Business hours vary greatly in Dubai; however, normal business hours are generally from 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, Saturday to Thursday, with most businesses being closed on Fridays. The larger department stores and shops are typically open from 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00 daily, with the majority closing for prayers between 11:30 and 13:30 on Fridays.

Banks: 08:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 to 18:30, Saturday to Wednesday; 08:00 to 12:00 on Thursdays
Post Offices: 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00, Saturday to Wednesday
Department Stores and Shops: 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00 daily
Museums: 08:00 to 22:00, Saturday to Thursday; 08:00 to 11:00 and 16:00 to 22:00 on Fridays
Business Offices: 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, Saturday to Thursday

The very low crime rate in Dubai ensures that the majority of visitors are guaranteed a trouble-free stay. However, as in most major cities, you are advised to take care of your valuables in busy public areas and when travelling on public transport.

Due to the current international climate, visitors to all Middle Eastern countries are advised to be vigilant to the threat of terrorism, with special care required when visiting major western-orientated entertainment venues. Visitors are also advised to avoid any form of political gathering or demonstration.

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz

There are no major health concerns or specific vaccinations required for visitors to Dubai; however, regulations can change overnight, so you are advised to check the current situation prior to your departure.

Dubai has gained a reputation for having some of the best-equipped hospitals in the region. Be aware that the city's private hospitals are very expensive and as there are only a few government hospitals offering free emergency care, you are advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance before arriving in the country.

New Dubai Hospital
Opposite Hamria Vegetable Market Deira
Tel: +971 4271 4444 

Four Seasons Pharmacy
Off Al Wasi Road Jumeira - 1
Tel: +971 4344 1551

The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic; however, visitors will find English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas such as Dubai. English is widely used in the business and commerce sectors, as the country has strong economic ties with many English-speaking nations.

The currency in the United Arab Emirates is the dirham (DH), which is divided into 100 fils. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 dirham, while coins in everyday use are in denominations of 25 and 50 fils and 1 dirham. Officially, there are other lower denomination coins; however, these are rarely used so most service outlets tend to round up the price to the nearest 25 fils. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar.

As there are no currency restrictions in the United Arab Emirates, all major world currencies can be exchanged, with banks and hotels both able to give good rates. Visitors looking for the best rates should seek out one of the thousands of private moneychangers who can generally be found at any city market or bazaar. ATMs are very common in Dubai and can be found throughout the city, while all major debit and credit cards are readily accepted at most establishments.

The United Arab Emirates is largely a tax-free country, with low import duties. Consequently, there are few restrictions on items you can bring in and take out of the country. Duty-free allowances are very generous, with visitors able to bring in up to 2,000 cigarettes, 400 cigars and 2kgs of tobacco, while restrictions on alcohol are limited to two litres of spirits and two litres of wine. Visitors should be aware that alcohol can only be imported by non-Muslims.

As Dubai is a Muslim state, it has several culturally important points of etiquette that should be observed by all visitors in order to avoid embarrassing or offending the local residents. The sale and consumption of alcohol has long been a contentious issue in the region, with drinking or drunkenness in public an offence that carries stiff penalties; however, Dubai does allow the sale of alcoholic drinks, with venues providing these beverages limited to clubs, bars and restaurants that are located in hotels.

Drinking and driving earns automatic jail-time. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0. Keep in mind alcohol will show in your blood the morning after a night of drinking. A mandatory blood test may be required at the scene of an accident to determine if the driver (usually the foreigner) had been drinking, regardless of who caused the accident. Best to hire a taxi.

Other common western habits that carry stiff penalties include swearing, rude gestures and public shows of affection. It is also important for both male and female visitors to consider their choice of clothing, as bare arms, legs and midriffs are all considered disrespectful, particularly during the month of Ramadan. Men should always wear long trousers and women should wear loose trousers or skirts below the knee. Dubai is the most liberal of all the emirates, and as of date there is no enforced dress code; still, modesty will win you more respect.

During the month of Ramadan, you should also refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public places between sunrise and sunset. All hotel restaurants serve food throughout the day, however many local restaurants will close until sunset.

Although many of the city's more upmarket restaurants will add a service charge to your bill, it is likely that none of this charge will reach the waiting staff; therefore it is common practice in Dubai to leave around 10 per cent of the bill in cash to show your appreciation for a good meal or attentive service.

Entry requirements for visitors to the United Arab Emirates are rather complicated and subject to regular change; therefore, you are advised to check the current regulations before planning your trip.

British citizens and residents of the Gulf States are issued visas for up to three months on arrival free of charge, while citizens of most western nations including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and most western European countries are issued visas for one month on arrival, also without charge. Visitors from non-exempt countries that do not fall into the above categories must apply for a visa at their nearest embassy prior to departure.

Visitors should be aware that citizens of Israel will not be granted entry to the United Arab Emirates, while any other visitor who has evidence of travel to Israel in their passport will also be prevented from entering the country

The Department of Tourism has established a string of tourist information bureaus throughout the city, with each office able to issue maps and brochures relating to the city's tourist hotspots as well as general information on public transport, shopping and accommodation.

On arrival at Dubai Airport, you will find the information bureau situated in the main building open 24 hours, while the main bureaus in the city can be found at Baniyas Square and on SHK Zayed road. You will also find a small bureau in each of the main shopping centres in the city.