Top United Arab Emirates Hotels

There are several types of visas for visitors to Dubai. Nationals of Israel may not enter the United Arab Emirates. A penalty charge of Dhs100 a day is imposed on visitors who overstay. For nationalities that require a sponsor, airlines may seek confirmation that the sponsor holds a valid visa for the incoming visitor.

AGCC citizens: Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council member states - Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia - do not need a visa.

AGCC residents: AGCC expatriate residents who meet certain conditions may obtain a non-renewable 30-day visa on arrival at the approved ports of entry.

Citizens of Western Europe and the Pacific Rim: Citizens of the UK (with the right of abode in the United Kingdom), Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA, the Vatican City, and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports will be granted a free-of-charge visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Currently, it has been decided to postpone the implementation of the new regulation as far as Malta and Cyprus are concerned.

The visa enables them to stay for 60 days. The visa is renewable for a total stay of 90 days for a fee of Dhs500. Please check with the nearest UAE embassy or http://dubaitourism.ae for the latest Visa information.

The UAE is GMT + 4 hours

Dubai's local city code is 04. If you are making an international call to Dubai, you would dial Country Code: 971, City Code: 4 and then the Tele/Fax number.

No health certificates are required for entry to Dubai, but it is always wise to check before departure, as health restrictions may vary.

Customs duty-free allowances

• Cigarettes - 2,000
• Cigars - 400
• Tobacco - 2kg
• Alcohol (non-Muslim adults only) - 2 litres of wine, perfume - a reasonable amount.

No customs duty is levied on personal effects entering Dubai.

Dubai Duty Free also has a sales outlet in the Arrivals Hall.

Dubai's location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa makes for easy accessibility. London is seven hours away, Frankfurt six, Hong Kong eight and Nairobi four. In total, 105 airlines take advantage of Dubai's open-skies policy, and operate to and from Dubai International Airport to some 140 destinations, making it one of the world's busiest airports.

The Sheikh Rashid Terminal at Dubai International Airport offers passengers world-class facilities, including a five-star hotel and one of the finest duty-free shopping complexes in the world. There are also comprehensive facilities for people with physical disabilities.

The monetary unit is the dirham (Dhs) which is divided into 100 fils. The dirham is linked to the Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund and it has been held constant against the US dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1=Dhs3.67.

Most banks open from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm, from Saturday to Wednesday, although some also open from 8.00 am to 4.15 pm. On Thursdays, banks are only open from 8.00 am to noon.

Some restaurants include service - otherwise a tip of 10 percent is quite adequate and well appreciated.

The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood, with both languages being commonly used in business and commerce.

Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants situated outside hotels and clubs are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.

Visitors usually prefer the affordable locally bottled mineral water and this is generally served in hotels and restaurants and widely available from all supermarkets.

The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.

Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed during the winter months, especially in the evenings.

Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing that may be considered inappropriate or revealing. At the pool or on the beach, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Away from the beach or pool area, however, a shirt and shorts is the minimum expected. With the bright sunlight, good-quality sunglasses are advised, and photo-chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head is also advisable when in direct sunlight.

For further information you Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing