Development Work

Currently there is a development in the very early stage of construction taking place approximately 200 - 250 meters behind the car park building away from the main hotel apartment building. As the developments continue to progress, we will monitor their effects on the hotel apartment and take any necessary precautions.

Banks

There are many international banks represented in Dubai. Money exchange houses operate throughout the city and are in most shopping malls. Bank opening hours are 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturdays to Wednesdays, although some are also open from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. On Thursdays, banks operate only from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Exchange houses are open from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Business Hours

Private companies work either straight shifts from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or split shifts from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The government offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Weekends are on Thursdays and Fridays for government organisations while private and multinational companies are usually closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Climate

In the summer (April to September), temperatures in the UAE will vary between 38°C – 48°C (100°F – 118°F) in the daytime and between 26°C – 30°C (79°F – 86°F) at night with high humidity levels. In the winter (October to March), the days are sunny and pleasant with an average of 26°C (79°F), while nights are cool with an average of 15°C (59°F).

Clothing

Dressing in Dubai is casual and modest.

Currency

The currency used in the UAE is the Dirham and is abbreviated as Dhs or AED. Each Dirham is further divided into 100 fils. Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and major shops.

Customs

Each traveller is allowed a maximum of 40,000 AED in undeclared cash, 2,000 cigarettes, 400 cigars, 2 kilogrammes of tobacco, 2 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine.
As in most countries, it is illegal to bring in drugs, firearms and pornography.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, 50 cycles.

Emergency Call Numbers

• Police / Ambulance: 999
• Fire Services: 997

Health

Dubai generally has a high standard of medical care, both in primary health and in hospital facilities.

Mobile Phones

Dubai is covered by the GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone networks.

Public Phones

Public telephones in Dubai are operated by ETISALAT and could be easily located. Most require prepaid cards.

Shopping & Business Hourse

Shopping malls are generally open from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. everyday except Fridays when they are open 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Taxes

Taxes are not applicable.

Time Zone

GMT +4 hours.

Tipping

Tipping is widely accepted with 10% of the total bill being the average. Most restaurants will include a service charge.

Tourist Information

www.dubaicityguide.com

www.dubaitourism.ae

Visa

Valid visas are required to enter the United Arab Emirates. The three entry requirements of obtaining a visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah) are that:

• you are not a citizen of Israel.
• your passport doesn't contain Israeli immigration stamps.
• your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your arrvial.

As visa requirements do change with short or no notice, it is advisable that you check with your nearest UAE embassy or consulate, or with your travel agency for the latest updates.