Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the Arabian Peninsula.
The ruler of Dubai is HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who is also the Prime Minister of the federation of UAE. The crown prince is HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

FACTS & FIGURES

Geography: The second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. Dubai city is a bustling metropolis, while outside the city itself the Emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterized by desert vegetation.

Population: Current population approx. 1.67 million, set to increase to 3.5 million by 2010. 80% comprises of Expatriates - Arab, Asians, European, and others.

Climate: Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some five days a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to a high 118 degrees. The mean daily maximum is 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January rising to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

Local time: Dubai Time is + 4 Hours GMT or 4 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time. GMT is used for all 24 of the world's time zones. You can get the right Dubai Time by dialling 140 (English) and 141 (Arabic)

Dubai lies between 55°16 East and 25°16 North.

Language: The official language is Arabic, Arabic and English are commonly used in business and commerce. Hindi and Urdu are also widely used.

Religions: 96% Muslim, Hindu, Christian, 4% other
Country Dialing Code: 971
Internet Country Code: .ae
Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED)
Exchange Rates: Emirati dirhams per US dollar 3.67
Electricity: 220 or 240 volts AC 50HZ

PLACES TO STAY
Visitors to Dubai have an extensive choice of places to stay, which offer superb service and facilities. There are a number of deluxe hotels on the beach, though all are close to major tourist attractions in the city.

Visit Our Accommodation Section for More Information

GETTING AROUND
Cars are the main method of getting around Dubai and the major hotels provide shuttle bus services for guests.

The Dubai Municipality operates the public bus service from 06:00-23:00. Depending on the destination adult fares vary and these are paid to the driver upon boarding. It is useful to have the exact change

OTHERS
Money Exchanges - Most currencies can be freely converted in Dubai and you will find money exchange companies all over Dubai. Exchange houses are open from 8:30 to 13:00 and 16:30 to 20:30.
One US dollar equals 3.65 UAE Dirhams.

Credit Cards - All major credit cards are accepted in Dubai, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club etc. Most establishments accept credit cards, though at some of the smaller ones you will get slightly better prices if you pay in cash.

Business Days- All Government offices are closed on Thursday and Friday. Many private sector companies however have their weekend on Friday and Saturday. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers. All Government offices are closed on Thursday and Friday. Many private sector companies however have their weekend on Friday and Saturday. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers.

Banks - Most international banks have branches in Dubai, servicing the usual retail and corporate segments. Transfers can be made easily as exchange controls are virtually non-existent, and the Dirham is freely convertible.
Banking hours run from 08:00 to 13:00 Saturday to Wednesday. Some are also open from 16:30 to 18:30. On Thursdays banks operate from 8:00 to 12:00.

Airport
Dubai International Airport is 4 kms to city centre.
Distance from Dubai. International Airport to other emirates:

• Abu Dhabi:170 kms
• Sharjah: 15 kms
• Ajman: 30 kms
• Umm Al Quwain: 55 kms
• Ras Al Khaimah: 100 kms
• Fujairah: 130 kms