28 WELCOME TO DUBAI
Fast facts STAY WELL-INFORMED WITH THESE SUPER HANDY TRAVELLING TIPS.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Ambulance and Police: Fire: Directory Assistance:
AIRLINES Air Canada +971 4 211 2537 Air France +971 4 602 5400 Air India +971 4 227 6787 American Airlines +971 4 316 6116 British Airways +971 4 352 0000 Cathay PaciďŹ c +971 4 204 2888 Continental Airlines +971 2 612 3471 Emirates Airlines +971 4 214 4444 Etihad Airways +971 2 511 0000 Finnair +971 4 397 8434 Gulf Air +971 4 271 6207 Kuwait Airways +971 4 228 5896 Lufthansa +971 4 373 9100
999 997 181
Qatar Air +971 4 229 2229 Royal Jordanian Airline +971 4 294 4322 Saudi Airlines +971 4 221 4000 Singapore Airlines + 971 4 316 6888
ALCOHOL Alcoholic drinks are served in major hotels and clubs, but not in restaurants outside of hotels. Non-Muslim residents can buy supplies of liquor for home consumption by obtaining a permit. It is against the law to drink alcohol in public areas. During Ramadan, only hotels can serve alcohol, and serving cannot start until 7pm.
BUSINESS HOURS The working week in Dubai runs from Sunday to Thursday. Government and corporate oďŹƒces are open between 8am and 5.30pm. However, some businesses trade between 8am and 1pm, then break for lunch and reopen from 3pm or 4pm until 7pm or 8pm, but these are generally located
outside of the city. The Islamic weekend generally begins at noon on Thursday, while Friday is recognised as a holy day when businesses close down completely. On regular days, shops are open from 9am until 1pm, and from 4pm until 9pm or later. Most supermarkets remain open all day except Friday, when they close for prayers between 11.30am and 1.30pm.
CLOTHING Light clothing is suitable all year round, but a jacket may be required for cool winter nights. Many of the air-conditioned hotels and restaurants can also be quite cold, so carry a jacket out with you. During the summer months, it is advisable to wear loose, comfortable, washable clothes in fabrics that are suitable for hot and humid conditions. Except on beaches and around swimming pools where modern swimwear can be worn without contravening local dress codes, visitors are expected to dress conservatively in public. It is highly recommended to
protect yourself from the sun with sleeved clothing, hats and sunglasses. Hotel restaurants do not insist that male guests wear ties, but most men, if not wearing a lightweight suit and tie, will at least be in smart casual attire. Men should not wear open-toed shoes.
COMMUNICATIONS NEWSPAPERS There are a number of English language newspapers, including 7DAYS, the Khaleej Times and Gulf News, which are published daily, alongside several Arabic newspapers. Foreign newspapers, especially British ones, are freely available in hotel bookshops and supermarkets, albeit a day or two late. A glossy local colour magazine called Time Out reports on social and cultural events throughout the UAE.
RADIO Both Arabic and English commercial radio stations broadcast in Dubai. UAE Radio Dubai broadcasts in English 24 hours a day on 92 MHz FM.
www.welcome-to.com
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