ATD | Dubai Experts: Facts & Figures

Geography
The second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. Outside the city itself, the Emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterized by desert vegetation, Oil provides the basis of a prosperous economy, but trading, manufacturing and other business activities are also highly developed.

Local Time
The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some five days a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 50 degrees F to a high of 118 degrees. The mean daily maximum is 75 degrees F in January rising to 105 degrees F in July.

Culture
Dubai is welcoming, friendly and tolerant. The dominant Arab culture and folklore finds expression in poetry, colorful dancing, songs and traditional hospitality, including the special local coffee (gahwa). Nationals of the Emirate wear the typical Arab dress of a "dishdasha" and a headdress called a "ghuttra". Cultural activities of other nations are very much in evidence in cosmopolitan Dubai.

Language
The official language is Arabic, and Arabic and English are commonly used in business and commerce.

Religion
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 Moslems abstain from all food, drink and cigarettes during daylight hours. Visitors are also required to refrain from consuming these items in public places during this time.

Alcohol
Alcohol is freely available in hotel restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.