Dubai – Undisputed Business Capital of the Arabian Gulf
Dubai is the most dynamic business location in the Middle East and has overtaken other centres such as Bahrain and Beirut. Perfectly situated in a time zone midway between the Far East and Europe, Dubai serves as the ideal business location. Encouraged by the enlightened policies of its rulers, the city boasts a progressive commercial environment brimming with vitality and international flavor, a very active trading and finance community and exceptionally high living standards.

Government
Dubai is the second largest emirate, and is also the name of the city which is the commercial capital, of the seven – emirate United Arab Emirates. The Federal capital is Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate and a major oil producer, whilst the remaining members of the federation are Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Dubai has its own Government, lead by H.E. Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, within the Federal structure and business investors need only deal with the Dubai Government – which has a well deserved reputation for speed, transparency and efficiency.

Culture
The UAE is an Arab and Islamic country. Arab traditions influence the lifestyle, yet a great effort is made by the Government to make the large resident expatriate community – as well as visitors - feel welcome and appreciated. Dubai has always been a cosmopolitan city with historic trading relations extending to India and beyond as well as across the Gulf to Iran. This has developed an acceptance of different cultures and lifestyles that is unique in the region.

Infrastructure
Dubai's infrastructure is very well developed and efficient. Its service sector includes major international banks, lawyers, accountants and other professionals. The Government takes great pains to maintain Dubai’s reputation as a place where everything works and things get done.

Communications
Telecommunications, including GSM mobile telephones, fixed lines, pagers and the Internet, are world-class and inexpensive. Local and foreign television, radio newspapers, magazines and books are freely available. The official language is Arabic, but English is very widely used and is ubiquitous in business. The Dubai time zone is four hours ahead of GMT and four hours behind Tokyo.

Currency
The currency of the UAE is the UAE Dirham ( AED or Dhs.), which is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham is pegged to the US Dollar at the rate of Dhs. 3.67 to US$1.00. There are no exchange controls, very few other restrictions and Dubai moneychangers and banks can exchange a vast range of currencies.

Business Hours
Office hours vary but are generally from 8am to 1pm and again from 4pm to 7pm from Saturday to Thursday (known locally as a “split shift “ ). Most government offices are open from 7:30am to 2:30pm from Saturday to Wednesday and are closed on Thursday. Banks are open from 8am to 1pm Saturday to Thursday but some remain open later. Friday is the weekly holiday for all office workers but shops, etc, remain open. Some companies also close on Thursday afternoons others, notably in the service sector, work all day on Thursday but are closed on Saturday.

Dubai Airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is served by some 70 airlines which fly to more than 100 destinations around the world. Flights in and out of the city are frequent and travelling is easy. The airport is very efficient whilst Emirates – the emirate’s own airline – has an excellent reputation for innovation and high quality service.

35 nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival.

The Dubai Airport Duty Free
The world famous Dubai Airport Duty Free never closes and offers some of the cheapest prices in the world for cosmetics, electronics, tobacco and alcohol. Dubai Customs allowances are reasonable. Staff are multi-lingual and all major currencies and credit cards are accepted.

Transport in Dubai
Hiring a car and driver is recommended for getting around Dubai emirate and costs from Dhs. 500 per day including fuel (US$ 136) .Within Dubai City itself modern and air-conditioned metered taxis are abundant and are more convenient than a hired car. Flagfall is Dhs. 3.0 (US$ 0.82) and then Dhs. 1.25 / Km. Airport taxis and taxis standing at hotels may legitimately charge a surcharge.

Accommodation
There is a vast range of world-class short, medium or long term accommodation in Dubai. Options range from large villas to five-star beach hotels to small serviced flats and longer term lets. Standards are uniformly high.

Climate
Dubai has an arid desert climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected almost the whole year round. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a winter low of about 10.5°C/50°F to a summer high of 48°C/118°F. The mean daily maximum is 24°C/75.2°F in January rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July. Summers are humid.