As the laissez-faire, tax-free Gulf hub, Dubai attracts visitors as diverse as Iranian entrepreneurs, jellaba-wearing Saudi princes and sunburnt British tourists with a penchant for partying. In between the cavernous construction sites - soon to be filled with the world's "largest" and most "fabulous" - are some of the finest spas and hotels in the Arabian Gulf, even the first self-awarded seven-star wonder, the Burj al Arab. The best time to visit is between October and May, unless you have a yearning for melting asphalt.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
Arabic may be the official language in Dubai but English is the most widely spoken. After that it's Urdu, then Arabic. |
| 02 |
Friday is a day off. Don't plan on doing any business on this day, as it is a time for rest and prayer. |
| 03 |
During the holy month of Ramadan (usually sometime in autumn) those who are not fasting should be prepared to eat behind curtains until Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast. Most restaurants are closed during the day and there are strict restrictions on drinking, smoking and eating in public. |
| 04 |
Don't photograph local women unless you receive permission. |
| 05 |
Taxis are easy to come by, particularly at all hotels and shopping malls. If given a choice, stick to using them rather than renting a car. |
| 06 |
Alcohol is legally served on hotel premises only. |
| 07 |
Most big hotels in Dubai have a stand at the airport arrivals hall. Still, during high season it is best to book in advance. |
| 08 |
Women should wear modest clothing in public. |
| 09 |
Don't drink and drive. Accidents are taken very seriously. Here, you are guilty until proven innocent. |
| 10 |
Visas can be secured at no cost for most nationals upon arrival. Check the airport website to determine visa requirements. (dubaiairport.com) |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
Shangri-La
Sheikh Zayed Road
+ 971 4 343 8888
shangri-la.com
Dependable chain
Ritz Carlton
Al Sufouh Road
+ 971 4 341 0000
ritzcarlton.com
Premium
Raffles Dubai
Sheikh Rashid Road, Oud Metha
+ 971 4 324 8888
raffles.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
More Café
Al Garhoud
+ 971 4 283 0224
morecafe.biz
Business breakfast
Sloane's
Grosvenor House, West Marina Beach
+ 971 4 399 8888
grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
Mid-morning coffee
Dunes Café
Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
+ 971 4 405 2703
shangri-la.com
Working lunch with colleagues
The Glasshouse
Hilton Dubai Creek, Beniyas Road
+ 971 4 227 1111
hilton.com
Need-to-impress-clients lunch
Café Chic
Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud
+ 971 4 282 4040
starwoodhotels.com
/lemeridien
Lunch on your own
La Baie, Ritz Carlton
+ 971 4 399 4000
ritzcarlton.com
Afternoon tea/drink
Sahn Eddar
Burj Al Arab
+ 971 4 301 7600
burj-al-arab.com
Dinner with colleagues
Thiptara
The Palace, The old Town, Burj Dubai Boulevard
+ 971 4 428 7888
thepalace-dubai.com
Private dinner
The Noble House
Raffles Dubai
Sheikh Rashi Road, Oud Metha
+ 971 4 324 8888
raffles.com
Big dinner with partner clients
Al Nafoorah
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Road
+ 971 4 319 8088,
jumeirahemiratestowers.com
Drink after dinner
The Rooftop Terrace
One&Only Royal Mirage
Beach Road, Jumeirah
+ 971 4 399 9999
Late bite
Mosaico
Emirates Towers Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Road
+ 971 4 330 0000
jumeirahemiratestowers.com
On the tiles
China Moon Champagne Bar
Raffles Dubai
Sheikh Rashid Road, Oud Metha
+ 971 4 324 8888
raffles.com
04
Reading
Books and CDs
Borders
1st Floor, Mall of The Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road
+ 971 4 341 5758
bordersstores.com
05
Thank yous
Chocolates
Choco'a
Al barsha, next to the Mall of the Emirates
+ 971 4 340 9092
Peace Treaty Scarf
50˚C
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Burj Dubai
+ 971 4 420 0414
50degreesc.com
06
Shopping
Something you can't get anywhere else
Light Notebooks created exclusively for Traffic
Saratoga Bldg, Al Barsha
+971 4 341 8494
viatraffic.org
Lost luggage - where to buy dress shirts, socks and undies
Harvey Nichols
Mall of the Emirates
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha
+ 971 4 409 8888
harveynichols.com
Something for the kids
Camel dolls by The Camel Company
Shop 137, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
+ 971 4 366 8888
madinatjumeirah.com/
shopping
Something for someone you love
Bil Ariabi Arabic letter rings from S*uce
Village Mall, Jumeirah Beach
+ 971 4 344 7270
shopatsauce.com
Something for yourself
Carved rose box from Nada Debs
O de Rose, A Wasl Road, Umm Sequim 2
+ 971 4 348 7990
nadadebs.com
07
Two hour tour
| 01 |
XVA Gallery
Batsakyia Historical District,
Bur Dubai
+ 971 4 353 5383 xvagallery.com |
02 |
Gold Souk
Al Ras, Deira |
03 |
The Third Line
The Middle East's premier contemporary art gallery, featuring regional artists.
Al Quoz 3
+ 971 4 341 1367
thethirdline.com |
08
Transport
Opt for taxis rather then renting. Some hotels provide guests with transport to and from the airport in addition to their own limousine services. Still, there are 15 rental companies located in the arrivals hall of the airport.
09
Fitness
Good gym
The Big Apple Gym
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel
jumeirahemiratestowers.com
Alternative diversion
The Pavilion Marina & Sports Club
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
jumeirahbeachhotel.com