About Dubai

WHERE IS IT?
Dubai is one of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, a nation that was formed in 1971. The other Emirates are Abu Dhabi (the capital), Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujeirah. The UAE is situated on the South East corner of the Arabian Peninsula, and its neighbours are Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

GENERAL
Dubai is noted for its cosmopolitan and hospitable nature. The city has a large expatriate population comprising people of Asian, European, South African, American and Middle Eastern origin. There are numerous clubs in Dubai that cater to national and cultural interests.
clubs and societies

CLIMATE
During the winter months (September to May), Dubai enjoys a beautiful climate - warm (daytime peak temperature around 31°C, night-time low around 18°C) and dry with the occasional light breeze. It may rain on four or five days of the winter, but the total rainfall is rarely more than a few centimetres. Summer is not so pleasant - temperatures can reach the high 40s,and humidity can be very high. Fortunately, all buildings and vehicles are air-conditioned. Many people go overseas for at least part of the summer, but the city is by no means deserted during this time.

LIVING IN DUBAI

FINDING SOMEWHERE TO LIVE
Until very recently, renting a villa or an apartment were the only options open to expatriates. It is now possible for expats to buy property in selected developments. Rents for villas in Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah and Al Barsha range from around Dhs 90,000 a year to Dhs 200,000. Apartments generally start from about Dhs 50,000 per year.
property consultants
international movers

BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Dubai is fortunate among the Gulf states in not being totally reliant on Oil and Gas. Although this industry accounts for about 20% of revenues, the rest is made up of general trading, import/export (through Jebel Ali Port, Port Rashid and Hamriya Port, as well as Dubai International Airport), aluminium and tourism.

In line with other Gulf states, Dubai has traditionally operated a business system that prevented full foreign ownership of companies. However, it has fully embraced the concept of Free Zones. These are areas where foreigners may fully own their businesses. Since the establishment of Jebel Ali Free Zone, several others have been set up - Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City are currently in operation. Dubai International Financial Centre has recently opened and there are plans for many more free zones.

The UAE is set to join the World Trade Organisation shortly, and to this end has been focusing on protection of intellectual property rights and bringing commercial law into line with WTO requirements.
recruitment agencies

LEISURE

Dubai has many opportunities for leisure activity; several world-class golf courses, water sports, desert driving and camping, beautiful beaches, go-karting, paragliding, you name it. There are also numerous cinemas, occasional theatre and concerts, and an ever-increasing number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. But possibly the main leisure activity for Dubai residents and visitors is shopping, and for this there is an abundance of shopping malls, as well as the traditional soukhs (markets).
hotels
restaurants
shopping malls
leisure activities
cinemas
sporting activities

HEALTH
The city has several government hospitals and a number of private ones, as well as clinics and other private medical practices. UAE residents must carry a Health Card that entitles them to free or low-cost treatment at any government health facility.
medical services

CURRENCY
The currency is the UAE Dirham, which is tied to the US Dollar. The exchange rate is approximately 3.65 Dhs to the Dollar, and 6.8 Dirhams to the UK pound. Currency notes are denominated in 5,10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Dirhams values. There are 100 fils to the Dirham, and the coins are 25 and 50 fils. There are also low-value copper coins, but these are rarely used.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Dubai has a very modern telecoms infrastructure, which is owned and run by Emirates Telecommunications Corporation - Etisalat. Etisalat currently holds a monopoly on telecoms services, and provides traditional landline, ISDN and DSL (in selected areas) voice and data connections. They also run the mobile phone service and are the country's sole Internet Service Provider. The monopoly will become a duopoly in late 2006 when rival operator du begins its services.

RELIGION
The official religion of the UAE is Islam. Dubai is a very tolerant city… Christianity is tolerated, and there are several churches in Dubai. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, non-Muslims are expected to respect those who are fasting by not eating, drinking or smoking in public during the hours of daylight.

TRANSPORT
The Emirate has a superb road infrastructure, and the main method of transportation is the private car. There are also numerous taxis (run directly or under franchise from Dubai Transport Corporation), and an efficient bus service run by Dubai Municipality. Dubai is split in two by its Creek, and there are four ways to cross this; Al-Shindaghah Tunnel, Al-Maktoum Bridge, Al-Garhoud Bridge and by abra (water-taxi). Three new bridges are under construction, as is the Dubai Metro system. Dubai has excellent connections by air from Dubai International Airport, and by sea via its three ports and the Passenger Terminal for cruise ships.

car hire
taxi operator

EDUCATION
The educational needs of expatriate children are well catered for. Schools are available that teach the GCSE and iGCSE curricula, as well as International Baccalaureate and Asian systems.
secondary education
higher education

MEDIA
Dubai has a multitude of radio stations broadcasting in English, Arabic, Hindi/Urdu, Malayalam and many other languages. Terrestrial TV consists of the Government-owned One TV, and an abundance of satellite operators. There are several English-language daily newspapers, and a flourishing number of magazines.
publications