ABOUT

Dubai is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the southwest corner of the Arabian Gulf. It is well known for its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, and the Emirati people are welcoming and generous in their approach to visitors. With year-round sunshine, intriguing deserts, beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and shopping malls, fascinating heritage attractions and a thriving business community, Dubai receives millions of leisure and business visitors each year from around the world.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. All visitors are required to have one blank page on their passports for the UAE entry stamp.  Visa not required for American passport holders. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

CLIMATE

Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some five days a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to a high 118 degrees. The mean daily maximum is 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January rising to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

Certain religious sites require a dress code (specifically, long sleeve shirts and long pants or floor length skirts).

GEOGRAPHY

The second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. Dubai city is a bustling metropolis, while outside the city itself the Emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterized by desert vegetation.

CREDIT CARDS

All major credit cards are accepted in Dubai, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club etc. Most establishments accept credit cards, though at some of the smaller ones you will get slightly better prices if you pay in cash.

LANGUAGE

Tips are not included in your bill and the normal rate for tipping is 10% of the total bill.

CURRENCY

The local currency is the dirham, which is pegged at AED 3.67 to 1 US dollar.