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Since 1971, when the Federation of United Arab Emirates was established, Dubai's history reads like a classic tale of rags-to-riches. The rate at which the city is developing has been compared to the speed of light. And it certainly has no shortage of bling!
Getting there
Dubai International Airport (971 4 224 5555; www.dubaiairport.com) is the largest hub in the Middle East and also the home base of Emirates Airline. The airport has daily services to most European destinations as well as Middle Eastern and Gulf cities, as well as regular flights to the US, North Africa, India and Australia. Good roads link Dubai with its neighbouring emirates, and also with Oman, and Dubai is becoming an increasingly popular cruise hub.
Weather
Dubai occupies a coastal strip bordered by desert so for most of the year the weather forecast can safely predict the sunny blue skies that lure tourists in their thousands. In summer it is hot and humid with temperatures soaring up to 50ºC, while the end of September to May sees cooler temperatures. In winter it can become almost chilly with lows of 10ºC.
Important Numbers
| Ambulance | 999 |
| Fire | 997 |
| Police | 999 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | 971 4 7000 1 7000 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Bus |
Ferry (Abra) |
Car | |
| Hotlines | Dubai taxis are metered, reasonably priced and cream coloured. Dubai Transport Corporation 971 4 264 1111 www.dubaitransport.gov.ae /home.asp |
There is a bus stand on almost every road and this is a good cheap mode of transport. Dubai Municipality Bus Info 971 4 285 9401 www.dm.gov.ae |
Hop across the Dubai Creek in five minutes aboard a wooden Abra. The trip offers a picturesque view and stations are all along the creek on both Bur Dubai and Deira sides. Dubai Municipality 971 4 285 9401 www.dm.gov.ae |
Car hire companies are plentiful in Dubai so rates are reasonable. Take note that an International Driving Licence is needed. Avis 971 4 224 5219 www.avis.com |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Flagfall is AED3 (AED3.50 from 11.00 pm - 6.00 am); AED1.17 per additional km. |
AED1.50 - 4.50 depending on destination. |
AED0.50. |
AED150 a day for a standard saloon car. Weekly rates start at around AED850. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
6.00 am - 11.00 pm |
6.00 am - 12.00 am |
24 hours |
| Limousine |
Helicopter |
|||
| Hotlines | Chauffeur-driven limousines provide both convenience and cachet. Dubai Transport Corporation 971 4 264 1111 www.dubaitransport.gov.ae /home.asp |
Either for sight seeing or super-fast connections, helicopters are unrivalled. Aerogulf Services 971 4 220 0331 www.aerogulfservices.com |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
Airport to Deira or Bur Dubai is AED70 while daily hire is AED1,500. |
From AED2,500 for 25 minutes. |
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| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours |
* Remarks: the local currency is the Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Hello | Marhaba |
| Please | Min fadlik (female)/ Min Fadlak (Male) |
| Thank you very much | Shukran jazeelan |
| I do not understand | La afham |
| Do you speak English? | Hal tetakallem al-inglizia? |
| Nice to meet you | Tasharafna |
| Never mind | Laysa muhim |
| Good | Jayyid |
| You're welcome | Afwan |
| Excuse me | Law samaht (Male)/ Law Samahte (female) |
| Where is the toilet? | Aynal-hamam? |
| What is your name? | Ma ismuka (to a male) Ma ismukee (to a female) |
| My name is... | Ismee... |
| How much does this cost? | Hatha? |
| Maybe | Mumkin |
| Do you understand? | Maf hoom? |
| Help! | Musa'ada! |
| Today | Lyoum |
| Yesterday | Al bariha |
| Yes | Na'am |
| No | Laa. |
Business and Finance
Dubai's thriving infrastructure development is the secret behind its success as the second largest and wealthiest emirate in the UAE. Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has encouraged foreigners to buy property in Dubai, leading to a housing boom. The workforce is predominantly made up of expatriates and the main languages spoken are Arabic, English, Hindi and Urdu. Only 25% of Dubai's population of 1.4 million are Emirates citizens.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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