Fact File of Dubai 

To the east, a range of mountains lies close to the Gulf of Oman and forms a backbone through the Mussandam Peninsula. The western interior of the country, most of it in Abu Dhabi, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oasis.

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

Most currencies can be freely converted in Dubai and you will find money exchange companies all over. Exchange houses are open from 08:30 hours to 13:00 hours and 16:30 to 20:30 hours.

Most international banks have branches in Dubai, servicing the usual retail and corporate segment. On Thursdays, banks operate from 8:00 to 12:00 hours.

Visiting Dubai is made easy as the visitor can now apply for a visa in India, without having to locate a sponsor in Dubai.

To simplify the visa application process, Emirates has tied up with VFS to set up the Dubai Visa processing centre (DVPC) in India to assist its passengers in obtaining a visit visa or a 96 hour visa to Dubai.

The highest federal authority, the Supreme Council of the UAE, comprises the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates. It is responsible for general policy matters involving communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and development, and for ratifying federal laws. The President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.

The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto.

While Abu Dhabi is the centre of federal government activities, most ministerial departments also maintain offices in Dubai.

Getting around Dubai is not difficult at all as it has an excellent road network, usually with two to four lanes.

Driving on an international license is permitted, but the car has to be rental. Cars can also be hired with drivers. Prices per day range from about Rs 1,200 for smaller cars to about Rs 13,500 for limousines.

Most taxis in are metered, relatively cheap and very comfortable.

There are over 30 bus routes going from the main residential and commercial areas of Dubai. Buses run at regular intervals from 6 am to around 11pm.

The Abras or low wooden boats are a fascinating way to travel across the Dubai creek.

The traditional clothing of the region is the Arab national dress worn in Dubai and throughout the Gulf is adapted to the high temperatures and religious beliefs of the region.

Men wear an ankle-length, loose-fitting garment known as a kandoura or dishdasha. This is usually made of white cotton, but some darker, heavier materials may be seen in winter.

A small white crochet skull-cap, the gahfia or tagia, is covered by the gutra, which is a long cloth of white cotton or sometimes red and white woollen material in winter. The gutra is kept in place by the igal, a double black woollen braid around the crown of the head.

Women usually wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress, which is also called a kandoura. This is often elaborately embroidered in gold, silver or coloured threads.

The thoab is worn over trousers, sirwal, and covered entirely by a black abbaya. The hair must be covered and the face may also be covered by gishwa, a thin veil.

Dubai has some 450 restaurants. The food here reflects the ethnic background of Dubai the people of Dubai.

Emirati, Moroccan, Lebanese, Persian and other Arabic dishes are available at most restaurants. Along with this one can savour the taste of cuisines like Japanese, Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, Chinese etc.

Arabian food makes up an important part of most buffet spreads. There specialities include:

Hoummus: a dip made from chick-peas and sesame seeds.

Tabbouleh: chopped parsley, mint and crushed wheat.

Ghuzi: a whole roast lamb on a bed of rice mixed with nuts.

Wara enab: vine leaves stuffed with rice.

Koussa mahshi: stuffed courgettes.

Shawarma - grilled shavings of lamb or chicken, mixed with salad and rolled inside a pocket of Arabic bread.

Matchbous-spiced lamb with rice, Hareis- a rich delicacy of slow-cooked wheat and tender lamb, seafood served with specially seasoned rice. Naturally, dates are a feature of any Arabian meal.

Dubai has a sub tropical, dry climate. Rainfall is not common. The summer months, from June to September, are too hot. Mid day temperatures range from 35°C to 42°C and occasionally rise up to 49°C at the height of summer. During this period there is a sharp drop in night time temperatures, with these falling to 20°C to 28°C. From December to March, the climate is considerably more equable with mid day temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C and falling to as low as 9°C at night.