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United Arab Emirates
Full country name: United Arab Emirates
Area: 83,600 sq km (32,400 sq mi)
Population: 2.3 million
Capital city: Abu Dhabi (pop 500,000 est.)
People: Arab (61%), South Asian (22%), Iranian (8%), other expats
(9%)
Language: Arabic
Religion: Muslim (96%) Hindu (4%)
Government: Federated monarchy
Head of State: President Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan
GDP: US$40 billion
GDP per head: US$17,400
Annual growth: -5%
Inflation: 5%
Major industries: Oil, gas, petrochemicals, fishing
Major trading partners: USA, EU, Japan, South Korea, India
The history of Dubai
EnteringDubai and Visas
Customs
Climate
Culture and lifestyle
Getting there and around
Shopping
Areas of interest
Links
INTRODUCTION
Lying on the southern shores of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is one of the seven states which make up the United Arab Emirates. Located at the crossroads between East and West, the emirate's long-standing trading tradition has for centuries brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and neighboring regions.
Dubai had already established itself as a quality tourist destination, offering winter sunshine, beaches, cheap shopping and desert safaris. Commercially- organized birdwatching tours started in 1992, when a party of German visitors found (to their delight) over 170 species during a 10 day tour. Gone forever was the preconception that there were 'no birds in Arabia'! The potential for growth in eco-tourism is underpinned by the fact that the UAE's bird list stands at slightly over 400 species, with Dubai and the northern Emirates arguably having the most species to offer. Of these, 80 are breeding residents and the remainder are migrants from north and central Asia, northern Europe, India and even Africa. On a 10-day tour it is possible to see all the 'difficult' Arabian species, such as Socotra Cormorant, Crab Plover, Sooty Gull, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Black-crowned Finch Lark, Hume's Wheatear and Purple Sunbird, plus dozens of other Asian migrant specialties.
Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken over around 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.
Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating dates, fishing and pearling. The liberal attitudes of the emirate's rulers made Dubai attractive to traders from India and Persia who began to settle in the growing town, which soon developed a strong reputation as the leading entrepot for the region. Af independent emirate for most of its history, in 1971 Dubai came together with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates.
The discovery of oil in 1966 dramatically transformed the emirate by allowing the development of the economic and social infrastructure which laid the foundations for today's modern society. Much of the credit for this development can be traced to the vision of the late Ruler, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ensured that Dubai's oil revenues were deployed to maximum effect. His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It has an area of some 3,900 square kilometres. Outside the city itself, the emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterised by desert vegetation. The landscape ranges from rugged mountains to majestic sand dunes. These days, oil contributes just twenty per cent of economic production. Trading, manufacturing and services÷including tourism÷now dominate the economy.
The population of Dubai was estimated at 605,000 in 1994.
All visitors except AGCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia) require a visa sponsored by a local entity such as a hotel or tour company.
There are two types: transit visas for 14 days and visit visas for 30 days (renewable). Airlines may require confirmation that the sponsor is holding a valid visa for incoming visitors. British citizens with the right of abode in the UK and expatriate residents of the AGCC of certain nationalities and professions may qualify for automatic 30 day visit visas on arrival, but current regulations should be checked before travelling.
German and US citizens may obtain visas from the UAE Embassies in their respective countries. Visas are easily obtainable for other visitors except Israelis and travellers whose passports bear Israeli stamps.
No health certificates are required for entry to Dubai, but it is always wise to check before departure, as health restrictions may vary, depending upon the situation at the time.
Duty-free allowances:
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Cigarettes÷2,000; cigars÷400
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tobacco÷2kg
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alcohol (non-Muslim adults only)÷2 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine
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perfume ÷ a reasonable amount.
No customs duty is levied on personal effects entering Dubai. Dubai Duty Free has a sales outlet in the Arrivals Hall (but alcohol may only be purchased on departure).
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5¡C / 50 ¡F to a high of 48¡C / 118.4¡F. The mean daily maximum is 24 ¡C / 75.2 ¡F in January rising to 41¡C / 105.8 ¡F in July.
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing, for example low-cut dresses, very short skirts, or tight shirt or top in public. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photochromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats, or some protection for the head, are advisable when in direct sunlight.
Dubai's culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues, and the visitor is sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people. Dubai society is marked by a high degree of tolerance for different lifestyles. Foreigners are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and, provided reasonable discretion is shown, the dress code is liberal. Women face no discrimination and may drive and walk around unescorted.
Despite rapid economic development in recent years, Dubai remains close to its heritage. Local citizens dress in traditional robes and headress. Arab culture and folklore find expression in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art. Weddings and other celebrations are colourful occasions of feasting and music. Traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and dhow racing at sea continue to thrive.
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary's (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (inter-denominational)
Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Koran. The timing of Ramadan is not fixed in terms of the western calendar, but occurs a few days earlier each year.
It is a month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food, drinks and cigarettes during from dawn to dusk. Visitors are also required to refrain from consuming these items in public places during this time as a sign of respect.
The of official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood Both languages commonly used in business and commerce.
Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. Permanent residents who are non-Muslims can obtain liquor supplies without difficulty under a permit system.
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.
Dubai's location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa makes for easy accessibility. London is seven hours away; Frankturt six; Hong Kong eight; and Nairobi four. Most European capitals and other major cities have direct flights to Dubai, many with a choice of operator.
Over 90 airlines take advantage of Dubai' s open skies policy and operate to and from Dubai International Airport to over 110 destinations, making it one of the world's busiest airports. Dubai is the home base of Emirates, the award-winning interFational airline of the UAE, which operates scheduled services to more than 38 destinations (as of November 1995).
Taxis are the most common way of getting around. Metered taxis from Dubai Transport Corporation, recognised by their cream colour, are efficient, with well trained and courteous drivers. The fares of non-metered taxis are negotiated between driver and passenger, starting at a minimum of around Dh5 for short local journeys.
The journey to the town centre from the airport costs around Dh 30 - 35 in specially-registered airport taxis. Most hotels operate transport for their guests. There are also several radio taxi companies which have cars on call: numbers are available at all hotels.
Self-drive cars are available and the rental company will arrange temporary local driving licences for visitors. Renters must produce their passport, two photographs and either a valid international or national licence from one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, and USA.
ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Over the past two decades, Dubai has built an impressive first-class network of roads connecting all parts of the city and surrounding areas. There are two bridges and a tunnel linking the two main districts of Dubai and Deira on either side of the Creek. Roads to all major towns and villages are excellent and an eight lane highway heads southwards from the city to Abu Dhabi.
WATER TAXIS
An interesting way to travel between Dubai and Deira is by water taxi (abra) across the Creek. The cost of this experience is 50 fils.
MONEY AND CURRENCY
The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh) which is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham is linked to the Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund. It has been held constant against the US Dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$ 1 = Dh 3.67.
BANKS
Both the local banks and the many international banks represented by branches in Dubai, provide usual commercial banking services. Transfers can be made without difficulty as there is no exchange control and the Dirham is freely convertible. Bank hours are 8am to 1 pm, Saturday through Wednesday, although some also open from 4.30 to 6.30 pm. On Thursdays banks operate only from 8am to noon. Exchange houses are open from 8.30am to 1 pm and 4.30 to 8.30pm.
CREDIT CARDS
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard etc are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
TIPPING
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Officially the metric system is followed, although British and American standard weights and measures are understood by most merchants. Local weights and measures are also used occasionally, but seldom for international trade.
BARGAINING
Bargaining is expected in the souk and is quite usual elsewhere. Vendors will usually drop the price- and often quite substantially - particularly for a cash sale. In the case of certain electronics' products, the margins are very low and therefore bartering is minimal.
BUSINESS HOURS
The weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon and Friday, but some organisations now close on Friday and Saturday, working through Thursday afternoon instead. Government offices are open from 7.30am to 1.30pm (7.30am to 12 noon on Thursday).
Private sector office hours vary, but are generally from 8 am to 1 pm, reopening at either 3 pm or 4 pm and closing at 6 pm or 7 pm. Shop hours are similar in their opening times, but remain open until 9-10 pm.
Department stores, boutiques, the souks and many food shops remain open on a Friday, apart from Prayer Times (11.30-1.30), while larger shops re-open on a Friday afternoon around 4 pm - 5 pm. Embassies and consulates are generally open from 8.45a m to 12.30 pm and are closed on Fridays and in most cases on Saturdays, but will leave an emergency number on their answering machines.
COMMUNICATIONS AND NEWSPAPERS
The Khaleej Times and Gulf News are daily English-language newspapers. Arabic newspapers include Al Bayan, Al-Ittihad and Al-Khaleej. Foreign newspapers, especially British and Asian, are readily available in hotel bookshops and supermarkets. What's on is a colourful monthly magazine which covers social and cultural events within the UAE.
TELEVISION
Most leading hotels receive international news and entertainment broadcasts via satellite. The Hong Kong-based Star TV and the Rome-based Orbit are among the satellite networks which transmit a wide variety of programmes, including BBC World and CNN.
Locally, there are four channels: Dubai 2,10 and 41 which show Arabic programmes, and Dubai 33, which broadcasts in English. Emirates Dubai Television broadcasts by satellite throughout the world in Arabic and English. Reception from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Qatar and Bahrain is usually possible and programme details are published in the local press.
RADIO
The English-language service of UAE Radio Dubai broadcasts daily on 92Mhz FM 24 hours a day, with main news bulletins at 7.30am, 9.30am, 2.30pm and 8.30 pm.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made appliances may need a transformer.
WATER
Tap water is quite safe to drink but visitors usually prefer locally bottled mineral water and this is generally served in hotels and restaurants.
MEDICAL CARE
Dubai has many well-equipped hospitals. The Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services runs Dubai, Rashid, Maktoum and Al Wasl hospitals. Dubai Hospital is one of the best medical centres in the Middle East, with specialised clinics; Al Wsl is a specialised maternity and gynaecology hospital. The Department also operates a number of out-patient clinics, of which one is situated in Jebel Ali.
TELEPHONES
Telecommunications are excellent, both within the UAE and with the outside world. Telephone calls within Dubai city are free. Direct dialling is available to most countries.
DUBAI ATTRACTIONS
Year-round sunshine, uncrowded, clean sandy beaches, luxury modern hotel accommodation, tolerant welcoming ambience, crime-free environment cosmopolitan lifestyle (alcohol is available in hotels) varied nightlife, Arabian heritage, exotic sights and experiences, desert safaris, bargain shopping (Dubai is a tax-free city), fabulous water sports, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving, three championship golf courses, direct air links to more than 100 cities
One of Dubai's greatest attractions for visitors is its superb shopping. Being an open port with low import duties and no taxation, the city offers the bargain hunter unbeatable value. Most major brandname products are readily available, and are often less expensive in Dubai than their country of origin.
Modern shopping malls are conveniently located throughout the city, their marble walls and efficient airconditioning providing a cool welcome to customers. Whether you're looking for French fashion, Japanese electronics or Italian accessories and footwear, Dubai's malls have it all.
Souk shopping can be entertaining as well as profitable, and bargaining is expected. The sheer variety of goods available in the winding alleys is bewildering - from gold and the latest in electronics, cameras and wrist watches to spices, silks, household appliances and sports goods.
Dubai's major shopping areas include Al Rigga Road, Karama, Al Dhiyafa Road and Bani Yas Square, not forgetting the Dubai Duty Free complex at the airport.
SPORT AND LEISURE
Dubai is the undisputed "sports capital of the Middle East", hosting world clas international events that attract some of the biggest names in their respective sports, whether in golf, tennis, horse racing, rallying powerboating, rugby, or sailing.
Apart from spectator sports, visitors to Dubai can actively participate in a wide variety of land and watersports that include golf, bowling, ice-skating, archery, horse riding, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, deep sea fishing and windsurfing. Facilities are excellent, the weather is fine almost all year round and equipment can be hired at reasonable rates.
But Dubai also offers the adventurous sports fanatic some new experiences too. For examples, there are local tour operators offering sand skiing and camel riding for visitors.
In addition, all major hotels boast well equipped sports clubs, with flood-lit tennis courts, squash and badminton, swimming pools and fully equipped health and fitness centres as part of their accommodation package.
AREAS OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND DUBAI
The Gulf Coast
Wader watchers are in their element in the northern Emirates where a visit to one of the three major wetlands on the Gulf coast should produce an exciting abundance of palearctic shorebirds.
The sheltered tidal lagoon at Khor Dubai, 50 hectares of tidal mudflats located within Dubai's city limits, holds over 50,000 birds at any one time during the winter season. Internationally important for its large migrant flocks of Lesser Sand Plovers (up to 3,000 counted in winter) and Broad-billed Sandpipers (up to 4,000 can occur in autumn), it also supports significant numbers of Kentish Plover (up to 3,500 in winter, with a large proportion resident). The most attractive species include Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Eagle, Osprey and Caspian Tern. The area can be viewed from around the perimeter adjacent to the main roads to Hatta and Al Ain. This site has been declared a Wildlife Sanctuary (the country's only one so far) by Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, whose interest in the high numbers of Greater Flamingos occurring throughout the year encouraged him to build a breeding island in the centre of the lagoon. The area is patrolled by the police to prevent disturbance to the birds and you may be asked to leave. This restriction may not be enforced if they see and understand you are simply watching the birds. Passes can be obtained from Nad al Sheba police station.
Further up the coast in Umm al Quwain, an even bigger expanse of mudflats at Khor al Beidah hosts the country's largest wintering flock of Crab Plover (up to 500 birds between September and February), often in the company of the even rarer Great Knot, which until recently was believed to winter only in the Far East and Australasia! These two species are good crowd-pullers for attracting visiting birdwatchers. The extensive khor is also a favoured site of Greater Sand Plover, Whimbrel and Terek Sandpiper. The complex of sheltered intertidal mudflats, islands and mangroves is bounded inland by sabkha (salt flats) and rolling dunes, which host several breeding species of larks, including Black-crowned Finch, Lesser Short-toed and Hoopoe Lark. In winter, Isabelline and Desert Wheatear, Desert Warbler and Tawny Pipit are common. Access to this remote area is by several unofficial dirt tracks.
The spectacular lagoon at Al Jazeerah Khor, south of Ras al Khaimah, where the Arabian Gulf is guarded on the land side by a high bank of red sand dunes from where the observer can get a wonderful view of the mudflats and its bird population.
East Coast beaches and mangroves
At Khor Kalba on the border with the Sultanate of Oman, is situated the country's (and possibly Arabia's) oldest forest of black mangrove Avicennia marina. This area, one of the jewels in the itinerary of visiting naturalists, hosts, amongst other creatures, an endemic sub-species of White-collared Kingfisher. At certain times of the year, turtles (green, loggerback and hawksbill ) may enter the khor to feed, while the nearby coastline is favoured by eight species of tern and six species of gull, which roost on the black sandy beach or feed on dead fish lying discarded on the beach. The mangroves are alive with the calls of Clamorous Reed Warblers, Booted Warblers and Purple Sunbirds for most of the year, while Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters roost in spectacular numbers in autumn. The mudflats are teeming with small crabs, the staple diet of several species, including the White-collared Kingfisher and occasionally Crab Plover, Greater Sand Plover and Whimbrel.
The remainder of the eastern coastline teems with gulls, terns and skuas, plus, at the northern end, the occasional Audubon's Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel or a 'skein' of Socotra Cormorants. Sooty Falcons are regular migrants along here, where the Hajar Mountains form a spectacular backdrop. One is likely to find a variety of birds of prey, including Lappet-faced and Griffon Vulture, Bonelli's, Spotted and Short-toed Eagle adjacent to the dark, apparently featureless hills. There are very few hotels along this coastline, and because of the area's increasing popularity, the two most popular ones, the Fujeirah Hilton and the Oceanic are regularly full. There are also three smaller hotels, and work is going on to build at least two more large hotels, which may be finished by the end of 1996. This is bound to open up the area further for visitors.
Deserts and dunes
A visit to Arabia would not be complete without a trip into the 'desert'. Most visitors are intrigued by the giant sand dunes, reached after less than a 30 minute drive from Dubai. The red sand dunes in the northern Emirates (the most dramatic are found on the Dubai to Hatta road) are small compared to those found further south in the Empty Quarter, but are always worth exploring for signs of life. The most common bird resident is the Hoopoe Lark, while in winter small areas of scrub are likely to attract Desert Wheatear and Desert Warbler. The unique stands of ghaf trees (Prosopis cinerarea characterize the UAE desert and provide a magnet for birds, the most common resident being Great Grey Shrike. During the cool season the trees attract several species of Sylvia warbler (Orphean and Menetries' Warbler and Desert Lesser Whitethroat), while in summer they provide nest sites for Yellow-throated Sparrows.
Qarn Nazwa: Qarn means a 'horn' of rock; in this case a limestone outcrop set in the middle of an expanse of red sand dunes half way between Dubai and Hatta. The outcrop is undeveloped and remains dramatic in appearance in spite of some old quarrying and two roads which dissect the site so providing convenient viewing for the site's well-watched Eagle Owls. The area is important for several rare migrant birds, including Eastern Pied and Red-tailed Wheatear and Hume's Lesser Whitethroat. The caves and cracks in the rock surface support a good vertebrate fauna including red fox and free-tailed bat. The site is fenced from the Dubai-Hatta main road, although easy unrestricted access is available from the road to Margham which branches off here.
The Hajar Mountains
The area around the mountain village of Masafi, which lies at an altitude of 600 metres, has a number of sites worth visiting, particularly on the road to Dibba, where one passes through a range of pale foothills and on to Tayibah plain. The region is quite unspoilt away from the towns and there are lots of wadis to explore. Shale foothills divided by gravel plains with scattered Acacia and Zizyphus trees are set amidst a dramatic mountain landscape comprising one of the most natural, unspoilt and beautiful environments in the UAE. Resident bird species include Bonelli's Eagle, Sand Partridge, Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse, Desert Lark, Hume's Wheatear (easily identified by contrasting black-and-white plumage) and House Bunting.
Red-tailed Wheatear, Desert Lesser Whitethroat and Plain Leaf Warbler are regular. Most of the mountains are best explored by four-wheel-drive vehicle since walking can be quite difficult. The mountains were formed by tectonic plate movement against the Indian subcontinent, and have volcanic origins deep beneath the seabed of the Gulf of Oman. These dark 'ophiolitic' mountains support resident Sand Partridge, Pale Crag Martin, Scrub Warbler and House Bunting, while Indian Roller, Yellow-vented Bulbul and Little Green Bee-eater are found in the shaded, more cultivated wadis. The key birds for birdwatching visitors occur in winter and include species such as Eastern Pied & Red-tailed Wheatear, Desert Lesser Whitethroat and Plain Leaf Warbler.
Other areas
A bird-watching visit to the Emirates is not complete without touring the numerous golf courses, city parks and agricultural areas. Recommended are the Emirates golf course (where special permission is required), Safa Park and the grass fields around Digdaga and Hamraniyah, south of Ras al Khaimah. In addition there are a number of other sites, less known for their beauty, though teeming with birdlife. These include Ramtha (sewage) lagoons, a place which holds the country's greatest variety of wetland species.
More info about Dubai:
http://www.datadubai.com/aboutdubai2.htm
http://www.uaeinteract.com/travel/tourist.asp
http://www.dubai.com/s/dubainews/travel_//index.html
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