About Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Situated centrally, between Europe, Asia and Africa, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai is the most populated city in the UAE, and one of the most rapidly-developing and innovative cities in the world.
Dubai is a world leading sports, conference and tourist destination.
Entertainment and Sport
Dubai hosts some of the world’s premier sporting events. Apart from Al Marmoom Ultramarathon, Dubai’s portfolio of world-class events includes the Dubai Desert Classic golf championship, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship, the Dubai Rugby Sevens and Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race.
Dubai’s also offers a great range of outdoor activities from water sports to desert driving; something for everyone.
Dubai is famous for its shopping malls, which include the iconic Dubai Mall that includes an aquarium and ice skating rink, Mall of the Emirates with the world’s first indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai, Ibn Battuta Mall, the largest themed mall in the Middle East and features stunning and beautiful shopping courts.
The traditional souks offer shoppers a variety of cultural and heritage items at great value.
Dubai’s nightlife is lively and diverse, with many well-known, restaurants nightclubs and bars.
Economy & Business
Dubai is a business and trading hub for the region and globally. All major business and commercial organisations are represented in Dubai.
There has been a massive growth across all sectors of the Dubai economy, which is no longer reliant on oil, and much more diversified, relying heavily on trade, services and finance sectors.
Currency
The currency of Dubai is the UAE Dirham, displayed as both AED and Dhs in many places. The Dirham is fixed against the US Dollar at the rate of Dhs. 3.67.
Dollars are widely accepted in souks and shops. Other exchange rates (subject to change): UK: 5.07 AUS: 2.92 EURO: 4.48.
Language and Religion
The official language is Arabic but English, Urdu and Hindi are widely spoken. Islam is the official religion of the emirate, while there are also Hindus, Sikhs and Christians.
Dress Code
The Islamic dress code is not compulsory, but conservative dress in public places away from the beach and sports environments is advised.
Climate
Dubai has a very hot dry climate. Summers in Dubai are extremely hot and dry, with an average high around 42 °C (108 °F) and overnight lows around 29 °C (84 °F). Winters are warm with an average high of 23 °C (73 °F) and overnight lows of 14 °C (57 °F).