|
Official Title
United Arab Emirates Head of State HH Shaik Zayed bin
Sultan Al Nahyan Flag
Area 83,600
sq. km (Abu Dhabi - 67,350 sq. km, Dubai - 4,034 sq.km, Sharjah -
2,590 sq. km, Ras Al Khaimah - 1,700 sq. km, Fujairah - 1,150 sq. km,
Umm Al Quwain - 777 sq. km, Ajman - 259 sq. km)
Population
2,3777,453
Main Cities
Abu Dhabi (Capital), Dubai, Al Ain, Sharjah Religion Islam
Language
Arabic (official), English (Commercial)
Business Hours
Governmental Offices: 0730-1300 Sat to Wed, 0700-1200 Thurs Banks:
0800-1200 Sat to Thurs, Some also open from 1600-1730
Private
Companies: Generally 0800-1300 & 1600-1900, Sat to Wed,
0800-1300 Thurs Offices and Banks are closed on Fridays Local
Time GMT +4 hours
Visas Required
: in advance by all, except nationals of AGCC Countries. All other
nationalities require a tourist, transit or visit visa, which can be
arranged by hotels, tour operators, companies and private sponsors.
Entry is forbidden to travellers whose passports bear Israeli
stamps.
Health
Requirements None Custom Regulations
Abu Dhabi:
2000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2 kg. of tobacco, 2 litres of spirit
and 2 litres of wine for non-Moslems, reasonable quantity of perfume
in open bottles Dubai: 2000 cigarettes or 400 cigars or 2 kg.
of tobacco, 2 litres of spirit and 2 litres wine for Non-Moslems,
reasonable quantity of perfume.
Sharjah: No
restrictions on cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, perfume and toilet water,
one bottle of alcoholic beverages for Non-Moslems.
Currency 1
UAE Dirham = 100 fils Echange Rate: US$ 1 = 3.666
(December 2000)
Tourist Information: Dubai's diversity means that visitors can
enjoy a whole range of different experiences. From the
beautiful undulating desert sands to the bustling downtown
areas - the vast unspoiled beaches and the mountains to the
east - Dubai is a city of adventure, contrast, discovery and
surprise.
Dubai Creek
The creek, which runs
through the heart of the city, has shaped the destiny of
Dubai. Early settlers used it as a trading point and the city
has expanded with the creek at its heart. Today, it is the
focus for commerce - the waterfront is dominated by
impressive, glass clad buildings and its waters are criss-crossed by two bridges and a tunnel. By contrast, the
creek is still, in places lined by abras, the
traditional wooden dhows - and trading with neighbouring
countries in a style which has not changed in
centuries.
The City
Dubai's central business
district is divided into two parts - Deira on the
northern side and Bur Dubai to the south. Each has its
share of fine mosques and busy souks, of public
buildings, shopping malls, hotels, office towers, banks,
hospitals, schools, apartments and villas. In Dubai,
the world is encapsulated - restaurants and bars with
diverse
international themes - outstanding sports
facilities including 3 international standard golf-courses - a
superb tennis stadium and internationally renowned horse
racing courses.
Cultures and ethnic diversity abound
in a harmonious and safe atmosphere which is the envy of the
world. There are parks and gardens, plus golden sands in
abundance - and - by contrast - the drama of the desert. A
visit to Dubai is nearly always accompanied by an adventure
into the vast desert where the rolling sandscape is both a
challenge and an opportunity to experience an extreme
environment in the capable hands of
professional
drivers.
In and around
Dubai
Camel rides, camel races, gold souks, silver
souks and fabrics from around the world. Barren mountains and
remote villages - red sands, yellow sands, oasis and wadis -
water-parks and wonderful architecture - Dubai is like no
other city in the world - to visit Dubai is to experience both
the traditional and the ultra modern - the sophisticated city
and the rugged terrain of mountains and desert. A true
adventure which attracts increasing numbers - both on business
and in pursuit of a new and exciting holiday
destination.
The desert is an opportunity to experience
an adventure like no other - take a four wheel drive vehicle
to spectacular desert terrain where the dunes reach 100 metres
and the landscape is at once awesome and picturesque. Guests
enjoy candle-lit suppers in traditional bedouin tents whilst
being entertained by exotic belly-dancers. And no trip to the
desert would be complete without a camel ride.
Water
sports in Dubai are truly impressive. On the Jumeirah beach a
coral reef has been constructed some 2 kilometres off-shore
and diving is just part of a huge range of water based
activities. Sailing, water-skiing and of course swimming are
available at numerous locations.
Variety is at the
heart of the Dubai experience - whether its peace and quiet on
secluded beaches - or adventure and challenge on a desert
safari - has sufficient depth to satisfy even the most
seasoned traveller.
|
|
