Located in one of the best locations on the planet and fast becoming one of the world’s most exciting destinations, Dubai is one of few cities that can guarantee it all – great weather, white beaches, clear waters, world-class shopping and superb cuisine. This glamorous hot spot is ever growing and can be reached in just 7 hours on a direct flight from the UK.
Dubai is an ultra-modern city yet it offers an incredibly eclectic mix of things to do. In a single day you can experience everything from domed mosques, rugged mountains, camel safaris and endless deserts with awe-inspiring sand dunes, to sandy beaches, palatial hotels, luxurious residential districts, green parks and superb shopping malls.
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Shopping
Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, with its souks, shopping malls and world-famous boutiques. The city has been ranked the world’s second most popular destination for shopping after the United States and ahead of popular shopping destinations like the UK, Singapore, France and Hong Kong.
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Eating out
The city has a plethora of different types of eateries. Michelin-starred restaurants are aplenty and found in the luxury hotels featuring an extensive choice of international cuisine. Or why not feast on Arabian cuisine in the sumptuously furnished Bedouin tents found in the labyrinth of souks and around the Spice Market.
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Hotels
Dubai offers an extensive range of hotels to suit every taste and budget! From the opulent and luxurious all the way though to the very affordable.
And there’s more!
Dubai also offers championship golf courses, world-class water sports, sand-skiing and dune driving, the world’s richest horse race and it is fast becoming a major destination for international events.
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Useful Information
| Time: | GMT +4 hours in winter and +3 in summer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Flight Time from UK | Approximately 7 hours | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency: | UAE Dirham (Dhs) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Language: | The official language is Arabic although English is widely spoken | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visa: | The following DO NOT require a visa:1) Nationals of United Arab Emirates2) Nationals of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar & Saudi Arabia3) Nationals of Kuwait, except those holding Kuwait passports stamped “article 17, para 2″4) Holders of a Resident Permit issued by the UAE.Notes: Visas can be issued on arrival for stays up to 30 days (fee payable by most nationals) to:
a) Holders of British passports endorsed “British Citizen” b) Nationals of Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR China passports), Iceland, Ireland (Rep of), Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA & Vatican City Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. |
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| Alcohol: | The legal drinking age is 21. It’s a common misapprehension that alcohol is not widely available in Dubai. Despite it being a Muslim country, alcohol is actually widely available across the UAE and especially Dubai due to the country being a tourist haven. Almost all hotels have licenses to sell alcohol which means you will be able to enjoy a drink at a restaurant, bar or nightclub as you would in any tourist destination. To purchase alcohol from an off-license then you would need a permit. It is illegal to drink on the street, or in public. |
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| Religion: | Islam | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Religious periods and public holidays | The UAE is a country of Muslim faith and therefore observes the tradition of fasting during daylight hours through the holy month of Ramadan. As a result, there may be restrictions on alcohol consumption and entertainment from dawn until dusk. However, at night public areas really come alive so it is a great time to experience the culture and tradition.
*Dates subject to change in accordance with moon sighting Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates listed are approximate. |
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| Weather: | Unlike a lot of destinations, in Dubai you are almost guaranteed superb weather! Please see our weather page for more information. |