United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates and ranks as the country's leading commercial centre. The other six emirates are Abu Dhabi - the federal capital, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Dubai, a cosmopolitan city with very modern architecture, is a most vibrant and exciting destination combining city life, excellent tours, great shopping, first class restaurants and bars, beautiful beaches, recreational activities such as golfing, fishing, sailing, scuba-diving, desert safaris, dune driving and a very active nightlife. Alcohol is widely available in Dubai and the dress code is generally relaxed.

Dubai enjoys a sub-tropical climate with year-round sunshine which makes it a top holiday destination, the most comfortable months being from September to May. Dubai has something for everyone - from the holidaymaker seeking a relaxing break, the business person tying up that deal, to the casual traveler looking for action and excitement. While its attractions and diversions make it an excellent choice for any tourist, Dubai is particularily a good destination for families.

Location and Area
Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Gulf in the south-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It lies between 55°16 East and 25°16 North. The total area of the Emirate is 3,885 sq. km.

Visas
Irish passport holders do not require a visa. Citizens of the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free One Entry Visit visa on arrival in the UAE.

Tourist Visa - A special category of visas under the Visit Visa type is a Tourist Visa, which can be obtained for individual tourists from: East and West Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, the Hellenic Republic, St Kitts-Navis, St Lucia, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Kingston, Palao other non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, China, Malta, Cyprus. The Tourist Visa entitles its holder to a 30-day stay and is non-renewable.

Multiple-entry Visa - Multiple-entry Visas are granted to business visitors who have a relationship with either a multinational or other reputable local establishments, and who are frequent visitors to the UAE. This type of visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and the duration of each stay is 30 days. The validity is non-renewable. The cost of this visa is AED 1,000. The visitor must enter the UAE on a visit visa and obtain the multiple entry visa while in the country. The visa would be stamped on the passport.

96-hour Visa for Transit Passengers - Transit passengers stopping at Dubai International Airport for a minimum of 8 hours are eligible for obtaining a 96-hour transit visa.
Transit Visas - This is a special type of visa, which applies to passengers passing through UAE airports. For those who travel with Emirates Airlines, transit visas can be arranged by the Airline itself. But those flying through other Airlines have to contact the Marhaba Services directly. For transit passengers or those holding special permits, or for visit or mission, the passport or the document must be valid for at least three months. A penalty charge of AED 100 per day is imposed on visitors who overstay.

Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical arid climate. May to September is summer, when temperatures range between 36°C and 48°C. However, during the winter months, temperatures range from 10°C to 30°C in winter. Rainfall is very small and is predominantly in winter and amounts to some 13cm annually.

Clothing
Summer clothing may be worn all year but the temperature can drop during the winter. At the pool or on the private beaches, the normal swimwear is standard as if in Spain, but when in the city and public areas, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing that may be considered revealing.

Language
The national language is Arabic but English is widely used and everyone you will have contact with will have english.

Currency
The monetary unit is the Dirham (AED) which is divided into 100 fils. The official exchange rate is US$1 = AED 3.675 and that is fixed.

Banks
Many international banks are represented by branches in Dubai. Bank hours are 0800 to 1300, Saturday to Wednesday and 0800 1200, Thursday.

Credit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, etc. are generally accepted in all hotels and shops.

ATM's
ATM machines are widely available.

Tipping
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world.

Working Hours
Business: 0800 - 1300 and 1600 – 1930, Saturday to Thursday. Most of the multinational companies work from 0900 - 1800 with a one hour lunch break.
Government offices: 0730 – 1430, Saturday to Wednesday.
Exchange houses: 0830 - 1300 and 1630 – 2030, Saturday to Thursday. These are the best places to change your euros.
Shopping malls: 1000 – 2200, Saturday to Thursday and 1600 – 2200, Friday.
Thursday afternoon and Friday is the weekend in the Islamic world.

Photography
Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to request permission before photographing men.

Bargaining
Bargaining is expected in the souq and is quite usual elsewhere. Vendors will usually drop the price and often quite substantially, particularly for a cash sale.

Communications
Telecommunications in Dubai are excellent. Telephones have international direct dialling to most countries in the world. Your mobile phone will work perfectably when you are there. Full telex, telefax, and electronic mail facilities are widely available. There is an efficient and reliable postal service. The General Postal Authority also offers a courier service. Mumtaz Post delivers to most parts in the world and commercial courier services are widely used.

Media
There are three English language newspapers published in Dubai - Gulf News, Khaleej Times and Emirates Today. International newspapers, magazines and journals can be bought at bookshops and supermarkets. Dubai has both Arabic and English commercial radio and television stations, as well as access to international satellite TV programming. Football matches are on Sky in all pubs and hotels.

Medical Care
Medical services in Dubai are of an international standard and very accesible in an emergency.

Electricity
The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles, the same as in Ireland and you can use the same 3 pin plugs. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Water
Tap water is quite safe to drink. But locally bottled mineral water is generally served in hotels and restaurants. Bottles water is very cheap to buy, the normal size bottle is only 20 cent in a shop.

Alcohol
Alcohol is freely available in the many bars around town, hotels and golf clubs. All international brands of spirits and beer in cans and draught (including Guinness) are available. There are no off-license stores so it is wise to use the duty free at Dubai Airport on the way in. Prices of drinks: draught pints of Beer & Guinness, shorts with mixers and wine all cost around Euro 4.75, orange and coke in bars cost between Euro 1.25 and 2.50, Ballygowen costs Euro 3.60

Religion
Islam is the official religion although other beliefs are respected - Dubai has two Christian churches - St. Mary's Catholic Church and a Presbyterian Church. Both have services conducted in English which are open to all.

Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan visitors are requested to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places during the daylight hours. Please note that it is really important to observe this and not offend the locals. In 2010 Ramadan runs from approximately August 15th for 1 month and it comes forward by 11 days each year. It is very important to respect Ramadan. However, bars etc are open during Ramadan.

TV
Most hotels have multichannel satelite tv with Sky. CNN and BBC etc.

Electric
Same as Ireland - 220 volts at 50 cycles and 13 amp.  You can use your normal three pin plug.

Getting Around
Getting around is not difficult but the safest and most economical way is by taxi. Fares are very reasonable by Irish standards (the average ride costs Euro 5 per car).

All drivers understand English. There are 3 very reliable taxi companies, which are all metered, but we recommend using Dubai Transport Corporation (beige in colour). All taxis are air-conditioned and are available almost everywhere 24 hours per day. They are clean and safe and there are many stories told of people leaving handbags and cameras etc in taxis and recovering them later after a phone call. Getting around is really safe.

There are also many local and international car hire companies (you will need your passport and driver's license). Bus services cater mainly for local residents with few routes of interest to tourists.
Car hire costs from Euro 52 per day inclusive of comprehensive insurance for an automatic 1.8 Corolla to Euro 169 per day for a Landcruiser.