About Dubai
As your flight descends into the UAE, it wouldn’t be surprising if you mistook the skyscraper dotted skyline for a city in Europe.
Dubai, one of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates is a progressive nation, a role model for the Arab world,
owing to its stable political environment and rapid economic development that has earned it global acclaim. Lying on the calm blue
waters of the Gulf, Dubai is perhaps the most frequented destination in the UAE. From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the
lively bustle of the souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for the visitor. The city of Dubai has something for everyone -
for holidaymakers seeking a break from crowds to shopaholics yearning for a binge at the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. An ultra modern
city, Dubai is both a dynamic international business centre and a laid back tourist escape. Whatever you want, from couture to coffee pots,
you will find it here!
Business Hours
Banks are usually open Saturday to Thursday, 08.00 to 13.00 hours and are closed on Fridays. Shopping centres are open Saturday to
Thursday from 10.00 hours to 22.00 hours and on Fridays; the larger shopping centres such as Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates
Dubai & Ibn Battuta Mall are normally open from 10.00 hours to 24.00 hours.
Language
Although Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken.
Communications
Global links, including GSM mobile telephones, pagers and internet are world-class and inexpensive. Local and foreign television,
radio, newspapers, magazines and books are readily available.
Credit Cards
Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club are generally accepted in hotels and larger stores but some retailers offer better bargains for cash.
Currency
The UAE Dirham (AED or Dhs) is made up of 100 fils. Coins are in denominations of AED 1, 50 fils, 25 fils, 10 fils and 5 fils.
Notes are in denominations of AED 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. The Dirham is fully convertible and is pegged to the US
dollar at a current exchange rate of USD 1.00 = AED 3.67.
Dress Code & Guidelines for Ladies
No restrictions are imposed on visitors but modest dress is recommended in public places. Beachwear is acceptable at beach clubs and hotel pools.
Climate
The UAE has a sub-tropical climate with a sunny, hot and dry weather most of the year. In January, temperatures range around 24 C during
the daytime and 14 C during the night.
Electricity
The electricity is 220/230 volts A/C and most sockets are three-pin. Although adaptors are available in most hotels, you may want
to purchase one at your departure airport.
Safety
The UAE is considered to be one of the safest places in the world to visit with a very crime low. It is however advisable to take out
travel insurance and to take the normal precaution to safeguard yourself and your valuables.
Time
The local time in Dubai is GMT + 4 hours.
Tipping
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, it is customary to leave 10% as a tip to the service staff.
Useful numbers
Country dialling code: +971
Dubai area code: (0) 4
Fire: 997
Ambulance: 998
Police: 999
From The Airport
Taxi service is available right outside the airport 24 hours a day. Make sure to carry Dirhams (AED) as taxis do not accept payment by credit card.
The rates to most hotels within the central city will not exceed AED 70 (US$ 20).
Emirates Airlines offer their First and Business Class passengers a complimentary return limousine transfer to Dubai locations.
Please request and confirm this service when you book your air ticket.
Transportation
Taxis in Dubai are easily available. They are metered and are a popular and inexpensive way to get around Dubai. Hiring a car is also easy as
European and international driving licences are accepted by most car-hire companies.
Visa and Hotel Arrangements:
Visa and other travel arrangements can be done through the below travel agency that has special rates for the participants of the conference.
The conference organizers are however not responsible nor liable for any of the arrangements made between the traveler and the agency.
- Minimum 3 working days are required to obtain the visa.
Requirements:
- Clearly scanned copies of the passport.
- One photograph with white background.
- Proof of registration for the conference
- Guarantee letter from the company.
- Visa charge is non-refundable in cases where the applications are not being approved by the immigration.
Travel Agent Details
Address:
Monsoon Whispers Travel & Tours LLC, P O Box 624254, Dubai, UAE
Monsoon Whispers Travel & Tours PVT. Ltd, XXI/63, Cochin 682 301
Contact Details:
Dubai, UAE
India
www.facebook.com/MonsoonWhispers
www.monsoonwhispers.com
Skype - monsoonwhispers
We at Monsoon Whispers are happy to support the cause and can offer our services to the students and delegates
traveling to Dubai for attending the 12th DIFSC.
The following are our services and our special rates per person.
- UAE Transit Visa : AED 350 per person for 14 Days
- 30-day Tourist Visa : AED 350
- 90-day Tourist Visa : AED 1050
- OK to Board Charges : As per Airlines (Additional to Visa Charges)
We can also assist you in :
- Hotel reservations
- Airport Assistance and transfers
- Transportation and Special City Services
- Industrial Tours
- Excursions and Desert Safaris
- Other travel requirements worldwide