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 Dubai is leading the region's signage revolution because
it is the preferred business hub. Companies open businesses
here because they can see how successful they can be
in a place where it is easy to establish, that has excellent
communications facilities and an international airport
which has good transportation links throughout the entire
region.
Business Hours
The weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon
and Friday, but some organisations now close on Friday
and Saturday, working through Thursday afternoon instead.
Government offices are open from 7.30am to 1.30pm ( 7.30am
to 12 noon on Thursday).
Private sector office hours vary, but are generally
from 8am to 1pm, reopening at either 3pm or 4pm and closing
at 6pm or 7pm.
Shop hours are similar in their opening times, but
remain open until 9-10pm. Department stores, boutiques,
the souks and many food shops remain open on a Friday,
apart from Prayer Times (11.30-1.30), while larger shops
re-open on a Friday afternoon around 4pm - 5pm.
Weights and Measures
Officially the metric system is followed, although
British and American standard weights and measures are
understood by most merchants. Local weights and measures
are also used occasionally, but seldom for international
trade.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards such as Diners, American Express, Access/Mastercard and
Visa, are accepted at the major hotels and some of the larger shops. Cash
is preferred by most vendors, however, and will usually gain visitors a better
price.
Currency
The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh) which is divided
into 100 fils. The Dirham is linked to the Special Drawing
Right of the International Monetary Fund.
It has been held constant against the US Dollar since
the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$ 1
= Dh 3.67.
Banks
Both the local banks and the many international banks
represented by branches in Dubai, provide usual commercial
banking services.
Transfers can be made without difficulty as there is
no exchange control and the Dirham is freely convertible.
Bank hours are 8am to 1pm, Saturday through Wednesday,
although some also open from 4.30 to 6.30pm. On Thursdays
banks operate only from 8am to noon.
Exchange houses are open from 8.30am to 1pm and 4.30
to 8.30pm.
Driving Licences
A temporary local driving licence is issued when you hire a self-drive vehicle,
if you can produce a valid passport, two photographs, and an international
driving licence. A national licence from any of the following countries is
acceptable in place of an international licence: Austria, Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, France, West Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and USA.
Duty Free Allowance
There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you may bring to Dubai,
and no customs duty on personal effects accompanied or unaccompanied. There
is a Duty Free store at the airport for incoming visitors, but it does not
stock liquor.
Conferences & exhibitions
The Dubai International Congress Centre can accommodate
10,000 delegates. At Port Rashid in Dubai, the new cruise
terminal has a wide range of facilities including a business
centre with Internet access and a conference room. Dubai
World Trade Centre hosts a multitude of events (including
car rallies and tennis exhibitions). Many hotels in the
UAE offer high-standard conference and meeting facilities.
For further information on conference and convention
facilities, contact the Dubai World Trade Centre, PO
Box 9292, Dubai (tel: (4) 332 1000; fax: (4) 331 2173
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