DUBAI

Dubai is a unique holiday destination showcasing everything city, sand and sea! Soak up the sun on the white sand beaches, shop ‘til you drop in the world’s largest mall, climb the world’s tallest building; wander through traditional souks (markets), go dune bashing on a desert safari, visit thrilling theme parks and so much more! There’s not many places in the world where you can indulge in so many experiences in just one place, but in the Emirate of Dubai you can.

Arabic and English are the official languages in Dubai but many expats also speak Hindu, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Tagalog, Persian, Chinese and Malayalam.English speaking visitors will find it easy to get by with around 75% of Dubai’s population speaking English as their first or second language.

Being a Muslim country, the laws in the UAE reflect Islamic practices and beliefs. There are certain personal conducts that aren’t considered criminal in Australia but can result in fines, imprisonment and deportation in Dubai. These include insulting the royal family, local government or local officials, swearing, extortion, posting photos of local incidents on social media, taking photos with people in the background and public displays of affection (holding hands, kissing and touching).

It’s a big misconception that you can’t drink in Dubai. While it’s not a booze-fuelled city, non-Muslims can drink within local laws. The legal drinking age is 21.Alcohol can be served anywhere that is attached to a hotel, but there are designated dry areas. It’s illegal for Muslims to drink and offering it to them can cause a lot of trouble. Drinking or being intoxicated in public is strictly prohibited and there’s zero tolerance for drink-driving. Both can result in hefty fines, imprisonment or deportation.

We promise you will not run out of things to do in Dubai! There are so many incredible malls, boutiques and souks that shopping might as well be a way of life.Sightseeing is an experience like no other too. There’s Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers, Jumeriah Mosque and much more to see around the city.Dubai even has beautiful white beaches for you to get your dose of the sea. Enjoy a different kind of sand too, cruising along on a desert safari.

Dubai is known for its humid climate, with the summer months (June to September) reaching over 40°C. The winter months, from October through to April, are comfortably warm too, with highs averaging around 24°C before dropping to around 14°C of an evening. It’s important to note that, despite the heat, everywhere in Dubai is climate controlled. Even in summer people are seen rugging-up as the air-conditioning can get quite cool!

The official currency in Dubai is the Arab Emirate Dirham (AED). The AED is known also as just the Dirham, or the Dh for short. The exchange rate from AUD is roughly 2.8 which means that $1 AUD is equal to approximately $2.8 AED. This rate is obviously subject to change—it will vary depending on currency exchange rates at your time of travel. You can exchange currency at the airport, at a bank or at one of the many currency exchange providers around the city.

Staying connected is easy in Dubai. The Wi-Fi network is absolutely incredible and you can connect at the airport, at the beach or in private cars for free!The aptly named WOW-Fi network is a key feature at the Dubai International Airport. With a speed of up to 100mbps, travellers can enjoy a connection at least ten times faster than many internet users would get in their homes while they wait for their flights. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority have a similar initiative across the city’s culture and heritage sites. The Authority is committed to providing high quality facilities that support creativity, innovation and cultural exchange and believe that a fast Wi-Fi network can help this.

While there are strict dress standards in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has a more relaxed approach. Dubai ‘s population is made up of approximately 90% expats and 10% Emiratis. Generally, expats and tourists are allowed to dress as they would at home, though swimwear should be limited to the beach or pool.Modest dress is required in traditional and religious areas. Garments must cover the shoulders and reach at least just above the knee—it’s a good idea to carry a pashmina or scarf!