Introducing UAE

8/8/2019 Introducing UAE

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IntroducingThe United Arab Emirates &

Dubai


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Contents

Introduction to The UAE

Introduction to DubaiClimateFoodLanguageReligion

ClothingWorkingMoney & BanksHealthcareShopping Malls

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Introducing Dubai

TravelEducationChildcareHousing / MaidsPetsNewspapers and magazinesHolidaysSports & LeisureVisas

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates situated in the southeast of theArabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia. Theseven states, termed emirates, are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah. The UAE's population is around 4.3 million of which approximately 21.9%are nationals and the rest are foreigners. As a consequence of the large number of expatriateworkers attracted to the Emirates, UAE nationals form a minority of those who reside in the country.The UAE has one of the most diverse populations in the Middle East. 19% of the country'spopulation is Emirati, 23% are other Arabs or Persians while the majority of the population, about50%, is from South Asia.


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Introducing Dubai

Dubai is one of the seven emirates and is the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates.Dubai's government operates within the framework of a constitutional monarchy, and has been ruledby the Al Maktoum family since 1833. The current ruler, HH Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum, is also the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and member of the Supreme Councilof the Union (SCU). Dubai is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city and is home to approximately 1.5

million people from all over the globe. Around 80% of the population in Dubai is made up ofexpatriates and the city caters to the diverse population by offering a broad range of services andfacilities. Dubai has much to offer. The sun shines almost every day, the shopping and leisurefacilities are impressive, and the salaries are tax-free.

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Dubai enjoys an arid subtropical climate, with blue skies and sunshine all year round. The hottestmonths are between June and September, when temperatures can soar to 113F (45C) and aboveduring the day and humidity levels are very high. Even the sea temperature touches on 104F(40C) during the summer months. Temperatures are only slightly more moderate the rest of theyear, the coolest time being between December and March. There is very little rainfall in Dubai andwhen showers do fall it is mainly in the cooler months.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

24C 25C 28C 32C 37C 39C 40C 45C 39C 35C 31C 26C


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Food

The diversity of cuisine in Dubai is a reflectionof the cosmopolitan nature of the society. Arabfood is very popular and is availableeverywhere in the city, from the small

Supermarkets

Dubai has a good range of supermarkets andgrocery stores that cater to the multinationalpopulations culinary needs. Supermarkets include:

Spinneys http://www.spinneys-dubai.com/

the upscale restaurants in Dubai's manyhotels. The sale and consumption of pork, isregulated and is sold only to non-Muslims, indesignated areas. Similarly, the sale ofalcoholic beverages is regulated and a liquor

permit is required to purchase alcohol. Alcoholis available in bars and restaurants within fouror five star hotels.

. .

Carrefour www.carrefouruae.com/Choithram www.choithram.com/Geant www.geant-dubai.com/

Lulu www.luluhypermarket.com/

Union Co-Op www.ucs.ae/

Organic Foods & cafwww.organicfoodsandcafe.com/

HyperPanda

Park n Shop

Introducing Dubai


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Language

Dubai has a diverse and multicultural society andalthough Arabic is the official language,Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, Persian, Sindhi,Tagalog, Bengali and many other languages arespoken in Dubai. English is widely spoken and is

standard within the business community.

Start practicing!

Peace be upon you Al Salam AlaikomWelcome/Hello Marhaba

What? - Matha

Goodbye - Ma Salama

Who? - Man

Thank You - Shukran

Where? - Ayina

Please - Min Fadlak

How many? - Kam

How much does it cost? - Bekam

How are you? - Ke fa haallaq

Why? - Lematha

Yes - Naam / Aiwa

Excuse me - Affwan

No - LaI dont know - Lusto Adree

Good Morning - Sabah Al Khair


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Religion

Islam is the official religion of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates with the vast majority of Emiratis

being Sunni Muslims. Dubai is one of the most liberal places in the Middle East and although allvisitors are expected to respect Islam, followers of other religions are tolerated. Dubai is a diverseand multicultural city and Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians have been living harmoniouslyin Dubai for many decades. Dubai is the only emirate housing Hindu temples, churches and a Sikhgurudwara. The local government follows a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and people

are free to practice their religion. The religious communities of Dubai have their own schools andsocial and cultural institutions.

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Both local men and local women are easily distinguished by their traditional dress, which is acommon sight in the United Arab Emirates. Men wear the long white Dishdasha and headdress,while women wear the black Abaya. The dress code is liberal in Dubai compared to other MiddleEastern cities, however it is expected that residents and visitors alike show respect for the localculture and dress accordingly. In the presence of UAE nationals it is wise to cover the shoulders,especially so during business meetings. Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year,although it can get cool during winter evenings. Offices and shopping malls can be are heavily airconditioned during the summer months and it can become rather chilly indoors.


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Working

The weekend in Dubai falls on Friday and Saturday and the following opening hours prevail

Banks 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm Sunday to Thursday are typical hoursGovernment offices 7.30am to 3pm Sunday to Thursday and Saturday morningsPost offices 8am to 2pm is typical for most post offices, others operate 8am to 8pmRestaurants 11am to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm are the typical hours for restaurantsShopping Centre's 10am to 10pm Sunday to Wednesday, 10 am to 12 am Friday & SaturdayShops & Souqs 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm Saturday to Thursday, 4pm to 9pm Friday

Introducing Dubai


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Money

The Dirham is the UAE's currency and issubdivided into 100 fils. Banknotes areavailable in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500and 1000 dirham denominations and coinsare available in 1, 25 and 50 fils. The

Dirham (AED) is pegged to the US Dollarat approximately US$=Dh 3.67. Banksoperate from 8 am to 3.30pm, Saturdaythrough Wednesday and 8 am - noon onThursday. Currency exchange houses

Banks

Banks in Dubai include: National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah First Gulf Bank Emirates Islamic BankAbu Dhabi Commercial Bank Dubai Islamic Bank National Bank of Dubai Mashreq Bank Lloyds TSB Bank Commercial Bank of DubaiAl Hilal Bank Noor Islamic Bank Barclays

National Bank of Abu Dhabi Standard Chartered Bank HSBC Bank National Bank of Sharjah Union National Bank Dubai Bank Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)

(formerly ABN Amro)Abu Dhabi Islamic BankAl Masraf Doha Bank National Bank of Umm Al Quwain

open until late in the evening andInternational credit cards are widely

accepted.

Commercial Bank International

Citibank Emirates Bank International / meBank

SAMBA

Bank of Sharjah United Bank Limited


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Healthcare

Dubais health services are internationally

recognized to be of good quality andcomparable to other developed countries.Currently being developed is the Dubai HealthCare City (DHCC) which is the worlds firsthealth care free zone. DHCC provides modern

medical services and aims to become aninternationally recognized location of choicefor quality healthcare. For further informationyou may like to visit the website at

Useful numbers

EmergenciesFire / Ambulance / Police

Government Hospitals

Al Baraha HospitalAl Maktoum HospitalAl Wasl HospitalIranian HospitalDubai Hos ital

Ph: 04 2710000Ph: 04 2221211Ph: 04 3241111Ph: 04 3440250Ph: 04 2714444

Ph: 999

www. cc.ae

Rashid Hospital

Private Hospitals & Clinics include:

American HospitalEmirates Hospital

Welcare HospitalInternational Modern HospitalManchester Clinic Dubai

Ph: 04 3374000

Ph: 04 3367777Ph: 04 3446678

Ph: 04 2827788Ph: 04 3988888Ph: 04 3440300

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Shopping

Dubai is known as the shopping capital of the

Middle East and has a wide variety of malls andsouqs to cater to all tastes and budgets. Eachyear, Dubai holds an annual shopping festivalthat includes huge sales and is a shopping andentertainment extravaganza that attracts visitors

from all over the word.Shopping centers and souqs in Dubai include:

Dubai Mall - www.thedubaimall.com/

- . .

Diera City Centre - www.deiracitycentre.com/

Dubai Festival City - www.dubaifestivalcity.com/

Wafi City Mall - www.wafi.com/

BurJuman - www.burjuman.com/

Mercato Mall - www.mercatoshoppingmall.com/

Madinat Jumeirah - www.jumeirah.com/

Ibn Battuta - www.ibnbattutamall.com/

Deira Gold Souq


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Getting around

The majority of people in Dubai travel around in private vehicles or in taxis. Dubai has a large fleet

of taxis that are clearly market and the rates are metered. Car prices are generally lower than inother countries, so you may have the opportunity to drive in style. There are bus services operatingin Dubai that are affordable and reliable, however the routes are fairly limited. Another popularmode of transport is by Abra or water taxi and these are featured at the Dubai Creek. There iscurrently no train system operating in Dubai, however the Dubai Metro is set to begin operating in

September 2009 and will be the longest fully automated rail system in the world.

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Travel

Dubai International Airport (DXB) serves Dubai - www.dubaiairport.com/

Dubais airline is Emirates - website: http://www.emirates.com/ae

Flight times from Dubai:

Kuwait - 1 hour 40 minsRiyadh 1 hour 50 minsCairo 4 hours 20 mins

Muscat - 55 mins Bangkok 5 hours 50 minsLondon - 7 hours 50 mins Doha 1 hourNew York - 14 hours Paris 7 hours 45 mins


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Education

The education system is varied, with many international schools to choose from, and more opening

every year. As there is no government-funded education for expat children, all of these schools chargefees. Parents can choose between US, international or UK systems and the standard of education isimproving every year. After-school activities are common in Dubai and include gymnastics, swimming,ballet, Arabic classes, horse-riding, rugby, golf, football and tennis. The school terms are similar toeducation systems in the UK and USA, with autumn (mid September to mid December), spring (early

January to early April) and summer (mid April to early July) terms.

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Child Care

There are many good nurseries in Dubai which cater to a variety of needs. The Dubai WomenEstablishment (DWE) have recently launched National Child Care (NCC) Standards whichbenchmarks the best policy and practice standards for corporate child care centers. The intention of

the Standards is to benchmark Dubai, both regionally and internationally, as offering the best policyand practice standards for corporate child care centers and to support Dubais commitment to be achild-friendly city. For further information in respect to activities for children and child care in Dubaiyou may like to visit this website - www.dubaikidz.biz/

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Housing

Dubai apartments come in various sizes, from studio

to four bedroom, with widely varying rents to match.Recently the rental market in Dubai has seen asignificant reduction in rental prices. Someapartments come semi-furnished (with a cooker,fridge and washing machine), and have 24 hour

security, covered parking, private gym andswimming pool. Like apartments villas differ greatlyin quality and facilities. Independent villas often havelarger gardens, while compound villas are usuallynewer and typically feature shared facilities such as

a pool and even a gym. For further information inrespect to renting and purchasing property in Dubaiyou may like to visit www.dubizzle.com

Electricity

Voltage: 240 Volts, 50HzOutlets in Dubai generally accept

2 type of plugs:

Maid Services

The majority of expats tend to have domestic

help whether it is full-time, live in housemaidor a part time cleaner. You can either usedomestic help agencies or through socialnetworks.

Introducing Dubai

Internet domain: .aeInternational dialing code: +971


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e s

If you dont want to leave your furry friends behind, any potential problems can be minimized if youplan ahead of time for your pets relocation. Pets are allowed into the UAE, however, it is importantto bear in mind that summer temperatures are often too high for pets to spend much time outdoors.If you are on a Term Contract, you might not be able to bring pets with you as you may be housedin furnished accommodation which may not allow pets. For further information you may like to takea look at the website of The Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association InternationalInc. for a list of pet shippers worldwide - www.ipata.com and at the Pet Dubai website forinformation in respect to rules and regulations regarding pets in Dubai - www.petdubai.com/


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MediaDubai has a well established network of print, radio, television and electronic media which service

the city. The majority of local television stations are government run and broadcast in Arabic,however there are options to subscribe to pay TV providers. Showtime Arabia is a leading pay TVnetwork in the Middle East North Africa region and it offers a broad variety of shows ranging fromlocal programs to shows from around the world. Dubai is the headquarters for several print mediaoutlets. Al Khaleej, Al Bayan and Al Ittihad are the city's largest circulating Arabic language

newspapers while Gulf News and Khaleej Times are the largest circulating English newspapers.Emirates News Agency (WAM) is the official news agency of the UAE and provides daily newscoverage of official and other events throughout the country.

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Holidays

Muslim festivals are timed according to local

sightings of various phases of the moon andthe dates given are approximations.

20091 Jan7 Jan9 Mar20 Jul21 Sep28 Nov2 Dec

New Year's DayAshouraMouloud (Birth of the Prophet)Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)National Day

27 Dec20101 Jan26 Feb9 Jul

11 Sep17 Nov2 Dec7 Dec16 Dec

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Ashoura

New Year's DayMouloud (Birth of the Prophet)Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)National Day

Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)Ashoura


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Sports & Leisure

Dubai offers a wide variety of sport and leisure facilities including health clubs, gyms, sports clubs

and beach clubs. There are also a number of world class golf courses in Dubai including challengingPGA championship golf courses. Popular sports in Dubai include horse riding, archery, tennis, rugby,squash and a variety of water sports. Dubai boasts a number of parks which are popular withfamilies, including safa park and the Jumeirah Beach park. Other popular activities in Dubai includegoing to the movies and the theatre, attending live music concerts, dining out and one of the many

restaurants and dancing the night away at one of the popular nightclubs. Many residents like toexplore the desert during the cooler months and weekend camping trips are very popular.

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Visas and Identity Card

To work in Dubai, you need an employment visa which will be organized by your employer and

sponsor. After you arrive in Dubai, it is mandatory to get a health card, followed by a residencepermit on your passport and a labour card. Instead of having multiple identity cards like drivinglicences, work permits, employee cards, passports, e-cards, the UAE Federal Government hascreated a single national identity card which is currently being introduced. To be eligible for an IDCard you must be either a UAE national, a GCC citizen working or residing in the UAE, or be a UAE

resident over 15 years of age. For further information in respect to visas and Identity Cards inDubai you may like to visit the following websites: http://www.dubai.ae/en.portal &www.dubaifaqs.com/visa-dubai


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Introducing Dubai

Documents

Introducing UAE