About Dubai

Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter.
Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C/50°F to a high of 48°C/118°F. The mean daily maximum is 24°C/75.2°F in January rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July.

Local Time
The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings.
Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered revealing - knees and shoulders should be covered in public.

Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE, but foreigners are free to practice their own religion. Dubai has a variety of Christian churches.

Alcohol
Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.

Photography
Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.

Currency
The monetary unit is the 'dirham' (Dhs.) which is divided into 100 'fils'. The currency is also referred to as AED (Arab Emirate Dirham). The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1980, at a mid rate of US$1 to Dhs.3.6725.

Banks & ATMs
Normal banking hours are usually Saturday to Thursday, from 08:00 to 13:00 or 14:00. Most banks operate ATMs which accept a wide range of cards. Common networks around Dubai include American Express, Cirrus, Global Access, MasterCard, Plus System and VISA. ATMs can be found in shopping malls, the airport, petrol stations and at various street-side locations. You will probably pay a minimal charge if you use an ATM that does not belong to your bank.

Credit Cards
Most shops, hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa). Smaller retailers are sometimes less keen to accept credit cards and you may have to pay an extra 5% for processing.

Business Hours & Social Hours
Business & social hours vary in Dubai, with some people working a straight shift (usually from 08:00 to 17:00 or 09:00 to 18:00) whilst others may work a split shift. The majority of larger shops and shopping malls are open throughout the day, generally closing around 22.00 or 23.00. Some food shops and petrol stations are open 24 hours a day.
Friday is the Islamic holy day which signals a day off for offices and schools. However the majority of retail and leisure outlets are open seven days a week. The working week varies with many offices, schools and government departments working Sunday to Thursday. Some private companies have retained the traditional Saturday to Wednesday working week, while others operate a six day week, taking only Friday off.
Government offices are generally open from 07.30 to 14.00, Sunday to Thursday. Embassies and consulates are usually open from 07.30 to 14.30, but they may designate specfic days or times for certain tasks, so it's best to check before you go.
It is up to the individual whether to tip and it is not a fixed expectation as you find in other countries. The usual amount to tip is 10% and this covers most services; an increasing number of restaurants now include service on the bill.

Visas & Customs
Visa requirements for entering Dubai vary between nationalities. GCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, The Sultanate of Oman and U.A.E) do not need a visa to enter Dubai.
Nationals of the following countries will be issued, free of charge, with an entry visa valid for 30 days at passport control: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Leichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA, Vatican City.
Other nationalities are solely responsible for obtaining visas for themselves, their representatives and invitees. Visas can be arranged through the exhibitor's hotel in Dubai or airline provided sufficient time is given for the application to be processed.
Please be aware that visa regulations are subject to change and should be confirmed before travelling. AIME 2010 organisers are not in a position to sponsor visa applications.
Currently the United Arab Emirates do not grant visas to Israeli Nationals or to holders of passports containing a visa, valid or expired, for Israel. If you are affected please check with your Travel Agent.
All exhibitors and visitors require a full passport for their visit.

Customs
Personal effects entering Dubai are not liable to a customs levy. It is forbidden to import drugs and pornographic items.
The importation of alcohol into the United Arab Emirates is only permitted as part of the duty free allowance for personal consumption.