Dubai is situated on the coast of the Arabian peninuslar, with a long coast line facing the Persian Gulf.

The climate varies from warm to hot, with a temperature range from 11 to over 40 (Celcius). The average rainfall is is low at less than 6.5 centimeters per year, with nearly all of it falling between December and March.

Land area: 3,885 sq km

Dubai Flag

Population: 1.2m

Languages: Arabic (English, Persian(Farsi), Hindi and Urdu are all widely spoken. English is used as the main language for commerce

Currency: The UAE Dirham is the local currency, the dirham divides into 100 fils. Notes come in denominations of Dh5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000. The Dirham exchange rate is around 1 USD = 3.67 AED and 1 EUR = 4.85 AED.

Time: Dubai time is GMT + 4 hours, daylight saving time (DST) is not observed.

Electricity: The standard supply is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Sockets suitable for British standard three-pin 13 amp plugs are normal. Adaptors can be purchased in local supermarkets. Appliances purchased in Dubai usually have two-pin plugs attached.

Telephone codes: UAE country code: +971; Dubai area code: (0)4.

 To make an international call, dial 00 followed by country code.    

Business Hours: Normal shopping hours are from 9:00 am - 1 pm and 4:00- 9:00 pm althoughm any shops stay open all day. Most shopping centres open from 10 am to 10 pm sometimes later. Some supermarkets are open for 24 hours. Shopping centres and most shops are open on Friday, the Islamic day of rest, but they all close for Juma (Friday) prayers from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. All shops are required to close at prayer times in Ra's al-Khaimah.

Public holidays: 2007:
(Islamic holidays are based on sightings of the moon, so some dates may vary)
Jan 1 New Year’s Day
Jan 20 Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
Mar 31 Mouloud (Prophet's Birth)
Aug 10 Al-Israa and Al-Miraj (Prophet's Ascension)
Sep 13 Start of Ramadan
Oct 12 Eid al-Fitr (Breaking of the Fast)
Dec 2-3 United Arab Emirates National Day
Dec 19 Arafat Day (Haj)
Dec 20 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)

Health Facilities: Public hospitals, where the medical facilities are very good, will deal with emergencies free of charge, however medical insurance to cover all eventualities is advisable as private hospitals are quite expensive. Most medicines are readily available at pharmacies. There is at least one pharmacy open for 24 hours everyday. a 24-hour municipality emergency number (04 2232323) lists the locations of open chemists. Good dentists are also readily available.