Dubai or Dubayy (in Arabic) 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.

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.

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

You can get the right Dubai Time by dialling 140 (English) amd 141 (Arabic)

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

A trip to Dubai transports you on a journey through time. Although the early history of the area is not very well documented, archeological discoveries suggests that, as long as four thousand years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai. It is also believed that the natural sheltered harbor afforded by the Dubai Creek was a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. In recent years, archeologists have unearthed hundreds of artifacts, including pottery, weapons and coinage that point to civilized settlements dating back to the third millennium B.C.

These historic finds have been carefully preserved and are now permanently housed in the Archeological Section of Dubai Museum. Modern Dubai, however, traces its origins to the 1830's. At that time, the small fishing village on the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was settled by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirates today.

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 Where to Stay section for more information.

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.

Dubai is really two Cities, Dubai and Deira. Divided by the Creek, they are a paradise for sightseeing and both have their unique characters. You will be amazed at the diversity of architecture and cultures to be found here, ranging from traditional Arab houses to magnificent modern towers of steel and glass.

The Creek is the main artery of Dubai, winding inland from the Gulf for about six miles. On its clear waters you will see traditional teak trading dhows plying their trade across the Gulf, heading as far as India. Also, from time to time, you can see small fishing boats coming in and out of the port. At night, the waterfront is a hive of activity, as Abras, the local water taxis, crisscrosses the Creek carrying people to their chosen restaurant or attraction for the evening.

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.

Click here for today's Exchange rates.

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 and private sector offices are closed on Friday & 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 Thursday.

When it comes to Airlines, Dubai has some top notch airlines to offer, Emirates Airlines & Flydubai are the two official Airline Services in the Emirate of Dubai, these both airlines are widely known for their exceptional service and hospitality and these are the most used airlines which all the passengers want to travel.

Emirates Airlines
Flying in an Emirates A380 is quite fun the entertainment system is just awesome and super modern, you get a big screen which is really large comparative to other airlines, and you will also have a luxury of using touch screen, Emirates Airlines are readily available and are really easy to book.

FlyDubai
Contrary to Emirates, flydubai was designed for passengers looking for much cheaper and budget-friendly tickets to visit UAE, so all the economic class fares are really pocket friendly, Apart from that the Airline also provides a super luxury Business Class cabin for the passengers who wish to fly in Luxury and Style.

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