Know about DUBAI
Currency
Dirham (Dh): 1 Dirham – 100 Fils.
Languages Spoken
Arabic, English, Hindi & Urdu to an extent
Airport
Dubai International Airport, Airport Road
Tel: 00 971 (0) 4 224 5555
Hotels
Burj Al Arab, Beach Rd, Umm Suqeim
Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Bur Dubai
Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Rd, World Trade Centre Roundabout
Taj Palace Hotel, Deira
Exclusive Business Tips
Given the heat and sweat during summer, it is better to carry a spare change of clothing, to change between meetings. It is better not to schedule your meetings for Friday.
Airport Access
The airport is situated within city limits and is easily accessible if you are staying near the creek. It has all the facilities, from hotel reservations, business centre and car rentals to shopping, ATM machines and designer shops. The infrastructure facilities are world class and taxi trips from the airport, controlled by Dubai transport, are available.
Business Hours
Weekend: Thursday and Friday
Government Offices: 7:30 am to 1:30 pm (Saturday – Wednesday)
Other establishments roughly: 9 am to 1:30 pm and then 4: 30 to 7 or 9 pm (Saturday to Wednesday). Thursdays are half days.
(Timing change during Ramzan. It is better to check in advance on the timings followed in the particular business organisation you are dealing with)
Business Etiquettes
Dress code is formal conservative and card exchange is common at the beginning of the meeting after handshake. Dubai is an ideal place to do business given the tax breaks, incentives, reduction in red tape and investor friendly climate.
Telephone Codes
Country code (UAE):00 971
DUBAI code (0) 4
To make international calls, dail 00 followed by the country code, the city and then the number.
Communication Facilities
Broadband internet connection is freely available throughout the city. Business hotels have a business centre with access to internet. Mobiles are very much in vogue and it is difficult to get by with out one. The mobile phone operates on GSM network.
Emergency Facilities
Police: 999
Fire: 997
Ambulance: 998 or 999
Indian Consulate Address
Consulate general of India,
P.O.Box 737, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
Tel: 3971222/3971333, fax: 3970453, tix: 46061 CGIND EM
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for enquiries: 2276606
Public Transport
Taxis are available in plenty and can be hailed easily from the hotels or on the streets .the fare begins at Dh1.25 per km. Drivers can be hired for day trips too.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Dubai dose not have any theatre or opera house. But stage shows by touring companies are held from time to time. It however is a gourmet’s delight with some of the best chefs in the world opening their signature restaurants here. Some of the popular places include:
Asha’s.
Wafi pyramids,
Oud metha
Biella Café,
Pizzeria,
Wafi city mall,
Bur Dubai
Palm Grill,
Intercontinental hotel,
Deira
Shopping Tips
The shopping festival is a must do for many regulars, when bargain hunts and discounted rates are the order of the day. With lower duty and sales tax, the prices are comparatively cheaper, especially for luxury products. It’s a true shopper’s paradise.