Travel Guide to Dubai and the Emirates

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Location

Dubai is to be found at the northern end of the west coast of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is nestled between Saudi Arabia and Oman with the Arabian Gulf making up half of its borders.

Shopping

Shopping in Dubai is one of its greatest attractions. There are air conditioned shopping malls all over Dubai. The Mall of the Emirates is a good example. It has the Kempinski hotel attached to it and Ski Dubai as one of its main attractions. Ibn Battuta is named after the famous Arabic halls there is also the gold souk where gold is well priced. The Souk al Kabeer and Meena Bazaar are areas where you can find great material and get clothes made. Most of the materials come from India and Pakistan. If you are seeking electronics pop down to Bur Dubai where the neon lights and signage jump out at you. You can haggle yourself a cheap MP3.In summer and in January there is a shopping festival with sales and events taking place in many malls.

Geography

The UAE lies in an arid tropical zone giving rise to its hot and dry climate. The climate is heavily influenced by the Indian Ocean which causes higher humidity on the coast than inland during the very hot summer months.

History

In 1820 the British started to bring about an end to piracy which was rife in the area and by 1892 the British had assumed the protection of the area. Despite this the sheikhdoms followed their traditional Arabic monarchy with absolute autonomy and power for their regions.

In 1953 the Emirates established a Trucial Council to look after their common interests.

The emirates gained independence in 1970 which led to the forming of the UAE, first with six members and then with the seventh joining a short while later.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was established on 2 December 1971. The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

Basic Information

Climate

Currency
The official currency of the UAE is the Dirham.

Electricity
220/240 volts AC 50 Hz.

Banks
Opening hours Sat-Thur 8am-1pm.

Driving
Driving is on the right. Roads are in good condition. Taxis are widely available.

Time difference
GMT +4 hours.

Tipping and local customs
Tipping is discretionary, but 10% is sometimes added in restaurants and is an acceptable amount for any other tip.

Alcohol may not be drunk in the streets.

Alcohol is not served in many restaurants during the holy month of Ramadan.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Tourist Board information
www.dubaitourism.ae

Visas
Visa are currently not required for Irish passport holders. Six months valid passport is required.

What makes it so special?

Dubai is a fast moving, dynamic city, rapidly developing and offers a great city and shopping break destination year round, with the added bonus of great beaches and deserts just a short distance from the city. There is great golf albeit on the expensive side as well as camel and horse racing. All this with great year round temperatures makes Dubai a must to visit.

Where to visit?

Shopping malls throughout the city - best is Mall of the Emirates with Dubai ski
The beaches are clean sandy and safe
Desert excursion either full day or overnight
Burj Al Arab You must visit the icon
Boat ride to see the Palm and the World
Most popular tours
City shopping tour
Half day desert safari
Overnight desert safari staying at a camp