Dubai's fame account as a world leader in enterprise and modernization has earned the city many international accolades and established it as a leading commercial, trading and tourism hub. Significant projects have endorsed Dubai as a dynamic, business-friendly Emirate with an outstanding track record of executing supreme projects. 
A significant player in the global economy, Dubai has been a pioneer in the growth of the United Arab Emirates. Its strategic location at the crossroads of trade and commerce between the East and West, progressive governance, liberal policies, business-friendly regulations and a highly favourable customs framework have played a key role in magnetizing investment from all over the world practically in every sphere of monetary activity. 
All in all, Dubai provides a vibrant cosmopolitan environment that fosters growth and has become an icon for 21st century living. Dubai continues to look forward, by constantly developing new innovative projects that are aligned with its leader’s vision of making the country a destination of choice for businessmen and tourists from around the globe. 

THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI

Dubai - Construction Update

History –
The seven independent emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah came together to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the year 1971. While Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE, Dubai remains its commercial centre. 

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.

Time zone – 
The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT (+4 GMT) 

Lifestyle –
Dubai has a thriving expat population who make the most of their tax free lifestyle in this amazing city of opportunity. The nightlife in the city is excellent, with cocktail bars, wine bars, themed bars and typical British or Irish pubs available, many of which offer food and entertainment as well. 
High standard international cuisine is available in the city’s many restaurants and if you are looking for lively evening entertainment there are numerous night clubs around the city. Some of the clubs attract international DJs; there are also Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian nightclubs offering entertainment with singers and dancers. Dubai also welcomes international touring, singing and entertainment acts which cater to all tastes and ages, right from traditional theatre groups to ballet from opera to international rock and pop bands - all are regular visitors to Dubai. You can be assured of an exciting pace of life in Dubai and a high standard of living with an array of ultra-modern amenities around you.

Sports –
As spectator or participant you can indulge in any or all of your sporting passions in Dubai, like camel racing, golf, sand skiing, ice skiing, sailing, horse racing, rock climbing, etc., or you may just languid days by a pool or a beach. Sporting and recreational facilities are exceptional and major international sporting events are staged at various times of the year.

Events & Festivals –
Dubai is a world centre for a wide range of exhibitions and events. Exhibitions cater to virtually all major interest groups from aviation enthusiasts to car-lovers and farmers to military advisers. In addition to the big shows such as - Gitex that reflects the importance & phenomenal growth of the IT industry in the region by continually highlighting the latest technology & services from international manufacturers and suppliers, Arabian Travel market (ATM) – a premiere travel and tourism exhibition, INDEX – largest annual trade exhibition for the textile, furniture, interior design and manufacturing, Cityscape - The world's largest property show, IDEX, TRIDEX, and the Dubai Air Show, there are many other annual shows that attract thousands of visitors to the Dubai, for example, the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises that brings large number of shoppers to the Emirates.

Visas -
Entry Visa not required for nationals of the following:

European Countries:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and The Vatican. 

Other Countries:
USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

AGCC Countries:
Nationals and expatriate residents of AGCC countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia also do not require a visa in advance to enter Dubai.

Visa's are issued free of charge upon entry to the residents of the above mentioned countries.

Climate –
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. 

October to March - Days are Sunny and Pleasant (Average Temperature – 26 Deg.C). 
Nights are cool (Average Temperature – 15 Deg. C)

April to September - Temperature peaks at 44 Deg.C and has high humidity levels. 

Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter (temperatures range from a low of about 10.5deg.C/50deg.F to a high of 48deg.C/118.4deg.F.) 

The mean daily maximum is 24deg.C/75.2deg.F in January rising to 41 deg.C/105.8deg.F in July.

Clothing –
Visitors are free to dress according to their personal choice. Dress sensibly, although very revealing clothes shouldn't be worn in public or places of worship. Shorts and skirts are acceptable for ladies. Most Emirati men and women still choose to wear the traditional national dress. Lightweight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter.

Photography – 
Photography of buildings and sights is widely acceptable. Local people, especially the women, do not take kindly to being photographed without their prior permission. In general, it is best to avoid taking photographs (or video footage) of any individual in a National Dress. 

Language –
While Arabic is the official language, English is very widely spoken, especially in business. Given the large size of the expatriate population, several other languages are also used in everyday life, headed by Hindi, Urdu and Farsi. 

Taking Medicines to Dubai –
If you are taking any medicines to Dubai, including over the counter medicines such as Codeine, it is necessary to carry an accompanying doctor’s note or prescription to authenticate its use. For a full list of restricted and controlled medicines in Dubai visit: http://www.moh.gov.ae/moh_site/phar_med/price_list/controlled%20list.pdf 

Alcohol –
While alcohol is served at restaurants mostly located in hotels, it can also be purchased at the Arrival Duty Free store in Dubai International Airport or with a special permit valid for non-Muslim residents only. Dubai operates a zero tolerance policy to driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Currency, Banks & Credit Cards –
The official currency of the UAE is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED or Dhs). Each Dirham is divided into 100 fils and is held constant against the US Dollar at an average of 3.67.

All banks operate from 8.00am to 1.00pm, Saturday through Wednesday and 8.00am to 12.00pm on Thursdays. Currency exchange houses are open until late in the evening.

All international credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS –
Dubai has a very eventful social calendar, with international sporting events, shopping and entertainment festivals, music and cultural programmes held at various indoor and outdoor venues all year around. 

• January - The Dubai Marathon, Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai International Jazz Festival, Emirates Cup Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, Dubai International Sailing Week Regatta 

• February - The Dubai Terry Fox Run, Dubai Tennis Championships 

• March - Dubai Desert Golf Classic, Dubai World Cup, Dubai International Kite Surfing Challenge 

• April - International Jewellery exhibition 

• May - Local and international events 

• June - Dubai Summer Surprises, UAE National Sailing Championship 

• July - Dubai Summer Surprises 

• August - Dubai Summer Surprises 

• September - Local and international events (Dubai, the City that Cares festival) 

• October - Gulf IT Exhibition (GITEX), UAE Desert Challenge 

• November - Horse racing season, Dubai Traditional Dhow Sailing Race 

• December - Rugby 7s, Dubai Air Show, Dubai Grand Prix, National Day celebrations