Best Dubai Buys

If you thought Dubai was all haute couture and glamour, think again. Tucked away amid its opulent malls and glitzy skyscrapers are several shopping areas where you can hit the pavement, haggle and walk away with a great bargain.

KARAMA SHOPPING COMPLEX

Near Fish Market, Karama

 
In addition to selling cheap clothing items,the Karama Shopping Complex is also a great place to buy good-value trinkets and souvenirs. Here you can pick up Moroccan lamps, Arabian coffee pots,khanjars (Arabian curved daggers) and camel figurines, all at low cost. Check Gifts & Souvenirs for a wide range.

Pashmina shawls in varied hues abound in every price range — from the cheaper silk mix to the pricier 100 per cent originals. Sports shoes, too, are a must-buy. Also look out for leather goods, especially handbags and wallets, and a range of Indian embroidered or sequinned table covers, bedspreads, cushion covers, etc.

Bargaining is mandatory but that’s what makes the experience one to remember.Be sure to take your time, as the jumbled shelvesmay not instantly reveal the hidden gems you desire.

MEENA BAZAAR, COSMOS LANE
Near Al Fahidi Museum, Bur Dubai
 

Swathes of exquisite fabrics in possibly every texture, hue, and material line the walls of the crowded outlets dotted on either side of the narrow lanes here. The alleyways are clogged with more stores selling the same stuff bundled up on the shelves and on the floor, but as far as choice goes, you have no reason to be disappointed.

From the ubiquitous polyesters to lightweight chiffons, metallic yarns, crushed velours, sheer organzas, delicate broderie anglaise and silks, here you can buy unstitched fabrics by the yard. Check Moral Trading for bargain prices on a sumptuous array of fabrics.

Prices are negotiable even at the few outlets selling ready-to-wear.Traditional Asian designs are plentiful here.Meander through the backstreets and pick out an experienced tailor who can create a well-fitted outfit in just two days. Try Kachin’s for men and Dream Girl or Gabbana for ladies.

COMPUTER STREET

Khalid Bin AlWaleed Road, Bur Dubai

This may be high-tech heaven but don’t be surprised by the sight of handcarts loaded with cartons of electronics equipment or workers supporting stacks of boxes piled high in their hands as they go about the task of delivering goods to the scores of unassuming shops in the area.

Do not expect glitz or grandeur inside the outlets either. Some are tiny ,with virtually no display items, but what never fails to impress is the availability of even the most recently launched electronics items.Whether it is software, hardware, PCs and laptops, iPods, PDAs, digital cameras,upgrades and accessories— you name it, and you will find it here.

Pay a visit to Al Ali Computer Trading or King of Computers.Close by is the Al Ain Centre with more than 65 computer outlets and the Wifi Computer Zone at Al Musalla Tower Mall with 75 stores—the two main ‘technologymalls’ in the area.Also check out Al Sabhka Souq, popularly known as Electronics Souq near Baniyas Square, for similar range of electronic gizmos. 

SATWA SOUQ
Satwa

There’s more to Satwa than meets the eye. Stroll through the main shopping square where you will discover great value in fabrics,household products and electronics.It’s a great place for high-quality textiles.

Deepak’s has two outlets here showcasing everything from pure linen to Irish linen, Japanese crepes, raw silks, pure silks, casual and fancymaterials. Also, step into Regal for qualitymaterials and fabrics. And what’s more, it won’t cost you much to get them tailored in an impeccable fit. 

GOLD SOUQ
Deira
 
In the famed City of Gold, it is impossible to escape its allure of the precious metal. With jewellery items in every conceivable design, size and weight, you can leverage prices on craftsmanship, or create your bespoke pieces for better value.

Desert sand Storm

 

 The sand storm which occurred last July 2012 in Dubai with rain.

New Australia immigration rules for UAE applicants from July 01

From July 1 employer nomination scheme and regional sponsored migration scheme integrated with new selection register named Skill Select

Applications for a skilled labour immigration visa to Australia are to be registered through SkillSelect, a programme designed to match labour demand with supply.

The government of Australia has introduced significant reforms to the skilled labour immigration programme last month.

The employer nomination scheme (ENS) and the regional sponsored migration scheme (RSMS) have been integrated with a new skilled migrant selection register named SkillSelect.

The changes came into place on July first and embody the ‘expression of interest’ approach, where applicants for a skilled labour visa register online expressing interest to migrate to Australia.

The government can then select and invite applicants based on the skilled labour demand.

“These new arrangements are designed to better respond to labour market demands and form part of ongoing reform of the skilled migration programme,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman was quoted as saying on the Department’s official website.

“This will give the government greater control and flexibility to adjust to changes in the economy.

“Sponsors must also demonstrate they have a genuine need for the workers and that the skills required cannot be found in their region,” he added.

According to Rasheed Backer, registered migration agent (RMA) of Australian Immigration and Citizenship Services the new system has advantages and disadvantages for the applicant.

“Now the applicant does not need to pay for a visa application. He can register online by answering all the questions posed; it is a very simple system,” he explains adding that the application would previously cost the applicant over Dh11,000.

However, the simplicity can be deceptive.

“When the government decides to invite the applicant he needs to be able to support all his qualifications with official documents and a visa can easily be denied when these documents are not presented correctly,” Rasheed points out.

“It may look simple, but the applicant would still need to make sure that all required paper work is available. He still needs to do the IELTS (test of English for higher education, immigration and employment) test.”

Whereas the old system required the applicant to have a minimum of 65 points the new system allows applicants with 60 points to register.

“But selection with this minimum is less likely to be seen,” thinks Rasheed.

“A person applying with 60 points will probably not hear anything in the first six months, whereas a person applying with 70 points is more likely to be selected.

“Your qualifications are more important than the time of application. Among those with the same rank in points there will be a first come, first pick principle.

“But the government will consider higher-qualified applicants first.”

According to Rasheed immigration to Australia is all about skills.

“There is a shortage of skills in Australia at the moment. The government is keen on inviting migrants to the country but applies a very tough selection procedure.

“You need to have at least three years of experience in the field to be considered.”

The new system is in his eyes a tool for the government to increase control over the immigration procedure, as it does not need to legitimise its decisions.

“With the old system people paid money for their application. When they would not receive a response they could make an appeal, and they did. 

“Now registration is free of charge, and the applicant will be in the system for two years. Within those two years the government has the freedom to decide who to select and when.”

The latter could mean more uncertainty for the applicant.

Apart from the fact that selection can be anytime, it is unclear how many people will be invited every month as this depends on demand of the labor market.

“In July, 90 people were invited,” tells Rasheed. “I am not sure, but I believe that was from applicants of all countries.”

In the same month Rasheed received 70 applications through his office only.

“The Australian government said they would invite a large number of applicants in August,” Rasheed added.

People who have applied for a skilled worker visa before July 1, 2012 will not be subjected to the new rules and will have to wait for a response to their application according to the old system.

-Majorie van Leijen

Immigration from UAE: Canada announces new rules

More weight to proficiency in one of two Canada's official languages - English or French

CIC has announced the three-pronged approach to the Canadian immigration program, largely affecting the Federal Skilled Worker Programme. 

The Canadian government has announced proposed amendments to Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which include changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as it introduces a new Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC).

This was reported by various regulated immigration consultants, although the official government body Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) has not yet published the news on its website.

The proposed amendments are referred to as the three-pronged approach, but mostly affects the FSWC, Canada's flagship Immigration selection programme.

According to Deepak Kohli, President of Transcend Consultants, a regulated Canadian-based immigration consultancy office, the new FSW programme is likely to favour immigrants who are younger, have Canadian work experience and better language skills.

“The new Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) will require the applicants to be assessed against the revised selection grid that gives more weight to proficiency in one of the two Canada's official languages (English or French), and prefers younger applicants, while giving lower weight to work experience outside of Canada,” Deepak explained.

The second prong of the change includes revision to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), tells Deepak. The minimum work experience requirements will be brought back to 12 months instead of 24 and language requirements will be streamlined with these regulations.

The third prong is the introduction of the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC).

“The new FSTC would be open to skilled tradespersons with experience in the occupational areas such as industrial, electrical and construction trades; maintenance and equipment operation trades; supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production; processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators; as well as chefs and cooks, and bakers and butchers.

“Applicants to the proposed program would be required to meet four minimum requirements that include ability to work in one of the trades (job offer or assessed qualifications); proficiency in official languages; previous work experience in the selected trades and meet the employment requirements of the selected trade.” The regulations are expected to be implemented in January 2012 but may be revised based on public consultations.

The new FSWC selection grid:

FACTOR                                POINTS-PREVIOUS              POINTS-PROPOSED

Language                                        24                                           28
Education                                        25                                           25
Experience                                      21                                          15
Age                                                   10                                           12
Arranged employment                 10                                           10
Adaptibility                                      10                                           10
 

TOTAL                                              100                                         100

By Majorie van Leijen

High-tech security cameras on Dubai streets soon

Dubai authorities intend to install advanced security cameras on the city’s streets within the next few days as part of an ongoing plan to control crime, a senior police officer was reported on Thursday as saying.

The new cameras will also monitor traffic on roads and are among the most advanced security photographic devices, said Brigadier Khalil Al Mansoori, director of the criminal investigation department.

“The cameras will be installed in several areas in the next few days…they are not many but have advanced features,” he told the Arabic language daily Alittihad.

The paper said the new cameras are part of a Dh500-million plan approved by Dubai’s authorities to deploy high-tech security cameras through the Gulf’s business and tourism hub to control crime and road traffic.

Around 25,000 security cameras currently dot the streets of the city of more than two million. “We have a plan to extend the use of these cameras to all places and areas in a way that will not violate people’s privacy,” Mansoori said.

Pay Dh89 for a Birkin, LV bag as fakes trade booms in Bur Dubai

Hawkers in Meena Bazaar say tourists are top buyers

 

They were already waiting in anticipation as this reporter parked her car and ventured out in the sweltering heat of Meena Bazaar.

“Designer bags, madam?” whispered one of the pack members. “We have Gucci, LV, Hermes, you name it madam. All for good price.”

Taking no more than two steps and another enterprising salesperson stepped forth to practice the same pitch, this time quoting a starting price of these so-called ‘designer handbags’ at just Dh89.

Thwarting a few more wayside entrepreneurs, curiosity and the rising mercury in the outdoors thriving market of Bur Dubai got the better of me, and I agreed to check out a few of these bargain buys.

Snaking through the narrow alleyways, Syed stopped in front of a residential building that has seen better days, informing us the store was in fact on the mezzanine floor, away from prying eyes (read authorities here).

With the cellphone clutched in hand, ready to call for help, the broken steps led me to the cleaner confines of a storeroom of sorts, packed with goods that easily cost millions in losses to the world’s top designers and fashion houses, all courtesy the fake, counterfeit market.

Shelves upon shelves were bursting with the mentioned brands, along with Fendi, Prada, Miu Miu, Mulberry, Dior, Aigner – the mind boggled.

Bargain buys

“These are all real ones madam,” came Syed’s eager response to the unspoken question.
However, it didn’t take long for the truth to spill out with a little probing.

He explained: “These are real madam. They come from the same manufacturing plants in China that make the expensive bags you see in showrooms. However, these are made from leftover materials or are rejected items due to some scratches or other defects.

“People don’t find a few defects if you can get it for a good price; so we ship them here and sell them.”

Syed’s story is repeated over and over as we make our way through the cubbyhole shops that are hidden away in buildings and backyard storage rooms across Bur Dubai.

Mathan, another such enterprising sales person, pawning off a Hermes $10,000 bag for a mere Dh230, said: “People love buying Louis Vuitton handbags. They are cheap also, with a medium-sized bag costing only Dh140.”

Five minutes later, the cost was reduced to Dh100 when this reporter chose to walk away.

Tourist takers

Babu, who called himself the oldest seller of ‘designer’ bags in Meena Bazaar, said the biggest buyers of such counterfeit goods are the tourists, mainly from the UK, followed by Russia.

“Those Indians from England (British Asians) are our biggest buyers; at least purchasing eight to 10 bags per trip. Plus they aren’t tight fisted with their money, so we don’t bargain at all,” beamed Babu.

Almost prophesising, a group of British Asian tourists are led in through the doors by Babu’s sidekick minutes later who reveal they are holidaying here from Manchester.

Tia Kamath, who is an ad executive back in England, said: “This is outrageous stuff here. My cousins who travelled over to Dubai last year told me about this place, this Meena Bazaar. So we had to come over.

“There is no way anyone back home will even recognise this isn’t an original.”

Babu said shipments arrive once every few weeks, packaged within the goods that are shipped from China as legitimate items.

Before I could further my query, he added: “We are backdoor office of the shops down below,” sweeping a hand across the window that looked out over the bustling Meena Bazaar.

“They sell the cheap goods publicly while the real business takes place up here, in these buildings.”

Syed didn’t contradict Babu’s story, but added: “There are different ways to get these goods in.

“They come from China, made in the mainland and then shipped via Hong Kong so authorities don’t suspect these are not real ones.”

But then many simply look the other.

“Here we hide and sell, but in the Dragon Mart, these goods are sold openly,” said Syed. “Surely there isn’t anything wrong in doing so.”

Fighting back

Last year, designer label Louis Vuitton fought back via a lawsuit to teach counterfeiters a lesson.

In a statement, the fashion house said: ‘The fight against counterfeiting is a long-term element of Louis Vuitton’s worldwide sustainability strategy.

‘…One of the biggest threats to that survival today is counterfeiting, whose effects go far beyond buying a cheap bag on a street in a faraway city while on holiday.

‘Following its respect for creativity and protection of intellectual property, Louis Vuitton has a zero tolerance policy to counterfeiting…’

Recently, Harper’s Bazar magazine stated that the selling of counterfeit goods counts for almost 10 per cent of all goods sold in worldwide.

This percentage translates to an estimated loss of $512 billion per year in the global market, or $20 billion to American companies alone.

While several fashion houses have collaborated to fight off the menace via raids and lawsuits, protecting one’s intellectual property rights bears no meaning for people like Syed, Mathan and Babu.

Quiz them if they are aware of what they are doing is a criminal offense, Mathan replied: “Madam, I have a family back home in Kerala to feed. Letting them starve to death, isn’t that a bigger crime?”

His words are cut short as the bell tinkled the arrival of another group of ‘Indians from England’ as they hurried over to fuss over a collection of Prada and Fendi bags.

Until there’s a market for it, they will find a way to sell; it’s as simple as that.

By Bindu Suresh Rai

Dubai Tourist Information and Travel Tips

Dubai, although a Muslim emirate, is one of the most liberal of all emirates in the Middle East. However, there are some definite rules that need to be followed, in order to avoid any faux-pas, so as to not offend the local populace. Further, these tips may help you in taking care of everything that you need to, before planning a travel to Dubai.

 

Best time to plan a visit to Dubai

 

The best time to visit Dubai is during the period November and April, as the weather is rather pleasant during this phase (with temperatures in the low 30s). During the summer months, Dubai is horribly hot with temperatures even going up to 48°C. The Ramadan period may seem to be a good period to visit, only if you are interested in Islam. But, if you plan to shop and indulge yourself in the best foods served at restaurants and bars in Dubai, then the Ramadan period is best avoided. The exact dates of Ramadan vary from year to year.

There are plenty of sporting activities hosted by Dubai, including the Desert Classic, Dubai Tennis Championships and Rugby Sevens. If you are a sports buff, you may consider visiting Dubai during this period.

 

Travelling with Children

 

Small children are welcome in Dubai, just as in any other part of the world. Dubai is a destination that kids would love to visit, as there are plenty of activities for children, both in and around the star hotels, special amusement parks, green areas, museums, swimming pools, theme parks, and entertainment centres. The bigger hotels offer a good choice of kids’ meals, apart from baby-sitting services available at main hotels, if required.

 

Women Travellers

 

Dubai is a safe destination for women travellers. Women are permitted to drive, work etc, and lead a liberal lifestyle here, in comparison to several other Gulf counterparts. However, you may be in for unwanted attention if you are travelling alone. Women travellers should be aware that they are visiting a place that adheres to strong traditional roots. It would probably be better if you plan a relaxed visit and stay in one of the four or five star accommodations in Dubai, so that you can use the private beach facilities in the hotel. It is better to avoid wearing tight or revealing clothes when travelling away from the beach clubs and resorts. For instance, loose trousers and long sleeved cotton shirt may fit the bill. When socializing in local company, it is better to wait until a hand is offered to you for a handshake, as some devout Muslims do not prefer to shake hands with women. In UAE, usually women are given priority and attended first at banks, post offices, police stations, while the government offices have a separate queue for women.

 

Travellers with special needs

 

The Dubai International Airport has a special handling area for passengers with special needs. Therefore, wheelchair passengers will receive more personalized service. Several star hotels have rooms specifically meant for use of the disabled, while even major shopping malls have good access and facilities for people with special needs. Even the Transport Taxis in Dubai are fitted to accommodate wheelchairs.

 

Accommodation

 

Accommodation in Dubai is highly expensive. So plan in advance. The room rates drop considerably during peak summer, but, it may not be the best time to enjoy an outing in Dubai. Dubai has several other good and decent two-star accommodations too. If you find the five-star hotels too expensive, you may choose to stay in the two-star, and use the rest of your money food, purchase, and entertainment. Larger families can consider a shared accommodation.

 

Health

 

The UAE is one of the very few nations that do not have any reported cases of holiday sickness, as reported by leading international magazines. This is due to major success of government immunization programs, the high standards of hygiene maintained in hotels and restaurants, and availability of clean drinking water.

As for vaccinations, no special immunizations are required. But, it would do good to find out in advance whether the area you are visiting is free from health-risks. Tetanus injections are usually recommended, if you are considering a long trip. Polio has been eradicated. Hepatitis A is rare, and can be avoided if precautions are taken. Hepatitis B, C, D is transmitted only through sexual contact, blood transfusions or use of un-sterilized needles. Mosquitoes are few in towns and cities, therefore it is not considered as a risk. In any case, it is better to use a suitable insect repellent, to avoid being bitten.

Dubai, being a hot city, the sun can be fierce all through the year, and travellers are at risk of heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Therefore, ensure that you carry adequate sunglasses, hats, and sun creams.

The medical facilities are generally very good in public hospitals, and may deal an emergency free of charge. However, it is wise to carry medical insurance to cover all eventualities, as, if you need to visit a private hospital, the treatment can be quite expensive.

Most medicines are available at the pharmacies. Some pharmacies open 24 hours a day. The Municipality emergency number, 04 2232323, lists the location of open chemists.

There are good dentists available, including orthodontists.

 

Personal Safety and Security

 

 

The UAE, particularly Dubai, is a safe place to visit. It is designated as one of the safest holiday destinations by the international travel industry. However, it is wise to carry travel insurance and follow normal precautions to safeguard yourself and your valuables.

Some emergency numbers are given here:

Dubai police hotline (Al Ameen service) - 8004888
Ambulance - 998 or 999
Fire - 997
Police - 999
Coastguard - 04 3450520

On dialling 999 or 04 2821111, during an emergency, Dubai Police guarantee that a police helicopter will be there within 8 minutes at the location.

For non-emergency cases such as traffic queries, complaints or suggestions, general information like address or location, and police events, call 901 in Dubai.

Due to the low crime rates in Dubai, it ensures a trouble-free stay for visitors. Nevertheless, you are advised to take care of your valuables in busy public places and when using the public transport. Further, due to the present international scenario, visitors to Middle Eastern nations are advised to remain vigilant due to threat of terrorism. Special care is required when visiting entertainment venues that are largely western-oriented. Further, avoid participating in any sort of political gathering or demonstration.

 

Tipping

 

Although tipping is not expected, it is a common practice to do so. For the staff at hotels, gratuities are given based on one’s discretion. Majority of the restaurants include service charges to the bill. In case this is not included, you may add 10percent of the total to the bill value. However, taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. Supermarket baggers, bag carriers and windscreen washers at petrol stations are generally given Dhs 2.

 

Photography

 

The films are readily available, and so are the processing facilities and colour prints. It is better to ask people before photographing. Avoid photographing Muslim women. Avoid taking photographs of docks, airports, government buildings, and telecommunication equipment, military and industrial installations.

 

Alcohol

 

Alcohol is permitted in Dubai. It can be purchased at the Duty Free Shop at the airport (limit per person is four bottles), as it cannot be purchased in the supermarkets or liquor stores here, unless you are a Dubai resident with an alcohol license. Dubai does not allow consuming alcohol on the streets. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. Also, no alcohol will be served on public holidays, periods of mourning, or in public places.

 

Drugs

 

Dubai has absolutely no tolerance towards drug offences, and you may face serious consequences if caught. Dubai has its own regulations regarding controlled drugs. So, if visiting with prescription medicine, it is better to verify if your medicines have any particular restrictions. For instance, Tylenol 3 is restricted due to the presence of codeine in it. So it is best to check before travel. Also, if you are travelling with prescription medicine, it is better to carry only the amount required for your travel.

 

Sex

 

Public display of affection should be avoided, as it is considered offensive. Dubai follows the Sharia law, and hence, unmarried couples who are travelling together will have to look for separate accommodations. Homosexuality is also not permitted in any part of the UAE.

 

Visas

 

It is best to check with your local embassies for visa requirements, as they are likely to change often. Majority of nationals enter Dubai on a tourist visa for nearly 60 days. Some are not permitted entry without a valid visa on arrival. Check with your travel agent and confirm the visa requirements for your country, before planning your trip to Dubai.

 

Driving

 

When on a visit visa, you are allowed to use International driving license. But, when you are a resident, you will have to apply for a Dubai driving license. Dubai sticks to left-hand driving. Drinking and driving can attract huge fines, imprisonment, lashing or deportation. In case of any accident, remain there with your car, and call the police, who will handle it as per the local laws. Speeding is common in Dubai, and therefore, if you do not follow traffic rules, the chances of you being knocked out are also common. Taxis are expensive in Dubai, and therefore, renting a car is considered a better option.

 

Dubai Customs

 

UAE, being tax-free country with little import duties, there are few restrictions on the items that you are allowed to bring in and take out of the country. Dubai is liberal about the duty-free allowances, wherein nearly 2000 cigarettes, 400 cigars and 2kgs of tobacco are permitted. Alcohol is allowed to be imported only by non-Muslims.

Dubai forbids import of firearms or dangerous weapons, religious propaganda, unstrung pearls, and raw sea food.

 

Other general information

 

 

The Tourism Department has set up a series of tourist information bureaus in the city. Each of these offices will issue maps and brochures about the hotspots in the city, and other information on public transportation, shopping and accommodation.

The information counter at the Dubai Airport is open 24 hours. The main bureaus in the city are located in Baniyas Square and on SHK Zayed Road, while the smaller bureaus are located in several main shopping centres in the city.

 

Time

 

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT, and there is not time change during summer.

 

Electricity

 

Domestic supply is 220 volts.

 

Weights and Measures

 

The UAE uses the metric system, although even the British and US standard weights and measures are understood.

 

Clothing

 

Typical light-weight summer clothing is ideal for Dubai weather. Usually casual clothing is used. It is best to avoid swimsuits, shorts, bikinis, and revealing tops, and confine it to beach resorts.

 

Toilets

 

Most public toilets at the shopping centres, museums, public gardens, are clean and well-maintained. The public toilets in souq and bus stations usually have only gents toilet. On the city outskirts, although there are public toilets available at petrol stations and restaurants, they usually lack toilet paper and may not be in good condition.

 

Food and water

 

The standard of food hygiene and water quality is usually high, especially in larger centres, although in smaller cafes of remote areas, one cannot be very sure about the conditions. Water is usually desalinated, and so normally safe to drink, but, it better to use bottled water, and you may need to drink plenty of it, in the scorching Dubai heat.

 

Money

 

The United Arab Emirates Dirham (UAE Dirham) is the local currency in Dubai. There are no currency restrictions in the UAE, and all major currencies in the world are accepted and exchanged. Bank notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 dirham, while coins are used in denominations of 25 and 50 fils and 1 dirham. The dirham is pegged to the US dollar.

All banks in Dubai offer cash withdrawal facilities from ATM’s scattered across major hotels and malls. Do not involve in money exchanges on the streets, as it is not a permissible transaction, due to the possibility of fraudulent notes being offered.

 

Mobile Phones

 

GSM services are available and the mobile phone code within the UAE is 050. A particular Speak Easy GSM mobile service helps tourists and visitors who are unable to use their own mobile phones in the UAE. You also have the option of purchasing a temporary SIM card and use it in own handset with a temporary card. Etisalat can be contacted for further details by dialling 101.

 

Internet

 

Most five-star hotels in Dubai offer internet accessibility to their guests with cheaper rates between 7pm to 7am.

 

Post

 

The General Post Authority in Dubai is quite efficient. The post offices function from 8am to 11.30pm (Saturday to Wednesday), while on Thursdays it functions from 8am to 1pm and from 4pm to 8pm. Fridays are closed. In Dubai, the main post office is located at Zaizabeel Road, Bur Dubai. The smaller post offices are scattered in Deira, Satwa, Karama and Jumeirah.

 

Shopping hours

 

Normal shopping hours are from 9:00am to 1:00pm and from 4:00pm to 10:00pm, although majority of the shops stay open all day. Some supermarkets are even open all 24 hours. However, on Fridays, being the Islamic day of rest, all shops close for prayers between 11.30am to 1:30pm.

 

Office working hours

 

All government establishments work from 7:30am to 3:00pm. But private offices have their own working hours that are usually longer. The government offices are usually closed for their weekend holiday at mid-day on Thursday, and open only from Saturdays. The weekend holiday of private offices, however, may vary.

 

Language

 

Arabic is the main language in Dubai. Majority of the local people here can understand and speak English.

 

Religion and etiquette

 

Dubai strictly adheres to the Islamic Laws. Islam, being the official religion in Dubai, it is better to not publicly criticize or distribute any material against it.

Eating in public is prohibited from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan.

Other common western habits that attract stiff penalties are swearing, rude remarks, public display of affection, choices of clothing such as women revealing bare arms, legs or midriff.

Also refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public places between sunrise and sunset, during the month of Ramadan.

Taking photographs of sensitive UAE military and civilian sites or foreign diplomatic missions could result in arrest, detention, and prosecution by local authorities. Further, engaging in mapping activities using GPS equipment, without co-ordination of UAE authorities, will have serious consequences.

 

Law

 

Dubai is one of the safest places in the world, given, the tough laws that it implements. Respect the laws and their culture, while also enjoying your vacation in Dubai.