Statistics & Facts

Visas

The UAE Immigration authority rules entry visas are required for all nationals with the exception of the nationals of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council member countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia), Western Europe (France, Italy, UK, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino and Liechtenstein), USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Spoken Languages 

Arabic is the official language. A lot of Dubai population knows foreign languages, especially English, Urdu, Hindi, and Persian, due to strong relations with other countries speaking these languages.

Language:                                            Arabic & English
Currency :                                             Dirham
Exchange Rate :                                  $ 1 = Dhs 3.67
Time Zone:                                           GMT +4 hrs
Religion :                                               Islam is the official religion of the UAE
Transportation :                                   Dubai has an excellent public bus network. Taxis are

                                                               easily  obtainable 24 hours a day and driven by uniformed and

                                                               disciplined drivers.

Dress Code:                                        Light weight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year.

Climate:                                                Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate; sunny blue skies can be 

                                                                expected most of the year.   
Average summer temperatures:      27-40 °C
Average winter temperatures:          15-25 °C

Transport

Taxi :

This is the best way to get around the city. Dubai Transport Corporation manages the light mustard-colored cabs which are metered ,air-conditioned, clean and reliable. The tariff from the airport is higher than from elsewhere in the city but commonly taxis are considerably cheaper compared to the taxis in western cities. In fact, the fare often equates to that of a bus or tube in

Metro Taxis:      + 9714 2673222
National Taxis: + 9714 3366611

Bus :

Used mainly by low-income workers, Dubai 's bus service - operates in Deira from Al Sabkha Bus Station between the Gold Souk and Beniyas Square, and in Bur Dubai from Al Ghubaiba Street. For longer journeys a bus can offer both a money-saving option to rental cars with an experience to remember.

Water Taxi:

Without a doubt the best way to appreciate the Creek and sample the bustle of daily life in the heart of the old city is to take a water taxi, or Abra. Fares are just 50 fils for trips from Bur Dubai to Deira and vice versa, but for Dhms 50 an Abra captain would be happy to take you as far as Maktoum Bridge or beyond.

Car:

For a city that didn't have a single stretch of runway when oil was discovered, Dubai 's road infrastructure is impressive. All the major car rental agencies have office in Dubai . To get a temporary driving license, just entrust your passport, national or international driving license and two photographs and the agency will arrange the paperwork.
Among the international hire companies are:

Avis       (Tel: +971 4 2957121)
Budget  (Tel: +971 4 2957121)
Hertz     (Tel: +971 4 2824422)
Thrifty   (Tel: +971 4 2245404

Dubai Metro:

Dubai Municipality has recognized the need for an Urban Rail Transit System to supply additional public transport in solution to the growing traffic, and support the city's continuing development and visionary image. Moving ahead with the development of an Urban Rail Transit System, the next step is the progress of the Preliminary Engineering study, to be followed by design and construction. The Dubai Urban Rail Transit, or Metro, would be the latest in a large number of city transit systems in prominent cities around the globe, such as Athens , Barcelona , Istanbul, Cairo, Tunis , New Delhi , Bangkok , Kaohsiung , Santiago de Chile or Vancouver.

Weather

Sub tropical, arid climate, Sunny blue skies most of the year. Occasional rainfall can be expected during the winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C/50°F to a high of 48°C/118°F. Dubai ’s weather can be best described as humid. Humidity extends high even during winter, but weather conditions are very pleasant because of the lower temperatures. While throughout summer, high humidity and high temperatures make conditions very uncomfortable.

Demography

Location:                                               Southern shore of the Arabian Gulf , northeastern .
Country and city dialing code:          +971 4, Time zone: GMT +4
Population:                                           1,040,000
Ethnic mix:                                            60% Indian, Pakistani and Filipino, 25% Emiratis, 12% Arab,

                                                                3% Western expats.

Religion:                                                57% Muslim, 20% Hindu, 20% Roman Catholic and  3% other.

Electricity:                                            220 or 240 volts AC, 50Hz; square three-pin plugs are standard

Average January Temp.:                   24°C (75°F), Average July temp: 41°C (106°F),                                     

Annual rainfall:                                    300mm (11.8 inches)