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Holidaying In Dubai? Things You Should Know
By Uthkusa Gamanayake 
February 2007
Dubai has become one of the most famous holiday destinations these days.  The Dubai government is investing millions of dollars to bring Dubai up to a world-class tourist destination.  Dubai is truly a fantastic place to spend a memorable holiday. 

The purpose of this article is to provide you with useful information about Dubai, such as what you should know before going there, when is the best time to visit Dubai, where to go and what to do in Dubai etc. 

Unlike other countries, Dubai has its own rules and regulations, which can impact your holiday.  Also there are certain things you MUST know about Dubai before going there. Read on…

Best time to visit Dubai
Dubai is extremely hot during summer (May – Oct).  The temperature varies from 35C – 45C. Therefore the best time to visit Dubai is Nov – April period, which is the Dubai winter season.  The temperature is around 25C in November and gradually decreases to 15-20C in December/January period before it starts increasing again.

Rain is a rare thing.  Bright sunshine is guaranteed almost every day of the year, so carry plenty of sunscreen with you.
 

Avoid Ramadan
The Holy month of Ramadan is a religious practice of Muslims.  During this month Muslims do not eat or drink between  5:00am – 5:00pm. NO ONE (including tourists) can eat, drink or even smoke in public places during this time.  Restaurants are closed and no food or drinks are publicly available to buy.  There are heavy fines and jail terms if you break this law.
Previous articles on Dubai:
Why is real estate such a popular investment in Dubai?
Globally more people have made more money out of property than any other asset class. Even big investors also have to live somewhere. But there are reasons behind these reasons that make property so desirable to investors both in Dubai and elsewhere.
Can freehold property registration revive a slowing market?
Registration of freehold property in Dubai has now started for all nationalities at the Dubai Land Department in advance of an imminent decree formally identifying all the zones in which foreigners can hold this title. But the value of real estate deals involving GCC nationals fell by 11 per cent in the first half, so will this be enough to boost a slowing market?
Real Estate In Dubai - New Law Grants Foreign Buyers Greater Ownership Rights
The new Dubai Property Law will mean that for the first time foreigners will be allowed to register properties under own names in the Dubai Land Department. And if the latter conjures up images of Dickensian title deeds think again, this department offers the very latest in electronic land and property title registration. 
Get a Cruise Ship Job!
Get paid to travel to exotic places that few people ever get to see.
Earn a great tax-free income!
Life becomes normal after the fasting break for the day around 5:00pm and the fasting starts again around 5:00 am on the next day.  Usually Ramadan falls in October-November period depending on the appearance of the moon.

Dubai Visa
Dubai has strict visa regulations and changes the regulations quite often, therefore it is always better to check the current visa requirements with your travel agent before booking your holiday.  Dubai visa regulations were as follows at the time of writing this document (Jan 07’) 

Nationals from Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman do not need a visa to enter Dubai. 

Visa is stamped on arrival for 34 nationalities. The countries are:

Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Brunei, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Swiss, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Paraguay, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtain, Canada, United States of America, Australia, New Zealand

The other nationalities have to apply for a visit or tourist visa prior to arriving Dubai. There are four ways to apply for Dubai visa.

1. Fly with Emirates Airline and ask them to provide visa.
2. Directly apply from the UAE embassy in your country.
3. Request the hotel that you are planning to stay to get visa for you.
4. Request a relative or a friend to apply a sponsored visit visa. 

Liquor policy in Dubai
Visitors cannot buy liquor from liquor shops in Dubai.  Only residence visa holders with a liquor permit can buy them.  Visitors have to go to a bar in a hotel or to a nightclub to get liquor.

Tip: Buy liquor from the Dubai Duty Free shop on arrival.

Best way to travel around
Taxis are expensive in Dubai.  Renting a car is the best option.  This will give you the flexibility of visiting many places in Dubai. The other option is to use the shuttle service of the hotel where you are staying - though this limits the locations you can visit. 
Dubai is a left hand drive state; that means the driving seat is on the left side of the vehicle.  The road signs and traffic systems are very similar to those in the US.

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It has spectacular beaches, but is not Australia.  It is one of the world’s most secure destinations, but is not Singapore. It has opulent city hotels and superb beachside resorts but it is not Bali. It has world class shopping, but is not Hong Kong.This is the Insiders Guide to Dubai, city of merchants, cultural crossroads, and surprises.  A Scientific Approach - Your goal is to move to Dubai, to find a excellent employment there, to purchase real estate and take advantage of the booming market.  How do you accomplish your dream?  As in any pursuit, determination helps, but it takes more than determination to relocate to Dubai.  It takes facts. Anyone can thrive in Dubai, the now and future playground of the rich and famous, after getting The Insiders Guide to Living in Dubai, UAE. 
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Accommodation options 
Dubai has a wide range of accommodation options.  So do not spend unnecessarily on accommodation and save that money to enjoy your Dubai vacation.  For an example, there are cheap but quality 3 star hotels in Dubai.  If you are traveling with a big group then renting an apartment is the cheapest option.  There are plenty of furnished apartments for short-term holidays.  Do not let your travel agent limit your options. 

Language
You will have to talk to many people (especially Arabs) during your holidays in Dubai.  Arabic is the main language in Dubai - many people can understand and speak English as long as you make sure that you speak slowly for them to understand properly.

Dress Code
Unlike other Arabic countries, Dubai is flexible about the dress.  Men and women can wear T-shirts and shorts.  People are also allowed to wear
swimsuits at places like beaches, swimming pools etc.  But it is not allowed to be nude or half naked.  Women can wear clothes exposing legs, shoulders and midriff.  However, you should not expose too much of yourself.  Short tight skirts are also allowed.  You may notice that local Arabic women in Dubai are usually dressed in the traditional black dress and head cover. However, it is not applicable to foreigners. 

Where to go and what to do in Dubai
There are plenty of things to do and places to visit in Dubai.  ollowing are MUST do things in Dubai:-

Desert Safari - This is a fantastic adventure trip to the Dubai desert.  A 4WD vehicle will take you through the golden sandy dunes to a central camp in the middle of the desert.  You will then have a barbecue dinner while enjoying the traditional belly dancing performed by young Arabic girls.  Liquor is available to buy in this desert camp. 
Camel rides and Dune bashing are some of the other activities you can do during the desert safari. 
Tip: Your travel agent can arrange camping facilities in the desert.  Spend the night in the desert if possible.  It will be a truly amazing experience. Keep in mind that this has to be booked in advance.

Visit the Dubai Gold Market - This is the only place in the world where you could see tons (yes tons) of gold in jewellery shops without a single security guard.  Some necklaces are so big you wonder how a person can wear them comfortably!

Burj Al Arab 7 Star hotel - This is a truly luxury hotel.  You cannot just walk in.  You need to buy a ticket to go and see the inside of the hotel. 
Tip: There are restaurants for the public inside the hotel, for which you need to buy a voucher. 

Ski Resort- Dubai has the world’s largest artificial Ski resort.  It is worth visiting this resort even if you are from the North Pole. 

Wild Wadi Water Park - This is a place where both kids and adults can enjoy water rides. There are fantastic adventure rides such as almost a free fall from 25m heights. This theme park is using the latest technologies. You do not have to walk from one ride to another as they are linked to each other. You must visit this place especially if you have kids.

Eat Shawarma - Shawarma is the Arabic version of the wrap. This is one of the Arabic foods you should taste while in Dubai.

Shopping
A holiday in Dubai is not complete without shopping.  Here are the best shopping malls in Dubai:-

Emirates Mall, Deira City Centre, Wafi shopping mall, Lamzy Plaza
 

For more information on Dubai and other useful holiday tips, visit www.thatsdubai.com 
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