Business Hours

The weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon and Friday, but some organizations 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 Licenses

A temporary local driving license is issued when you hire a self-drive vehicle, if you can produce a valid passport, two photographs, and an international driving license. A national license from any of the following countries is acceptable in place of an international license: 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.

Electricity

The electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC at 50 cycles.

Embassies

Most diplomatic missions are located in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. However there are some consulates and commercial attaches in Dubai.

Public Holidays

As the dates of Islamic holidays are not fixed, it is best to ask a local or consult the daily newspapers for information. There are some fixed non-Muslim holidays like New Year on January 1, the holiday to mark the Accession of HH Sheikh Zayed on August 6, and National Day on December 2. Christmas is often observed by Western companies, and some diplomatic missions may observe Easter.

Radio

Both Arabic and English commercial radio stations broadcast in Dubai. UAE Radio Dubai broadcasts in English 24 hours a day on 92 mHz FM.

Shopping Hours

Shops are open from 9am until 1pm, and from 4pm until 9pm or later. Most supermarkets remain open all day except Friday, when they close for prayers between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Taxis

Taxis are plentiful, and comparatively cheap. In Dubai, taxis do not have meters so visitors should establish the price before setting out. There is a surcharge for crossing the Creek of approximately Dh5. Taxis also operate a very cheap service rate, as little as Dh1, which you share with other passengers, but you may be dropped at the nearest point to your destination rather than at the door. For longer journeys, an hourly rate of about Dh30 is reasonable, and for a day the price is negotiable upwards of approximately Dh250.

Telephone

Telecommunications in Dubai are modern and efficient. Phone calls within Dubai are free of charge and International Direct Dialling is available to most countries. Pay phones can be operated by coins (Dh1 or 50 fils) or phone cards which may be purchased from the Etisalat company, post offices or licensed agents throughout the city. The major hotels have fax and telex services and can organise modem access.

Water

Tap water comes from desalination plants and is safe to drink – however, many people prefer the bottled water which is served in most hotels and restaurants.