Dubai

Dubai is an exceptional blend of modern city and timeless desert. With a perfect winter climate, top class hotels, superb facilities for a variety of sports and leisure activities and excellent shopping, Dubai has something to offer everyone. Moreover, the emirate is friendly, safe and virtually crime-free.

Expatriates and foreign visitors - both male and female - enjoy a relaxed and pleasant lifestyle in Dubai. There is virtually no crime, the city is clean, apartments and villas are modern and spacious and the climate is pleasant for most of the year. There are many clubs and societies in Dubai. Freedom of worship is allowed to all religions, and Christian churches have existed in Dubai for many years. Foreign newspapers, magazines, films and videos are readily available. Alcohol may be consumed at home provide a permit is obtained, or in hotels, and on licensed club premises. Women can drive and move about unaccompanied.

History:

Dubai was originally a small fishing and trading settlement. Upon the British withdrawal 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. This was shortly after the discovery of oil in 1966, which was soon to transform the emirate and its way of life. Dubai's first oil exports in 1969 were followed by a period of rapid development that 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, despite being relatively modest by the standards of the region, were deployed to maximum effect. His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his brother, Their Highnesses Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry. The result is that Dubai is constantly building up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society.

Climate:

The UAE has a sub-tropical and arid climate. Temperatures range from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius to a high of 48 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some 13 centimeters a year.

Language:

The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and ranks alongside Arabic as the language of commerce.

Healthcare:

The Health and Medical Services Department provides medical care for all UAE nationals, visitors and resident expatriates. Dubai has many well equipped public and private hospitals offering high quality health and dental care services. There are several hospitals in Dubai and government clinics in the districts of Jumairah, Satwa, Buhail, Rashidiya, Qusais, Hatta, Al-Lusaili, Jebel Ali, and at the airport and Port Rashid. Emergency medical care in Dubai is free for anyone and there are no restrictions. For non-urgent health care, any UAE resident seeking treatment may register for a health card for which a fee is paid. New arrivals are advised to register immediately for a health card. They may otherwise have to pay full medical costs after the first two visits

(All information provided by the Dubai Tourism Board)