Dubai FAQ

Q.1) What is the capital city of United Arab Emirates?

Ans: Abu Dhabi is the capital and second largest city in the United Arab Emirates, after Dubai. It is roughly 90-minutes drive from Dubai.

Q.2) What is the official language spoken in Dubai?

Ans: The official language of Dubai is Arabic. However, English is widely spoken and understood.

Q.3) Which are the neighbouring cities and countries of Dubai?

Ans: Dubai is surrounded by Saudi Arabia on its southern and western borders while northern and eastern borders are shared with the Sultanate of Oman. The neighbouring cities of Dubai are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah and Umma al-Quwain.

Q.4) What is the population of Dubai?

Ans: The population of Dubai as per 2008 census is 2,262,000.

Q.5) What is the weather in Dubai like?

Ans: Dubai lies within the Arabian Desert and therefore is influenced by a hot and humid climate with long hours of sunlight. Summers are very hot and dry as temperatures reach an average of 40 °C. The best time to visit Dubai is during winter months between December and March when its cooler with an average of 23 °C.

Q.6) How safe is Dubai for tourists?

Ans: Dubai is a very safe city to visit as the laws provide stringent punishments.

Q.7) What is the currency of Dubai and where could I exchange foreign currency?

Ans: The local currency of Dubai is Arab Emirates Dirhams or Dhs. Tourists in Dubai can exchange their local currency or travellers cheques for Dirhams at any moneychangers or banks. Those who prefer hard cash, the best option is carrying US dollars, British pounds or Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted at ATM’s and banks.

Q.8) What is the dress code in Dubai like?

Ans: Dubai respects western style of clothing, but does not tolerate disgraceful attire. It is advisable to cover knees and shoulders. Spaghetti straps, low cut tops may be viewed as offensive. Bikinis are fine on beaches and swimming pools.

Q.9) What is the culture of Dubai?

Ans: Dubai follows Islamic traditions and practices but is tolerant of other religions as well. The people of Dubai will appreciate if you try to learn more about their customs and practices.

Q.10) Should I obtain a health insurance before traveling to Dubai?

Ans: It is advisable to review your health insurance policies before traveling to Dubai as hospital treatment though top-notch, can be expensive.

Q.11) Which vaccinations are advised before arriving to Dubai?

Ans: Hepatitis A /Tuberculosis /Tetanus /Polio vaccinations are recommended before arriving in Dubai/United Arab Emirates.

Q.12) What is the electric current voltage in Dubai?

Ans: The electric current is 220 Volts and three pin plugs are used similar to the ones used the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Q.13) What type of clothing should I carry when traveling to Dubai?

Ans: Summer clothing is advisable all year round with some winter apparel advised in the colder months.

Q.14) Is alcohol consumption permitted in Dubai?

Ans: Dubai allows alcohol consumption in hotels, private parties, bar, clubs and restaurants. However, it is illegal to consume alcohol in a public space or drive when drunk.

Q.15) What are the tipping practices followed in Dubai?

Ans: Tipping is not widely accepted practice in Dubai. However, it is appreciated. Sometimes, a service charge is added to your bill which is then pooled among waiters. If no service charge is applied, tip by cash so that it goes to the person who actually served you. Tip around 5 Dhs to bell boys and around 20-30 Dhs to cleaners which you can leave in your room when checking out.

Q.16) How is Dubai different for tourists during the month of Ramadan?

Ans: Ramadan is the religious and sacred month of fasting and prayer for Muslims. Smoking, eating and drinking in public space is banned between sunrise and sunset. Alcohol is available in 5-star hotels but dancing, loud music is forbidden.

Q.17) Can one carry medication in Dubai?

Ans: If you need to bring any medicine to Dubai, it is better that it be attached to a doctor’s prescription. Drugs and certain substances are banned in Dubai. Please check with the authorities.

Q.18) How much will it cost to visit the Burj Khalifa?

Ans: The ticket to ‘At the Top’ Observation Deck at Burj Khalifa is as follows: Adult (13 years +) General Admission (Dated & Timed) AED 100 Immediate Entry Admission AED 400

Child (4 – 12 ) General Admission (Dated & Timed) AED 75 Immediate Entry Admission AED 400

Infants (0-3) Free

Q.19) What is the Time Zone of Dubai?

Ans: GMT/UTC +4 hours

Q.20) What are the Visa Requirements for Dubai?

Ans: Please visit our Visa Requirements page for more details.

Q.21) Is clicking photographs of public spaces prohibited in Dubai?

Ans: Care should be taken while clicking photographs in public spaces and of people. Take permission while capturing shots of government buildings, malls and people unknown to you, especially women.

Q.22) Which is the oldest building in Dubai?

Ans: Al Fahidi Fort is the oldest building in Dubai and was the tallest for 179 years, before Burj Dubai sprung up.

Q.23) How do I set up my mobile phone connection in Dubai?

Ans: Etisalat & Du are the two mobile service providers in Dubai. You will need a passport copy with a valid visa or residence stamp to get a mobile phone connection. Visit their official sites for more details.

Q.24) Which are the Free Trade Zones and Economic Zones in Dubai?

Ans: Dubai Academic City (DAC), Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ), Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ), Dubai Gold and Diamond Park, Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), Dubai Industrial City (DIC), Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Dubai Knowledge Village (KV or DKV), Dubai Media City (DMC), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM), Economic Zones World (EZW), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA or JAFZ)

Q.25) What is the baggage allowance limit while traveling to Dubai?

Ans: Emirates airlines is generous with baggage allowance which is 30 kgs check-in baggage for Economy class travelers, 40-kg for Business class and 50-kg for First class travelers.

Q.26) How does one greet fellow Arabs?

Ans: To welcome a Gulf Arab, a handshake is sufficient. Men greeting women or vice-versa is not recommended. However, if the female offers a handshake it would be appropriate to accept it out of courtesy.

Q.27) Which are the major newspapers published in UAE?

Ans: The following is the complete list of newspapers published in UAE with most available in Dubai: 7Days, AL Alam Newspaper, Al Bayan, Al-Ittiha, Al-Khaleej Newspaper Al Mal, Al-reyadha wa Al-shabab, Al-Shindagah, Akhbar Al Arab, Arabian Business, BushraKhalid, Economic Bulletin, Daily Ash-Sharq, DPM News Agency, Dubai Chronicle, Emarat Alyoum, Emarat Business Review, Emirates Today, Gulf News, Gulf Today, Khaleej Times, The National, Probaser Prohor, Shonglap, Sound of Malaieen, Sport 360. Many of the above even have an online version of their publishing.

Q.28) Which are the TV channels offered in Dubai?

Ans: Cable TV is available in Dubai via E-Vision or directly through satellite from providers like OSN, Star TV and ART. Dubai One, MBC 4, MBC Action, MBC 2 and City 7 TV are the main free to air channels.

Q.29) Which are the Radio channels offered in Dubai?

Ans: Dubai offers a wide variety of radio channels; both AM & FM in languages spoken commonly in the city such as Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam and Filipino. It serves the main purpose of keeping travelers updated on the current traffic scenario, important during frequent traffic snarls.

Q.30) Who is the Ruler of Dubai and when did he assume monarchy over Dubai?

Ans: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the Ruler of Dubai on January 4th, 2006, following the death of his father and then Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He also assumes office as the Prime Minister, Vice President and an absolute monarch of Dubai.