is used for and the quantity required during the stay. Unless you need the medication for an existing condition, you may not want to bother bringing it; many medications can be bought over the counter in Dubai, and pharmacies often stay open 24 hours. For more information, click here to download a pdf of controlled medications, or contact the Drug Control Department of the Ministry of Health by email at ahosman@moh.gov.uae or fax at +971 2 631 3742.

Sun and Heat Precautions

Intense heat and lack of shade can pose potential health risks. Stay hydrated, apply sunblock, wear a sunhat, and wear a T-shirt when swimming. Long, loose-fitting clothing is advised, both for sun protection and out of respect for the local culture (especially for women).

topSecurity

Crime is not a problem in Dubai; however, normal precautions should be taken as you would when traveling anywhere.

US Embassy in Dubai
Dubai World Trade Center
P.O. Box 9343
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 311 6000

topMoney Matters

Local Currency

Local currency is the dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 fils. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 fils, and 1 dirham. Since 1, 5 and 10 fils coins are rarely used in everyday transactions, amounts are generally rounded up or down to the nearest 25 fils. Notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 dirham.

Bank & Exchange Offices

The dirham is fixed to the US dollar at 3.67 dirhams per $1US. The easiest way to get cash is through an ATM; these are widely used and common throughout the UAE. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.

Credit Cards & Travelers Checks

Traveler's checks are accepted reluctantly, if at all. If you have them, the best place to cash them is a Thomas Cook outlet. Credit cards are widely accepted, but many retailers offer better prices for cash.

Tipping

A service charge is added to most hotel and restaurant bills. If service is exceptional, 10% additional is adequate and should be given directly to the waiter or porter.

topPhone Services

Dialing Codes

When calling from abroad, dial the country code (971) + the area code (leaving out the zero) + phone number.

To dial internationally, dial 00 + country code + phone number.

To dial another state within the UAE, dial 0 + area code + phone number.

To dial locally, dial the 7 digit phone number, no area code required.
For mobile phones, dial 050 for Etisalat numbers or 055 for Du numbers.

Area Codes

Dubai: (0)4

Abu Dhabi: (0)2

Information & Emergency Numbers

Ambulance and Police: 999
Fire: 997
Emergency Services: 223 2323
Directory Inquiries: 181
International Operator: 100

Mobile Phones

The Etisalat and Du mobile phone networks provide wide GSM 900 coverage throughout the country. Roaming charges can be expensive, though – it’s easy and much cheaper to buy a local SIM card at the airport or an Etisalat or Du dealer, and take advantage of local rates.

topElectrical

Electricity is 220 and 240V at 50Hz and plugs are usually the square three-pin or round 2-pin type. Many hotel rooms (and most apartments/houses) have power points that accept both. Bring an adaptor to use your electronics from home, or buy one locally.

topCustoms

Travelers should keep in mind that social norms are very different for women in a Muslim country than in the west. Women should dress modestly – nothing too tight or revealing. Shirts should cover the tops of the arms and skirts should be knee-length or longer. Western bathing attire is allowed on Dubai beaches.

Public gestures of affection are considered offensive. Never sit in such a way that you are showing someone the soles of your feet.

Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. Restaurants outside hotels are not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages. It is against the law to drink or be intoxicated in public.

Do not photograph military installations or the women of the country. Ask permission before photographing anyone.

topReligious & Public Holidays

Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a strictly observed period of abstinence that requires fasting during daylight hours. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the timing of Ramadan shifts each year. It is unlawful to eat, drink or smoke in public during the hours of fasting – however, bars and restaurants catering to foreigners will close off their entrance so their guests can eat in private. Alcohol is not served during daylight hours even to non-Muslims.

Religious Holidays

Important religious holidays are observed as public holidays; these are Eid al-Fitr (3 days following Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (4 days), Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year), Mouloud (Prophet’s Birthday), Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension Day).

Religious holidays are tied to the lunar calendar, so dates are not fixed. Live entertainment and the serving of alcohol are prohibited from sunset the night before until 6pm on the day(s) of the holidays.

Secular Holidays

Secular public holidays include New Year's Day (Jan 1) and National Day (Dec 2).