Discover essential information before moving to Dubai. Learn about the country’s geography, population, language, currency, transportation, major cities, key tourist attractions, healthcare, climate, business hours, cultural tips, cuisine, festivals, safety, shopping tips, technology, accommodation, cost of living, visas, education, work permits, sports, local laws, banking, green spaces, and religious sites. Your complete guide to a smooth transition to life in Dubai.
Population
Total Population: Approximately 3.4 million (as of 2023)
Population Density: About 825 people per km²
Major Ethnic Groups: Emirati, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi), Filipino, Western expatriates, Arab (non-Emirati)
Language
Official Language: Arabic
Regional Languages: English (widely spoken), Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog
Currency
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Exchange Rate: 1 AED = 0.27 US Dollars (USD) (as of May 2024)
Transportation
Major Airports:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Main Railway Operators: Dubai Metro
Public Transport: Buses, Dubai Metro, Trams, Water Taaxis (Abras), Ride-sharing services (Careem, Uber)
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Major Neighbor Cities
- Abu Dhabi (capital of UAE)
- Sharjah
- Al Ain
- Ras Al Khaimah
Key Tourist Attractions
- Burjj Khalifa
- The Dubai MallPalm
- Jumeirah
- Dubai Marina
- Burj Al Arab
- Dubai Fountain
- The Dubai Frame
- Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates)
- Dubai Creek
- Dubai Miracle Garden
Emergency Contacts
Police: 999
Ambulance: 998
Fire Brigade: 997
Healthcare
Healthcare System: Advanced healthcare system with a mix of public and private hospitals and clinics.
Emergency Services: Widely available and well-equipped.
Pharmacies: Widely available, with many 24-hour pharmacies.
Climate
Climate Type: Desert climate with extremely hot summers and warm winters.
Average Temperature (Summer): 30-45°C (86-113°F)
Average Temperature (Winter): 14-25°C (57-77°F)
Business Hours
Typical Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
Banks: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
Shops: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Saturday to Thursday), 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Friday)
Cultural Tips
Greeting: Handshake or “As-salamu alaykum.” Avoid physical contact between men and women in public.
Dining: Use your right hand for eating and greeting. Wait for the host to start eating.
Dress Code: Modest dress is encouraged in public places. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches and pools.
Cuisine
Popular Dishes: Shawarma, Falafel, Hummus, Al Harees, Al Machboos
Famous Beverages: Arabic coffee, Tea, Laban (buttermilk)
Desserts: Baklava, Luqaimat, Kunafa
Festivals and Events
- Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February)
- Dubai Food Festival (February-March)
- Dubai International Film Festival (December)
- National Day (December 2)
- Ramadan (date varies annually)
Safety and Security
Crime Rate: Generally very low. Dubai is known for its safety and strict law enforcement.
Travel Insurance: Recommended to cover medical expenses, theft, and cancellations.
Emergency Numbers: 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire brigade.
Shopping Tips
Sales Periods: Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February), Dubai Summer Surprises (June-August)
Markets: Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk
VAT Refund: Available for tourists for purchases over AED 250. Refund can be claimed at the airport.
Technology and Apps
Useful Apps:
- Careem (ridesharing)
- Uber (ridesharing)
- RTA Dubai (public transport)
- Zomato (restaurant reviews)
- DubaiNow (government services)
E-Payments: Widely accepted. Credit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common.
Roaming: Check with your mobile provider for details; roaming agreements are common.
Accommodation
Types: Hotels, Resorts, Serviced Apartments, Airbnb
Booking Tips: Book in advance for better rates, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Average Prices:
- Budget: AED 200-400 per night
- Mid-range: AED 400-800 per night
- Luxury: AED 800+ per night
Cost of Living
Average Monthly Rent
- Studio: AED 3,000-6,000
- One-bedroom apartment: AED 5,000-10,000
Grocery Costs: Approximately AED 400-800 per month
Dining Out:
- Budget meal: AED 20-50
- Mid-range restaurant: AED 50-150 per person
- High-end restaurant: AED 150+ per person
Visas and Entry Requirements
Visa Requirements: Required for most non-UAE citizens. Various types of visas are available depending on purpose and duration of stay.
Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
Entry Restrictions: Check for current COVID-19 restrictions and other entry requirements.
Education
School System: Mix of public and private schools. Private schools often follow international curricula (British, American, IB).
Higher Education: Notable universities include the American University in Dubai, University of Dubai, and Dubai Medical College.
Language of Instruction: Primarily English in private and international schools and universities.
Working in Dubai
Work Permits: Required for non-UAE citizens. Different types of permits are available based on job type and duration.
Job Market: Competitive, with strong sectors including finance, technology, tourism, and real estate.
Working Hours: Typically 40-48 hours per week, depending on the industry.
Sports and Recreation
Popular Sports: Football (soccer), Cricket, Tennis, Golf, Rugby
Outdoor Activities: Desert Safari, Dune Bashing, Scuba Diving, Skydiving, Camel Racing
Sports Events: Dubai World Cup (Horse Racing), Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai Rugby Sevens
Local Laws and Customs
Smoking: Banned in public places including malls and government buildings.
Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 21. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Respect for Heritage: Strict regulations to protect cultural heritage sites. Public displays of affection are discouraged.
Banking and Finance
Major Banks: Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq Bank
ATMs: Widely available, especially in urban areas.
Credit Cards: Accepted almost everywhere. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used.
Green Spaces and Nature
National Parks: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Urban Parks: Zabeel Park, Safa Park, Al Mamzar Beach Park
Beaches: Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, La Mer Beach, Al Mamzar Beach
Religious Sites
Major Cathedrals: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Holy Trinity Church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
Religious Festivals: Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Christmas, Diwali
Pilgrimage Sites: Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed Mosque)