Dubai

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Arabian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia while Pakistan and Iran lie to the north on the Arabian Sea.  In December 1971, the UAE became a federation of six emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain & Fujairah), while the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation in 1972.

Dubai is a city and Emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  The Emirate has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi.  Dubai city is located on the Emirate's northern coastline.

Today, Dubai City has emerged as a global city and a business hub.  Although Dubai's economy was built on the oil industry, the Emirate's model of business drives its economy, with the effect that its main revenues are now from tourism, real estate, and financial services, similar to that of Western countries.  Dubai has recently attracted world attention through many innovative large construction projects and sports events.

Emirate: Dubai
Area: 4,110 sq km
Population: 2,262.000 (2010)
Religion: Islam is the official religion and widely practised
Time Zone: Standard time is four hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Language: Arabic.  English is widely understood and Hindi and Urdu are also common.
Country Dialling Code: +971 4

CLIMATE

The best time of the year to visit Dubai is between November and April, when the weather is coolest.  Any outdoor activity becomes difficult in the summer months from June to September as both temperature and humidity is high, so it is recommended that during this time when temperatures soar above 35°C and the humidity reaches above 90%, not to venture outdoors for long periods of time.  However there are many indoor activities with air-conditioning to keep everyone entertained.

CURRENCY & BANKS

The unit of currency is the Emirati dirham (AED), which is made up of 100 fils.  Full banking services are available in all the major towns, although a commission is normally charged.

CUSTOMS & BELIEFS

Dubai is a predominantly Muslim country and visitors should respect religious sensitivity, particularly in the matter of dress and public conduct.  Women, in particular, should wear appropriate clothing.  Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.  Alcohol is available only at licensed hotels and restaurants.

ELECTRICITY

In Dubai the general voltage is 220 and the frequency is 50 Hz.

As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown.  It is useful to carry a torch.

VISA INFORMATION

At the time of writing, no visa for Dubai for stays up to one month is required for travellers on Australian Passports.  Please double check this with your travel agent as this may change at any time.  You must hold return or onward flight tickets.

We hope that you will find this country Information on Dubai useful for reference when preparing for your holiday.  All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only.  Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.

Discover an Arabian adventure on an ideal stopover from Australia enroute to the surrounding regions of Egypt, Jordan and Oman, or on the way to/from your African safari. Dubai offers a wide variety of activities available day or night. Experience everything from the rugged mountains and deserts to the 21st century architecture of the city, ultra-modern shopping malls with their designer stores, together with the traditional souks and gold markets. Here you will find a dynamic international and cosmopolitan lifestyle, a city of sophistication with traces of a bygone era and the unique charm and hospitality of Arabia.

Grand Hyatt

Location: Dubai

A modern and luxurious property in the Bur Dubai district, the hotel is situated on the edge of Dubai’s historic creek. Set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel is an outstanding combination of resort facilities offering 674 rooms & suites with views of the Dubai skyline. A wide choice of international restaurants, bars and cafés, most of them located around the tropical gardens of the atrium, are available, together with spa, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis courts and fitness centre.

Departures	Twin	Single
22 Jan – 01 Mar 12	$625	POA
02 – 31 Mar 12	$570	POA
01 – 26 Apr 12	$515	POA
27 Apr – 01 Sep 12	$435	POA
02 Sep – 30 Oct 12	$570	POA
31 Oct – 29 Nov 12	$625	POA
30 Nov – 27 Dec 12	$515	POA

Prices are per person per night in Australian Dollars. Includes meet & greet, airport transfers, 2 nights accommodation with breakfast daily and a half day City Tour and Dune Dinner. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Hilton Dubai Creek

Location: Dubai

A luxury hotel overlooking Dubai Creek offering 154 finely furnished air-conditioned rooms with great views of the city, the property is exquisitely designed and features beautiful steel and glass architecture. Facilities include various dining options, hairdressing salon, roof-top swimming pool, bars and a nightclub. The contemporary restaurant ‘Glasshouse Brasserie’ is overseen by the team of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. With floor-to-ceiling windows, high-tech glass floor and view over the creek, it is a memorable setting.

Departures	Twin	Single
20 Jan – 14 May 12	$540	POA
15 May – 31 Aug 12	$395	POA
01 Sep – 13 Oct 12	$465	POA
14 Oct – 08 Dec 12	$540	POA
09 – 26 Dec 12	$465	POA

Prices are per person per night in Australian Dollars. Includes meet & greet, airport transfers, 2 nights accommodation with breakfast daily and a half day City Tour and Dune Dinner. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach

Location: Dubai

This five star luxury beach resort set in the middle of landscaped gardens with more than 200 palm trees features 256 spacious deluxe rooms. Located on the white sands of Jumeirah beach, the resort is a tropical paradise with superb relaxation and leisure facilities offering a wide range of activities, the Armonia Spa and a variety of international restaurants and bars. It is within walking distance of the “The Walk” which is home to over a hundred entertainment and shopping stores.

Departures	Twin	Single
22 Jan – 12 May 12	$665	POA
13 May – 01 Jun 12	$555	POA
02 Jun – 31 Aug 12	$445	POA
01 – 29 Sep 12	$555	POA
30 Sep – 25 Dec 12	$665	POA

Prices are per person per night in Australian Dollars. Includes meet & greet, airport transfers, 2 nights accommodation with breakfast daily and a half day City Tour and Dune Dinner. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

The Address Dubai Mall

Location: Dubai

Elegant and chic, this glamorous hotel offers guests a unique blend of traditional Arab hospitality in the most contemporary and cosmopolitan environment, a statement in style. It is located in the heart of the trendy downtown area, overlooking the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, and attached to the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment destinations in the world. The hotel offers 244 signature rooms and suites, five restaurants and lounges and a luxurious spa and wellness centre.

Departures	Twin	Single
20 Jan – 10 May 12	$685	POA
11 May – 19 Aug 12	$570	POA
20 Aug – 31 Dec 12	$685	POA

Prices are per person per night in Australian Dollars. Includes meet & greet, airport transfers, 2 nights accommodation with breakfast daily and a half day City Tour and Dune Dinner. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.