Climate
Dubai has a sub tropical arid (dry) climate. It is sunny all year
round. Temperatures range from 10 - 30 degrees Celsius in the winter
and can go as high as 48 degrees C or more during summer. Rainfall
usually only occurs in the winter months (December - March).
Clothing
Light weight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but during winter the nights can be a little chilly. Dubai has rather relaxed attidude for clothing, but modest attire is advisable, not too much in the way revealing clothes. Shorts and skirts are quite acceptable for ladies.
Alcohol
Alcohol is available in clubs, pubs and bars and restaurants that are located in hotels. Restaurants outside a hotel are not allowed to sell or serve alcohol. Muslims are not allowed to buy alcohol. Dubai residents need license to buy alcohol.
Car Hire
There are over 40 car-rental companies operating in Dubai. To rent a car you will have to provide an original passport, 2 photographs, and either a valid international driving license or national license. Easy Car  also offer Car Hire in Dubai at good rates
Currency
The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 fils.
Banks
Many international banks have by branches in Dubai. Money exchange houses also operate throughout the city and can be found in most shopping malls.
Banks are open from 8 am - 1pm.
Money Exchange houses are open from 8am - 1 pm and from 4.30pm - 8.30pm.
Business Hours
Private companies usually work either straight shift - 8am - 6pm or a split shift - 8am - 1pm and 4pm - 7pm.
The Government offices work from 8am - 2pm.
The Dubai Weekend Thursday & Friday, Government organisations are closed on these days. Private companies and multinationals however, usually closed on Fridays & Saturdays
The Shopping centers are generally open from 10 am - 10pm (with some open till midnight) everyday except on Fridays when its 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm).
Credit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Mastercard etc. are widely accepted in most hotels and shops.
Communications
Telecommunications in Dubai are excellent. Telephones have international direct dialing facility and the GSM system has roaming arrangements with a large number of countries. Internet access on a pay per use basis is available through the local ISP, Etisalat.
You can make international phone calls from any public telephone or from your hotel room. Making calls from your hotel while more convenient is however much more expensive. You can buy phone cards for public telephones from most hotel bookstores and supermarkets
Electricity
Electricity in Dubai is 220 Volts. The 3-pin sockets are available everywhere.
Language
The national language is Arabic but English is widely used in business.
Local Time
The UAE is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time.
Media
There are two English language newspapers published in Dubai - Gulf News and Khaleej Times. International newspapers, magazines and journals can also be bought at bookshops and supermarkets.
Medical Care
Medical services in Dubai are of an International standard. The very best of medical care is available in Dubai.
Photography
Local people, especially the women, do not like to be photographed without their prior permission. In general, it is best to avoid taking photographs (or video's) of any individual wearing National Dress.
Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and Mosques (places of worship) are present throughout the city. A Non-Muslim is not permitted to visit a Mosque.
Sports Facilities
As Dubai has sunshine all year round, outdoor sports are extremely popular. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for and the city's facilities for golf, diving, go-karting, tennis, cricket, jet-skiing, flying, horse riding, water-sports and deep sea fishing are of a very high standard.
Taxis
In general it is both safer and more economical to use Dubai Transport Corporation taxis or the services of a private taxi company.
Visas
All visitors except AGCC nationals require a visa sponsored by a local entity such as a hotel or company. Visitors may apply for a transit visa (for 14 days), a visit visa (for 30 days renewable), or a tourist visa (for 30 days non-renewable). British citizens with a right of abode in the UK and expatriate residents of the AGCC who meet certain criteria may obtain 30 days visas on arrival. All current regulations should be checked before travelling, as they are subject to change.
Water
Dubai tap water is desalinated (sea) water. Such water is perfectly safe to drink, however, tourists and residents often prefer to drink locally bottled mineral water. The most often served bottled water is Masafi, Jeema, Oasis and Gulfa.
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