General Information about the UAE | Government | Climate | Natural Recourses | Plants and Animals | Water | Population | Religion | Language | Clothing | Education | Economy | Manufacturing | Energy | Time and Business Hours | Media | Medical Care | Currency / Banking | Visas | Driving | Alcohol | Telephone | Transport | Shopping | Sport Facilities | Investment in Dubai.
General Information about the UAE:
United Arab Emirates (UAE), federation of seven independent states lying along the
east-central coast of the Arabian Peninsula . The states making up the UAE are: Abu Dhabi , Ajman, Dubai , Al Fujayrah , Ras al Khaimah , Sharjah (or Ash Shariqah), and Umm al-Qaiwain. The states are bordered on the north by Qatar and the Persian Gulf , on the east by the Gulf of Oman , and on the south and west by Saudi Arabia .
The area of the UAE is 83,600 sq km (32,300 sq mi).
The UAE capital is Abu Dhabi . Abu Dhabi is the union capital (population, 2002 estimate, 527,000).
The port of Dubai (population, 2002 estimate, 1,083,000) is the commercial centre of the union and northern Oman and has a large trans-shipment trade.
The territory of the UAE is mostly low-lying sandy desert with extensive s alt flats and an average elevation of less than 150 m (500 ft), although the eastern Al-Hajar Mountains along the border with Oman rise sharply to almost 3,050 (10,000 ft). The coastline, especially along the Persian Gulf , is highly indented, but the only natural deep-water harbours, Diba Al-Hisn, Khawr Fakkan, and Kalba, are on the short Gulf of Oman coast.
Government:
The United Arab Emirates is a Federal Sovereign State, comprised of seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khamimah. The Federation was established on December 2 1971 originally as six Emirates until Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972.
The highest federal authority in the UAE is the Supreme Council of the UAE which is comprised of the rulers of the seven emirates. Both the President and Vice President are elected by the Supreme Council from its members. Under the provisional constitution, the federal authorities hold responsibility for foreign affairs, security and defense, nationality and immigration, education, public health, currency, postal, telephone and other telecom, air traffic control and licensing of aircraft, labor relations, banking, delimitation of territorial waters and extradition of criminals. Individual Emirates hold jurisdiction in all matters not assigned to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federation. The federal government also includes a Council of Ministers (Cabinet), a Federal National Council and an independent judiciary presided over by the Federal Supreme Court. The Cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister who is appointed by the President with the consent of the members of the Supreme Council. The Federal National Council (FNC) which consists of representatives of each Emirate is the Legislative Council with executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Council is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the Federal Government and debating Government policy although it has no power of veto. The FNC has 40 members drawn from each Emirate in proportion to its population. In addition to the federal government structure, each Emirate has its own local government arrangement which differ in size and scope. Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the largest Emirates have the most sophisticated local governments.
Climate:
The climate of the UAE is a sub tropical arid climate, with average January temperatures of 18° C (65° F) rising to July levels of 33° C (92° F), though temperatures may be higher in the desert interior. It is sunny throughout the year. The coastal regions are humid, while the interior is dry: average annual rainfall is 75 to 100 mm (3 to 4 in). Winter and spring bring sandy shamal winds from the north and north-west.
Natural Recourses:
The principal natural resources of the UAE are oil and natural gas; it has the fourth-largest reserves, which are concentrated greatly in Abu Dhabi, in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC); other resources are negligible by comparison.
Plants and Animals:
The prevailing desert conditions limit vegetation, wild species being principally shrubs. Fruit trees, especially date palms and mangoes, are cultivated at oases and in other well-watered regions, along with grains such as wheat and millet. The indigenous wildlife includes the hyena, fox, wildcat, panther, gazelle, antelope, quail, and bustard.
Water:
Dubai tap water is desalinated (sea) water. Such water is perfectly safe to drink, however, tourists and residents often prefer to drink locally bottled mineral water. The most often served bottled water is Masafi, Jeema, Oasis and Gulfa. Dubai's diversity means that visitors can enjoy a whole range of different experiences. From the beautiful undulating desert sands to the bustling downtown areas - the vast unspoiled beaches and the mountains to the east - Dubai is a city of adventure, contrast, discovery and surprise.
Population:
The population of the UAE as of 2001 was estimated to be 3,290,000. The population of Dubai was estimated to be 971,000. The UAE is a highly cosmopolitan environment and a large part of the population are non-UAE nationals, primarily a mix of other Arab nationals, Asians and Europeans. 80% of Dubai's population is comprised of expatriates with Europeans and Asians accounting for approximately 70% of households. Approximately 71% of the population is male and 29% is female. The UAE population is expected to grow by 3.3% per annum to reach 4.15 million by 2010. Dubai is expected to have a population of 1.4 million by 2010. Of the UAE's total population of 4.32 million, 18.5 per cent or 800,000 people are UAE nationals. Their share of the total job market is about 10 per cent, according to officials. Expatriates make up 99 per cent of the UAE's private sector employment. Local people, especially the women, do not take kindly to being photographed without their prior permission. In general, it is best to avoid taking photographs (or video footage) of any individual in a National Dress.
Religion:
Islam is the official religion of the UAE and Mosques (places of worship) are present throughout the city. A Non-Muslim is not permitted to visit a Mosque.
Language:
The national language is standard Arabic but English is widely used in business. Other forms of Arabic are more popular in daily interaction however-Gulf Spoken Arabic being the most widely used as a mother tongue.
Clothing:
Light weight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter. Dubai is rather relaxed for clothing. Dress sensibly, without wearing too much revealing clothes. Shorts and skirts are acceptable for ladies.
Education:
Primary education in the UAE is free and compulsory; secondary education is optional. There are university-level institutions, including Zayed University , American University and Dubai University, College in Dubai; Sharjah University and American University of Sharjah in Sharjah; and Ajman University of Science and Technology nad American University in Ajman. The government provides funds for UAE overseas students.
Economy:
Dubai is becoming a major business centre with a more dynamic and diversified economy. Dubai enjoys a strategic location and serves as the biggest re-exporting centre in the Middle East. Its low logistical and operational costs and excellent infrastructure, international outlook and liberal government policies are attracting investors in a big way. Activities such as trade, transport, tourism, industry and finance have shown steady growth and helped the economy to achieve a high degree of expansion and diversification
The economy of the UAE is overwhelmingly dominated by petroleum extraction and processing. These activities have provided the UAE with one of the world's highest incomes per capita.
Manufacturing:
Efforts to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil have focused on encouraging industry. Revenue from petroleum exports financed the construction of an aluminum smelter in Dubai during the 1980s; an industrial complex was built at ar-Ruways, and facilities to transport and liquefy natural gas were also developed.
Energy:
Electricity is generated by thermal power stations; production in 2002 was 39.3 billion kWh. Electricity in Dubai is 220 Volts. The 3-pin sockets are available everywhere.
Time and Business Hours:
Time: GMT + 4 hours. Daylight saving time is not observed.
Business Hours : The working week is generally Saturday to Wednesday and half a day on Thursday with Friday being the official day of rest. However, many international companies and companies that cater to them work a Sunday to Thursday week with Friday and Saturday as the weekend to coincide more closely with financial markets, counterparts and partners outside of the region. Business hours vary widely across Emirates and businesses but generally, commercial and professional firms work 40-45 hours a week and government ministries work about 35.
During the Holy month of Ramadan, work hours are reduced by 2 hours per day.
Most international companies work a straight shift from 9 - 5 pm. There has also been a trend in local firms towards a straight shift rather than the traditional double shift.
Shops and shopping malls are generally open 7 days a week from 10 am till 10 pm on weekdays and 12 noon till 10 pm on Fridays.
Private companies work either straight shift - 8am - 6pm or a split shift - 8am - 1pm and 4pm - 7pm.
The Government offices work from 8am - 2pm. The Weekend here is Thursdays & Fridays for Government organizations. Private companies and multinationals are usually closed on Fridays & Saturdays. Shopping malls are generally open from 10 am - 10pm on all days except on Fridays (2pm - 10 pm).
Media:
There are 7 daily newspapers, including Gulf News (English language), Khaleej Times (English language), Al Bayan (Arabic language), Al Khaleej (Arabic language). International newspapers, magazines and journals can be bought at bookshops and supermarkets.
Radio Stations
BBC broadcasts can be received on short-wave frequencies, including 12.095MHz, 11.760MHHz, 9.410MHz, 15.07MHz and 15.575MHz.
There is also a good selection of local English and other language radio stations.
Dubai FM 92 (English, popular music) 04 3375353
Channel 4 FM 104.8 (English, popular music) 06 7461444;
Emirates 1FM 99.3 & 100.5 (English, popular music) 02 4450406; 04 3322987
Emirates 2FM 90.5 & 98.5 (English) 02 4450406-3322987
QBS Dubai 97.5FM 102.6 FM (English, radio plays, jazz specials)
Abu Dhabi Capital Radio 100. 5 FM (English, popular music)
Emirates Radio 657AM (Malayalam) 04 3375353
106.2 HUM FM (Hindi-Urdu) 06 7423900
UAQ Radio 846 AM (Malayalam) 06-7600166
Ajman 89.1 FM (Hindi) 06-7460000
Radio Asia 1152 AM: (Malayalam, Hindi, Urdu) 04 6001433
Asianet Radio 657 AM 04 3311566
UAE Radio Ra's al-Khaimah 07 2351151
Television: a wide range of Arabic, English and other language TV stations are available in the UAE.
UAE Channels
Abu Dhabi TV (Arabic)
Emirates Channel (Arabic)
Abu Dhabi Channel 2 (English)
Dubai 33 (English)
Sharjah Channel 22 (Arabic, Farsi, English, French)
Ajman Channel 4 (Arabic, English)
Abu Dhabi and Dubai Sports Channels
Satellite TV: all major hotels have satellite TV with international news and entertainment channels Star TV, Orbit and Showtime are some of the most popular networks. Some of the satellite channels are listed below. Check hotel information and local newspapers for availability and details:. You may like to check the following:
Dubai Satellite TV
Dubai Business Channel (Arabic, English)
Sharjah Satellite TV (Arabic)
BBC World (English)
Fox News (English)
Fox Sports (English)
CNN (English)
Sky News (English)
Reality TV (English)
Euro Sports News (English)
Bloomerberg TV (English, financial news)
Disney Channel (English, Arabic)
Orbit News (English)
MUSIC NOW (English, Arabic)
Al Oula (Arabic)
Al Thania (Arabic)
Althalitha (Arabic)
Arabic Series Channel (Arabic)
CNBC Asia (English, financial news)
The History Channel(English)
National Geographic(English)
MTV Europe(English)
Zee TV(English, Hindi)
Zee Cinema (Hindi)
AsiaNet(Tamil, English)
SURYA TV(Malayalam, Hindi, English)
Star News (Hindi, English)
Cartoon Network(Hindi, English
Medical Care:
Medical services in Dubai are of an International standard. The very best of medical care is available in Dubai.
The Dubai Health Care City (DHCC) has been launched in Dubai; the aim of the project is filling up the gap between Europe and South East Asia and establishing a regional gateway for customers and patients to receive world-class healthcare and enjoy first class medical and wellness services. Dubai will offer significant business opportunities to local and international investors, regional businesses and the global healthcare industry by establishing DHCC. It will create an integrated healthcare community providing a comprehensive medical treatment and prevention portfolio with an optimized process and patient/customer flow.
The purpose of DHCC initiative is to provide the highest quality healthcare services to medical care and wellness seekers from the region by creating a world-class cluster of healthcare professionals and service providers at the heart of Dubai. DHCC aspires to provide state of the art medical care services in selected disciplines that are relevant to the problems facing the patients in the region.
Currency/Banking:
The monetary unit of the United Arab Emirates is the UAE dirham of 100 fils. Many international banks are represented by branches in Dubai. Money exchange houses operate throughout the city and are in most shopping malls. Banks operate from 8 am - 1pm (some banks till 3pm). Money Exchange houses operate from 8am - 1 pm and from 4.30pm - 8.30/10pm.
Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Mastercard etc. are generally accepted in the main hotels and the larger shops.
Visas:
All visitors except AGCC nationals require a visa sponsored by a local entity such as a hotel or company. Visitors may apply for a transit visa (for 14 days), a visit visa (for 30 days renewable), or a tourist visa (for 30 days non-renewable). All current regulations should be checked before travelling, as they are subject to change. There are several types of visas for visitors to Dubai.
A penalty charge of Dhs 100 per day is imposed on visitors who overstay.
Airlines may require confirmation that the sponsor is holding a valid visa for the incoming visitor.
Israeli' nationals will not be issued visas.
AGCC residents: AGCC expatriate residents who meet certain conditions may obtain a non-renewable 30-day visa upon arrival at the approved ports of entry.
Citizens of Western Europe and the Pacific Rim: Citizens of UK (with the right of abode in the United Kingdom), France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong will be granted a visit visa free of charge on arrival at any UAE port of entry. The visa enables them to stay for 60 days. The visa may be renewed once for a period of 30 days for a fee of Dhs 500.
Driving:
Visitor, tourists and transits holders are authorized to drive the vehicles (Motorbike and Light Duty Vehicles only). It is allowed to the visitor, tourist, or transit arrival holding of driving license issued from any country scheduled in the list of changeable licenses, to drive vehicles not owned by them or drive a rented car from Dubai provided if the entry visa is issued from Dubai and the driving license is valid and for the same type. In case the visitor would like to drive outside Emirate of Dubai , a temporary driving license must be issued. The holders of International driving licenses to drive vehicles not owned by them or drive a rented car provided, the international driving license is valid.
The UAE residents must have UAE residence visa. You will find all necessary information on procedures for obtaining a driving license: http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/Home.jsp.
Alcohol:
Alcohol is available in all clubs and restaurants and pubs/bars, that are located in hotels. Restaurants outside a hotel are not allowed to sell or serve alcohol. Muslims are not permitted to buy alcohol. Residents need an Alcohol License to purchase alcohol.
Telephone:
You can make international phone calls from any public telephone or from your hotel room. Making calls from your hotel is obviously the more convenient of the two options, however, hotel rates are much more expensive. Phone cards for public telephones are available from most hotel bookstores and supermarkets.
Transport:
The Public Bus Transport system in the Emirate of Dubai is run by Dubai Municipality. 390 peak bus schedules are run on 59 bus routes cutting over 160,500 kilometers on a specimen working day. Service volumes are adjusted on Fridays and public holidays in relation to the passenger demand. The bus fleet is made of top quality custom-built buses equipped with individual seats, air-conditioning, electronically operated destination display system and computerized fare equipment.
The Abra is a traditional means of water transport across the creek linking Deira and Bur Dubai districts. Dubai Municipality is restoring the heritage of Dubai by maintaining the traditional way of water transport. through its Public Transport Department has given special attention to the preservation of Abras (small traditional boats used to cross the creek). Abra was, and is still, used as a mode of transportation in the Creek. Such efforts made the Abras safe and secure to use.
Station : Creek park station and Public Library station
Fares : Rowing Abra Dhs. 30 per hour
Crossing the creek Dhs. 1 per passenger
Dubai won the 'Best Transport Infrastructure' and 'Best IT and Telecommunications' category. The city has long welcomed foreign investors and there are no corporate or personal income taxes. Dubai has more than a dozen big investment projects scheduled for completion before 2010.
In general it is both safer and more economical to use Dubai Transport Corporation taxis or the services of a private taxi company. Taxis operate 24-hours a day and could be contacted through a dial in number to the 24-hour dispatch and Reservation Tel.: 04-2080808 or via email booking of public booking terminals that are operated using coins in a similar way as public telephone slot machine.
Shopping:
Dubai is a veritable shopper's paradise! Home to the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, Dubai is famous for offering top international brands at unbelievably reasonable prices. Independent shops are generally open from 10am until 1pm and from 4.30pm until 10pm. Opening hours at shopping malls is throughout the day from 10am - 10pm . However, on Fridays, they open from 2pm - 10pm . Some even stay open until midnight !
Sports Facilities:
As Dubai enjoys sunshine all year round, outdoor sports are extremely popular. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for and the city's facilities for golf, diving, go-karting, tennis, cricket, jet- skiing, flying, horse riding, water-sports and deep sea fishing are truly World-class. Water sports in Dubai are truly impressive. On the Jumeirah beach a coral reef has been constructed some 2 kilometers off-shore and diving is just part of a huge range of water based activities. Sailing, water-skiing and of course swimming are available at numerous locations. Variety is at the heart of the Dubai experience - whether its peace and quiet on secluded beaches - or adventure and challenge on a desert safari - has sufficient depth to satisfy even the most seasoned traveler.
The Dubai economy enjoys a competitive combination of cost, market and environmental advantages that create an ideal and attractive investment climate for local and expatriate businesses alike. In fact, these advantages not only rank Dubai as the Arabian Gulf's leading multi-purpose business center and regional hub city, but they place it at the forefront of the globe's, dynamic and emerging market economies.
Dubai is recognized as the Middle East region's leading trading hub and has emerged as its key re-export center. In more recent years, the Emirate has become a major venue for a number of growing, profitable industries and activities:
. Meetings, conferences, exhibitions
. Tourism
. Real Estate
. Corporate regional headquarters
. Regional transport, distribution and logistics center
. Banking, finance and insurance
. Business and industrial consulting
. Information and Communications Technology
. Light and medium manufacturing
Dubai has begun to develop into the Arabian Gulf's premier international business center.
Investment in Dubai:
The Dubai economy enjoys a competitive combination of cost, market and environmental advantages that create an ideal and attractive investment climate for local and expatriate businesses alike. In fact, these advantages not only rank Dubai as the Arabian Gulf's leading multi-purpose business center and regional hub city, but they place it at the forefront of the globe's, dynamic and emerging market economies.
Dubai is recognized as the Middle East region's leading trading hub and has emerged as its key re-export center. In more recent years, the Emirate has become a major venue for a number of growing, profitable industries and activities:
- Meetings, conferences, exhibitions
- Tourism
- Real Estate
- Corporate regional headquarters
- Regional transport, distribution and logistics center
- Banking, finance and insurance
- Business and industrial consulting
- Information and Communications Technology
- Light and medium manufacturing
Dubai has begun to develop into the Arabian Gulf 's premier international business center.
Dubai's Key Advantages
- Strategic Location: Dubai is a time zone bridge between the Far East and Europe on the East-West axis and the CIS and Africa on the north-south axis. It is a gateway to a market that can be characterized as large, growing, prosperous, diversified, accessible, open.
- Political And Economic Stability
- Open And Free Economic SystemWorld Class Infrastructure and Service Sector. Free Zones Websites: Dubai Airport Free Zone Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City.
- Competitive Cost Structure: International companies setting up in Dubai can obtain significant cost advantages not generally available internationally.
- High Quality of Life, Excellent Living Conditions
- The major factors are:
a) No foreign exchange controls
b) No trade barriers or quotas
c) Competitive import duties (4% with many exemptions)
d) Competitive labor costs - labor force is multi-lingual and skilled
e) Competitive energy costs
f) Competitive real estate costs
g) Competitive financing costs and high levels of liquidity
h) No corporate profit or personal income taxes (except for oil companies and branches of foreign banks). You can refer to the tables under the "Cost of Doing Business" section
- High Quality of Life, Excellent Living Conditions
- Strong Local Commercial Tradition and Wide Choice of Potential Business Partners
- Extensive Foreign Trade Network & Major Achievements in Export and Re-Export Performance
- Rapidly Developing Manufacturing Sector Producing a Wide Range of High Quality, Competitive Export Products.
