© Lonely Planet Publications
TRANSPORT
British Airways (Map pp72 3; 307 5777; www.british
x
AIR
airways.com; 21st fl, Al-Attar Business Tower, Sheikh
There are direct flights to Dubai from most
Zayed Rd)
European countries and hubs in Africa and
Asia. The Americas are increasingly well con- Cathay Pacific Airways (Map pp56 7; 295 0400;
x
nected, with Emirates and Etihad (from Abu www.cathaypacific.com; Al-Shoala Complex, cnr Al-
Dhabi) both flying from New York and To- Maktoum Rd & 9 St, Deira)
ronto, and Delta flying direct from Atlanta.
Delta Airways (Map pp64 5; 397 0118; www.delta.com;
x
At research, the only direct flights from South
Sharaf Bldg; Khalid bin al-Waleed Rd, Bur Dubai)
America are from Sao Paulo on Emirates. Du-
Emirates (www.emirates.com/ae) Deira (Map pp56 7;
bai s expanding airport is increasingly the
295 1111; DNATA Airline Centre, Al-Maktoum Rd);
x
major stopover hub between Europe and Asia.
Sheikh Zayed Rd (Map pp72 3 316 7535; Sheikh Zayed
x
For airport information and flight inquiries
Rd, near Interchange No 2)
visit the website at www.dubaiairport.com.
Emirates (www.emirates.com), wholly owned by
Gulf Air (Map pp54 5; 800 2200; www.gulfairco.com;
x
the Dubai government, remains the major
Salahuddin Rd, Deira)
player in the region, flying to more than 90
KLM (Map pp64 5; 800 4744; www.klm.com; 9th fl,
x
destinations globally. Secondary carriers in-
Gulf Towers, cnr Oud Metha Rd & 20 St, Oud Metha)
clude the Bahraini carrier Gulf Air (www.gulfairco
Lufthansa Airlines (Map pp72 3; 343 2121; www
.com) and Etihad, the UAE s national airline  x
by virtue of the fact that it s based in the capi- .lufthanza.com; 2nd fl, Lufthansa Bldg, Sheikh Zayed Rd)
tal, Abu Dhabi. While Emirates famed service
Oman Air (Map pp62 3; 351 8080; www.omanair.aero;
x
appears to have wilted (especially in economy
mezzanine fl, Al-Rais Centre, Al-Mankhool Rd, Bur Dubai)
class), it has a perfect safety record, which is
Qatar Airways (Map pp54 5; 229 2229; www.qatarair
x
more than you can say about Gulf Air.
ways.com; Doha Centre, Al-Maktoum Rd, Deira)
In 2007 Jazeera Airways (www.jazeeraairways.com), a
Kuwaiti airline, became the first budget airline
Singapore Airlines (Map pp72 3; 316 6888; www
x
to fly to and from Dubai airport. It offers very
.singaporeair.com; DNATA Travel Centre, Sheikh Zayed Rd)
competitive prices  it s sometimes possible
Thai Airways International (Map pp56 7; 268 1702;
x
to find return flights to Beirut or Amman for
www.thaiair.com; Al-Muraqqabat Rd, Deira)
under Dh400 including taxes. The first low-
cost airline in the Middle East, Air Arabia (www Virgin Atlantic (Map pp64 5; 406 0600; www.virgin
x
.airarabia.com) uses Sharjah s airport as its base -atlantic.com; Sharaf Bldg; Khalid bin al-Waleed Rd, Bur
and covers many destinations in the Middle Dubai)
East and the Indian subcontinent, with return
fares typically around Dh1000.
Dubai International Airport
High season for air travel varies between
This airport (Map pp56 7) is the busiest in the
airlines. Generally, it is from late May or early
June to the end of August, and from the begin- Middle East, with over 30 million passengers
passing through it in 2007. The major inter-
ning of December to the end of January. Low
national airlines, including Emirates, use Ter-
season is generally any other time. The tax
added to a ticket can also vary wildly depend- minal 1, the main terminal. Smaller airlines,
mostly en route to East Africa or the countries
ing on the airline, so it pays to shop around.
of the former Soviet Union, use the dismal
Terminal 2. The opening of Terminal 3 and
Airlines
three new concourses in 2008 is expected to
The following is a selection of carriers that fly
increase its capacity to 75 million passengers
to and from Dubai.
a year, and the Al-Maktoum International
Air France (Map pp56 7; 602 5044; www.airfrance
x Airport in Jebel Ali, which is set to become
.co.ae; Al-Shoala Complex, cnr Al-Maktoum Rd & 9 St, Deira) the largest airport in the world upon its com-
pletion, will boost Dubai s ability to receive
Air India (Map pp56 7; 227 6747; www.airindia.com;
x
visitors even further.
Sheikh Rashid Building, Al-Maktoum Rd, Deira)
175
TRANSPORT AIR
and it s now a much more viable alternative Souq Abra Station (Map pp62 3; cnr Old Baladiya St & Baniyas
to Dubai. The main problem, as ever, is the
Rd). The second route connects Al-Seef Station in
CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
traffic on the roads. Although it s only 15km
Bur Dubai to the Baniyas Station (Map pp54 5; Dubai
Climate change is a serious threat to the ecosystems that humans rely upon, and air travel is the fastest-growing con-
from the Dubai Sharjah border, a journey
Souq) in Deira, and the third route goes from
tributor to the problem. Lonely Planet regards travel, overall, as a global benefit, but believes we all have a responsibility
in the evening when commuters are making
the Dubai Old Souq Abra Station (Map pp62 3; Dubai Souq)
to limit our personal impact on global warming.
their daily slog home can take up to three
to the Sabkha Abra Station (Map pp62 3; cnr Al-Sabkha
hours. If possible, book flights that leave very
Flying & climate change
& Baniyas Rds). A small number of abras are kept
late at night, early in the morning, or on a
Pretty much every form of motorised travel generates CO2 (the main cause of human-induced climate change) but planes
on this third route throughout the night. Like
Friday.
are far and away the worst offenders, not just because of the sheer distances they allow us to travel, but because they
shared taxis, abras leave when full (around 20
To get to/from the airport you have to
release greenhouse gases high into the atmosphere. The statistics are frightening: two people taking a return flight
passengers), but it never takes more than a few
take taxis, since there s no public transport.
between Europe and the US will contribute as much to climate change as an average household s gas and electricity
minutes for one of them to fill up. The fare
Sharjah taxis are reliable, metered and com-
consumption over a whole year.
is Dh1 and you pay the driver halfway across
fortable. A trip to Dubai s Gold Souq from
the Creek. Note that it can be quite tricky
Carbon offset schemes
Sharjah Airport costs approximately Dh65; a
getting on and off the abras  not something
Climatecare.org and other websites use  carbon calculators that allow travellers to offset the level of greenhouse gases trip to Dubai Marina around Dh110.
to attempt wearing high heels.
they are responsible for with financial contributions to sustainable travel schemes that reduce global warming  includ-
It s usually possible to charter your own
ing projects in India, Honduras, Kazakhstan and Uganda.
abra from an entrepreneurial bloke with his
Abu Dhabi International Airport
Lonely Planet, together with Rough Guides and other concerned partners in the travel industry, support the carbon
own boat. You ll have to haggle for a good
With Etihad often offering cheaper fares to the
offset scheme run by climatecare.org. Lonely Planet offsets all of its staff and author travel.
deal, but Dh60 for an hour of cruising, or
UAE than rival airlines, an increasing number
For more information check out our website: www.lonelyplanet.com.
Dh15 for a direct journey to the other side, is
of passengers are using Abu Dhabi s airport
a fair price. An alternative is to go with one
as their entry point to Dubai. Landing in the
of the official municipal abras, which cost
For the time being, Dubai airport is a victim metered. There s a Dh20 charge levied on
neighbouring emirate might even save you
Dh100 per hour.
of its own success, with its limited facilities these taxis for the run from the airport. A ride
time too. The airport is compact and effi-
being pushed to extremes by large crowds, to the Deira souq area will cost around Dh35
cient, meaning that you can sometimes get
especially at the beginning and end of the while to Bur Dubai it costs around Dh45. A
from the plane to the street in under half an
Water Buses
day when the bulk of departures and arrivals ride to the beginning of the Jumeirah hotel
hour. It s situated 22km from Abu Dhabi in
For all their charm, abra rides can be a little
are scheduled. At night it s common to find area starts at around Dh65. Going the other
the direction of Dubai, which means New
uncomfortable during the summer months.
hundreds of transit passengers sleeping on the way, a taxi ride from the Deira souq area to
Dubai s beach hotels are only an hour s drive
For air-conditioned, properly seated comfort,
floor due to a lack of seating. the airport costs Dh15 to Dh20; from Bur
away. Travelling to the same hotels from
you can take a water bus along four Creek-
There are several places to eat in the depar- Dubai it s about Dh25; from Jumeirah hotels
Dubai airport during rush hour traffic can
crossing routes from 6am to 11pm daily.
tures lounge including a small food court, a about Dh45.
take considerably longer.
Route 1 goes from Sabkha Abra Station (Map pp62 3;
seafood bar, the Irish Village pub and Star- To get to Deira from the airport by bus
A free shuttle bus to the office of Etihad Air-
cnr Al-Sabkha & Baniyas Rds) to Bur Dubai Abra Station (Map
bucks, although finding tables at peak times (with fares between Dh2 and Dh4), route 401
ways (Map pp72 3; 343 4443; www.etihadairways.com;
x
pp62 3; near Bank of Baroda Bldg). Route 2 connects
is problematic. Dubai Duty Free sprawls over goes via Baniyas Rd and Naif Rd. For Bur
Chelsea Tower, Sheikh Zayed Rd) in Dubai is available
Baniyas Station (Map pp54 5; Dubai Souq) to the Dubai
an entire floor of the departures terminal, so Dubai, route 402 travels through Deira City
to Etihad passengers. It s worth booking your
Old Souq Abra Station (Map pp62 3; Dubai Souq). Route 3
there s no lack of shopping facilities. Here Centre and Karama on its way to Mankhool
seat on the bus at the same time you buy your
starts at Sabkha Abra Station (Map pp62 3; cnr Al-Sabkha
you can find travel essentials, books and Rd, and the C1 goes to Satwa Bus Station.
flights. Business and 1st-class passengers are
magazines, electronics, perfumes, cigarettes, From here you can take the 93 to Safa Park & Baniyas Rds) and ends at Al-Seef Station; and
entitled to limo transfers to Dubai. The taxis
food and alcohol at competitive, if not world- in Jumeirah, Al-Barsha and The Greens. If Route 4 goes from Baniyas Station to Al-Seef
that queue up outside Abu Dhabi airport
beating, prices. There s a hotel at the airport you arrive during the night, the C1 bus goes Station. Tickets are Dh4  you can pay cash
charge between Dh250 and Dh300 for the
to Jebel Ali Gardens via Ghubaiba Bus Station onboard or buy a Dh40 smart card, which
( 216 4289) where rooms are available from
x
journey to Dubai. A cheaper, and very reli-
Dh150 per hour, as well as credit card pow- and Satwa Bus Station. gives you a 10 percent discount on journeys.
able alternative is to book a taxi through Al
ered internet terminals, banks, several cur- Compared to many cities, the airport is
Ghazal ( 02-444 7787), which charges a set fee of
x
very conveniently located. If there s no traffic,
rency exchange outlets, a business centre, a
Dh175 to Dubai. There is no public transport
BUS
it ll take you 10 minutes to get to Deira, 15
prayer room, a health club and designated
to Dubai from Abu Dhabi airport.
The gradual introduction of air-conditioned
minutes to Bur Dubai, 25 minutes to Sheikh
quiet lounges.
shelters is making bus travel in the summer
Zayed Rd or Jumeirah, and 45 minutes to
Ask about airport transfers when you book
months a viable option. While Dubai s long-
reach New Dubai.
your accommodation. If you re staying at BICYCLE
suffering bus users have welcomed the new
one of the beach hotels along the Jumeirah w
shelters, bar some justifiable grumbles that
strip, a transfer can save you lots of money.
Sharjah International Airport
they re far too small, further improvements
BOAT
All transport leaves outside the arrivals hall,
This airport is used mainly by Air Arabia (www need to be made. The buses are infrequent
and the areas are well signposted (bus, limo,
Abras
.airarabia.com) and cargo flights and has im- and often drive straight past stops; the time-
taxi etc). Unlike other Middle East destina-
Around 150 abras (small motorboats) cross
proved considerably in recent years. The tables are confusing and hard to locate, and
tions, getting a taxi isn t at all intimidating
the Creek from 5.30am until 11.30pm, taking
opening of a second arrivals hall has sorted the routes are circuitous to say the least. On
in Dubai. The cabs line up patiently, drivers
three routes. The routes link Bur Dubai Abra Station
out what was a serious overcrowding problem the plus side, bus travel is very cheap and of-
are friendly and honest, and the journey is
(Map pp62 3; near Bank of Baroda Bldg) with the Deira Old
fers large savings over long distances. A Dh70
176 177
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lonelyplanet.com
TRANSPORT AIR
TRANSPORT BICYCLE
taxi journey from Ibn Battuta Mall to Deira s (although everyone will say that it s all day):
Gold Souq, for example, is reduced to Dh2.50 between 7am and 9am, 1pm and 2pm and
ACCIDENT ALERT
if you hop on the number 8. most of the evening from 6pm onwards. The
If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident, no matter how small, you are required to wait at the scene and
Local buses operate out of the two main worst congestion is around the approaches to
report it to the traffic police ( 999). Unless your car is causing a major traffic jam, do NOT move it until the traffic
x
stations in Deira and Bur Dubai: the Deira bus Al-Maktoum and Al-Garhoud Bridges and
police get there. If there has been an injury, or it s not blindingly obvious who was at fault, don t move the vehicles at
along Al-Ittihad Rd towards Sharjah. Acci-
station (Map pp54 5; off Al-Khor St, near the Gold Souq) and
all. For insurance-claim purposes you must have a police report, and if you move your car, the police may not be able to
dents are frequent, so it s a good idea to tune
the Bur Dubai bus station (Map pp62 3; Al-Ghubaiba Rd,
issue a complete report. Outside Dubai you should leave your car exactly where it is, no matter how bad an obstruction
into the radio to get traffic updates.
next to Carrefour), Dubai s main bus station. In the
it is causing, and call the police immediately. If you are driving a hire car and you have a crash, your insurance will not
A road toll, known as Salik (meaning  clear
official timetables the two stations appear as
cover any damage unless a police report is written.
and moving ), was introduced in the summer
 Gold Souq Bus Station and  Al-Ghubaiba Bus
of 2007 to help combat congestion. Each time
Station , respectively. Numbers and routes
you pass one of the two tolling points  at Al-
are posted on the buses in English as well as such as a Toyota Yaris start at about Dh145 per just north of the Clock Tower Roundabout,
Garhoud Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Rd next to
Arabic. Fares are Dh1 to Dh3.50, depending day with another Dh40 for collision damage and on Omar ibn al-Khattab St. They are also
Mall of the Emirates  Dh4 is automatically
on the distance travelled. You pay the driver, waiver (CDW) insurance. These rates drop found on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek on
deducted from the car s prepaid Salik account.
so keep some change handy. A free sched- to about Dh150 per day including CDW if Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd, just north of Al-
If you buy or borrow a car you must make sure
ule and route map can be picked up from you pay for a week s hire upfront and around Adhid Rd; and on Kuwait St in Karama.
there is a Salik tag affixed to the front mirror.
either bus station, or from the tourist office Dh100 per day with insurance if you pay for a Unless you make specific arrangements,
These are available from EPPCO, ADNOC
in Baniyas Sq. month. If you have taken out CDW, the larger your rental car insurance will not cover you
and Emarat petrol stations, cost Dh100, and
Note that most buses start and finish their agencies do not charge an excess in the case when in Oman. This means that if you go to
include Dh50 of credit. Citing a dubious Dh1
days a bit later on Friday and there is only a of an accident that is your fault. Always call Hatta, which involves passing through about
administrative fee, car hire companies charge
limited service while noon prayers are un- the police if you are involved in an accident; 20km of Omani territory, or visit Buraimi
Dh5 for each toll point crossing upon the
derway. From Saturday to Thursday, buses see above for more details. on an excursion to Al-Ain, you will not be
return of the vehicle.
run from approximately 5.45am to 11.15pm At the smaller agencies, you should be able covered for any accident while in Omani ter-
It is compulsory to wear seatbelts in the
at intervals of 15 to 20 minutes. There is also to negotiate a net rate of around Dh135 per ritory. Ask for this coverage if you intend to
front, and it is illegal to use a handheld mobile
a daily night bus that stops at all the major day, including CDW insurance. With these head into Oman.
phone while driving, although many motor-
bus stations. agencies, no matter what they tell you, you
Avis (www.avis.com) Airport (Map pp56 7; 224
x
ists seem to ignore this rule. As you would
Bus travel between emirates is slowly im- may still be liable for the first Dh1000 to
5219; airport arrivals hall; 24hr); Deira (Map pp56 7;
h
expect, Dubai is not short on petrol stations
proving. The Emirates Express leaves the Dh1500 of damage in the event of an acci-
295 7121; Al-Maktoum Rd, Deira)
x
and gas is cheap compared to the rest of the
Bur Dubai bus station every 20 minutes at dent that is your fault, even if you have CDW.
Budget (www.budget.com) Airport (Map pp56 7; 224
world. Petrol is sold by the imperial gallon x
peak times (and every 40 minutes at less busy Sometimes this excess is only Dh250 if you
(an imperial gallon is just over 4.5L) and costs 5192; Airport arrivals hall; 24hr); Airport Rd (Map
h
times) and takes just under two hours to reach have paid CDW. Ask questions and read the
around Dh7 per gallon. pp56 7; 282 3030; Airport Rd, just before Cargo Village)
Abu Dhabi. It costs Dh15 each way and tick- small print on the contract carefully. x
It is not possible to hire motorcycles in
ets should be purchased from the Emirates The first 100km or 150km per day are usu-
Diamondlease (Map pp72 3; 343 4330; www
x
Dubai  which is probably just as well after
Express ticket office at the bus station. Bus ally free with additional kilometres costing 40
.diamondlease.com; Sahara Towers, Sheikh Zayed Rd)
you ve seen a couple wedged under trucks.
E306 does the journey from Dubai to Sharjah, or 50 fils each. If you rent a car for more than
Europcar (Map pp56 7; 224 5240; www.europcar
Before you drive in Dubai, read the boxed text, x
with Dh5 tickets available on the bus. There three days, you should be given unlimited
-dubai.com; Airport arrivals hall; 24hr)
p180, for some important safety messages. h
is also a bus from Bur Dubai that does the mileage.
return journey to Al-Ain (90 minutes one- Most agencies have free pick-up and de-
Hertz (www.hertz-uae.com) Airport (Map pp56 7; 224
x
Hire
way) once every half an hour or so. This costs livery within Dubai, either to/from a hotel
5222; Airport arrivals hall; 24hr); Airport Rd (Map
h
As in most countries, a credit card is essential
Dh20. Minibuses serve the rest of the country, or the airport. They also offer a chauffeur
pp56 7; 282 4422; Airport Rd, just before Cargo Village)
x
for hiring a car at a reputable rental company
including Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al- service, but you ll pay around Dh200 per eight
in Dubai. If you do find a car rental company
Thrifty ( 355 6732; www.thrifty.com) Airport (Map
x
Khaimah and Fujairah. Infuriatingly, these hours for this privilege. If you are just mov-
that will take a cash deposit instead, not only
pp56 7; 224 5404; Airport arrivals hall; 24hr) Plus
x h
buses will only get you out of Dubai and don t ing around Dubai for the day, it is cheaper
will you probably have to leave your passport
various locations around Dubai.
offer return journeys. to use taxis.
with them, but you may not receive full insur-
For information on public buses, including Although smaller agencies are generally
ance. Some agencies insist on a credit card
cheaper than the larger chain companies, it s
detailed route maps, check-in with RTA (Roads and
deposit as well as your passport. Find another
Road Rules
worth considering the convenience of being
Transport Authority; 800 9090; www.rta.ae).
x
agency if this is the case. You do not have to
Most people drive on the right in Dubai,
able to contact the local office of a reliable
leave your passport with them. A photocopy
which is the side you re supposed to drive
company if you are driving out of Dubai
of it is sufficient.
on. The speed limit is 60km/h on city streets
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
and something goes wrong. It s also worth
For tourists, most foreign driving licences
and 80km/h on major city roads  if you actu-
If you are planning on taking a day or over-
ensuring complete insurance cover (zero li-
are accepted in Dubai so long as you are either
ally reach these speeds, send us a postcard. On
night excursion from Dubai, hiring a car is
ability).
a citizen or a resident of the country that is-
Sheikh Zayed Rd and on other dual-lane high-
the best and cheapest way to do it. If you
There are dozens of car rental firms in
sued the licence. However, some companies
ways around the UAE the official speed limit
decide to hire a car to get around the city,
Dubai, including all the major international
insist on an international licence, so it s worth
is 100km/h on some sections, but otherwise
don t expect a very relaxing holiday& Traffic
chains as well as plenty of local companies.
getting one of these before you leave home.
it s 120km/h. If you are caught speeding, you
congestion in Dubai can be a real problem at
The highest concentrations of local compa-
At large international agencies, small cars
will be fined, but in some cases you will simply
peak hours, which occur three times a day
nies are in Deira on Abu Baker al-Siddiq Rd,
178 179
lonelyplanet.com
lonelyplanet.com
TRANSPORT BUS
TRANSPORT CAR & MOTORCYCLE
© Lonely Planet Publications
be sent a bill by the police. For this reason, charging more than Dh4 at the toll points,
most car rental companies require customers or charging for a toll when no toll point has
SLOW TRAIN COMING
to sign a statement acknowledging that they been crossed. Such misbehaviour is rare and
Dubai s driverless light-rail system is scheduled to partially open in September 2009 and be fully completed by 2012. The
are aware of this and authorising the rental most drivers are honest, speak good English,
Dubai Metro will consist of at least four lines. The red line will run from the airport past BurJuman, the Emirates Towers
company to charge their credit card for any know all the major hotels and landmarks, and
and Burj Dubai to the Jebel Ali Port Station. To travel the entire length of the line will take an hour and trains will run
tickets that turn up after they have left town. drive safely. Tips are not expected, but drivers
daily from 5.30am to 12.30am. The green line, expected to be fully operational by March 2010, will loop through the
So if you see a flash of light while powering work a 72-hour week (and sometimes over
city centre, starting at Festival City and ending at Rashidiya. The purple line will connect the current airport to the new
down Sheikh Zayed Rd, check your credit card 100 hours) for a low wage and appreciate the
airport in Jebel Ali, and the blue line will run along Emirates Rd. At the time of writing, unspecified fifth and sixth lines
statements when you get home. There are also acknowledgement of their hard work.
are expected to be announced, but these won t link Dubai to Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. This being Dubai, the trains will have
speed cameras on the major highways. It s usually fairly easy to catch a taxi, espe-
a VIP class with leather seating, along with a separate area for women and children, and economy class.
Increasingly, the busier city streets have cially during the night or from major malls
a strictly enforced four-hour limit on park- and hotels, but there are a few trouble spots
ing. Tickets must be purchased from one of where hour-long waits are not unusual. Due to
You can book taxis in advance by calling the taxi drivers (in pink taxis, no less) and if you
the many orange machines and displayed on the road toll, it s particularly hard to hail taxis
numbers below, although sometimes it s hard book in advance, it can provide eight-seater
your dashboard. Rates start at Dh2 for an on the streets in the area near Al-Garhoud
to get through and you can expect up to a 30- vehicles or wheelchair-accessible taxis at no
hour. Parking rates apply from 8am to 1pm Bridge, especially in Oud Metha. There s also
minute wait at peak hours. additional cost.
and from 4pm to 9pm Saturday to Thursday. a chronic taxi shortage in the area near the
An army of unlicensed drivers in unmarked Taxi companies include the following:
Compliment the parking inspectors on their abra stations in Deira, by the shopping district
cars seek to take advantage of the shortages.
Cars Taxis ( 269 3344)
x
groovy safari suits all you like, but good luck of Karama, and in Bur Dubai by the bus sta-
These are usually men trying to earn some
Dubai Transport Company ( 208 0808)
x
getting out of a fine  they are ruthless and tion. You can also expect lengthy queues at
money on top of their normal jobs. Often four
scarily efficient. Parking in the centre of Dubai the shopping malls on weekday evenings and
of five people will club together to buy a car, Metro Taxis ( 267 3222)
x
is free on Friday and holidays. Fines for not Friday afternoons. At City Centre and Mall
take turns working as drivers and share the
National Taxis ( 339 0002)
x
buying a ticket start at Dh100, and you can t of the Emirates, two of the worst offenders,
profits. Bear in mind that it s illegal to pay for
re-register your car until you ve paid up. you can often bypass the queues by catching
a ride in an unlicensed taxi, and if you re in-
taxis from in front of the Sofitel Hotel and the
volved in an accident, you could face a fine.
Kempinski Hotel respectively.
Several private taxi companies (also known
TAXI
A serious problem is that it s extremely diffi-
as  luxury taxi companies) serve the major
Dubai has a 5000-strong, modern fleet of me-
cult to find a free taxi between 4pm and 5.30pm
hotels and shopping malls. It s common to
tered taxis. During the day the starting fare is
in all parts of the city. This is when most drivers
hear drivers of these taxis reply  same, same
Dh3 plus Dh1.68 per kilometre, and at night
end their shifts and have to deliver their cars
when you ask if their ride will be more expen-
(10pm 6am) the starting fare is Dh4. If you
to their partners (usually two drivers share a
sive than normal taxis. Ignore them  these
book a taxi in advance, the starting fare is
car, working 12 hours each). Few drivers are
taxis will charge at least 30 percent more for
Dh6, or Dh7 at night. Dh4 is added to your
willing to risk picking up customers who might
the same journey and can hit your pockets
fare every time you pass a Salik toll point.
extend their shift and delay their partner s start
hard if you re stuck in traffic.
We ve heard complaints that a small number
time. The thought of staggering shift times, it
Most taxi drivers know the city well and are
of drivers are taking advantage of tourists by
seems, hasn t occurred to the taxi companies.
good at their jobs, but some really don t have
a clue. New drivers are expected to learn on
the job, which means you ll occasionally get
MOTORING MAYHEM
somebody in his first week who doesn t know
the city at all. To avoid an expensive and frus-
Driving in Dubai is not for the faint of heart. Although it s not as chaotic as in other parts of the Middle East, drivers
trating journey, ask the driver to radio his of-
tend to cut in front of you, turn without indicating and view roundabouts as a lane-less free for all. Out on the freeway,
fice or flag down a colleague to get directions
driving in the lane closest to the centre of the road at speeds of less than 160km/h will invoke some serious headlight
as soon as it s clear he s inexperienced.
flashing from the latest model Mercedes trying to break the Dubai Abu Dhabi land-speed record. It s no wonder that
Dubai Transport Corporation has women
Sheikh Zayed Rd is the deadliest road in Dubai.
So it s no surprise that UAE has one of the world s highest rates of road deaths per capita. Inappropriate speed and
reckless driving are the major causes as well as pedestrians crossing against the lights or not at crossings. In 2007 an
average of 23 people a month died on Dubai s roads. The worst aspect of this is that there doesn t seem to be sufficient
incentive not to drive badly. Although speeding fines are meted out, many people view speed cameras as toll booths
you don t have to stop at. Causing a death through an accident requires the payment of blood money (dhiyya) to the
victim s family. Although this is a large sum (up to Dh200,000), nationals are insured against it. This often means that
the only punishment for causing death or injury through reckless driving is an increased insurance premium.
If you re used to counting drinks down at the local to see whether you re over the alcohol limit or not, we ll make
it easy for you  if you ve had one, or even half of one, you ve had one too many. Dubai has a zero-tolerance policy on
drink-driving, and if your vehicle is stopped and you re found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol, you ll
be a guest of Dubai Police for at least one night. If you have been involved in an accident and have been drinking, your
insurance will be voided whether you were responsible for the accident or not.
180 181
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lonelyplanet.com
TRANSPORT TAXI
TRANSPORT TAXI
© Lonely Planet Publications
varies widely from one year to the next. Sand- UAE by land. No customs duties are applied
storms can occur during March and April, to personal belongings. The following goods
DIRECTORY
although Dubai is protected from the swirling cannot be brought into the country: controlled
dust and sand to some degree by its ever- substances (see boxed text, p186), materials that
increasing number of tall buildings. insult Islam (this includes books such as Sal-
man Rushdie s The Satanic Verses), firearms,
BUSINESS HOURS CLIMATE
pork, raw seafood and pornography. For a full
Most people work a five-day week from We can t stress strongly enough that Dubai
COURSES
list see www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae.
Sunday to Thursday, although the six-day turns into a sauna in the summer months
Most language courses on offer are for Eng-
week is still fairly common and many work (May to September). In July and August av-
lish. There are only a few places where English
on Saturdays. Private companies usually erage daytime temperatures are around 43°C
speakers can study Arabic. This is because of ELECTRICITY
work a 9am to 6pm day and government with 85% humidity. Sometimes the heat
the great demand by UAE national students The electric voltage is 220V AC. British-style
departments generally work between 7am reaches 48°C and the humidity 95%  and ru-
and expats from the Subcontinent who want three-pin wall sockets are standard, although
and 2pm, although government offices that mours always swirl around in the heat that it
to improve their employment opportunities most appliances are sold with two-pin plugs.
deal with the public often have extended has reached 50°C somewhere in the UAE. The
in the world of business, which is dominated Adaptors are inexpensive and available in small
business hours and are sometimes open on sea temperature in the height of summer (July
by the English language. The following centres grocery stores and supermarkets. The two-pin
Saturdays. Banks are generally open from and August) is about 37°C, which provides no
offer Arabic courses: plugs will go into the three-pin sockets, but this
8am to 2pm Saturday to Thursday, while relief, and hotel swimming pools have to be
does involve a technique that won t be seen in
Arabic Language Centre (Map pp72 3; 308 6036;
x
most shops are open from 10am to 10pm cooled during this time so the guests don t
a workplace safety video anytime soon.
alc@dwtc.com; Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed
Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to midnight assume they re being parboiled for dinner.
Rd) Runs five courses a year in Arabic from beginner to
Thursday to Saturday. Don t expect to do any sightseeing beyond
advanced levels. Private tuition starts at Dh185 per hour
shopping malls and hotel lobbies during these EMBASSIES
and group classes cost around Dh1800 for 30 hours.
months. See p15 for more information on the Generally speaking, the embassy will not be
CHILDREN
Berlitz Language School (Map pp76 7; 344 0034;
best times to visit Dubai. x much help in emergencies if the trouble you re
Families are well catered for in Dubai. There
In March and April, and October and No- Jumeirah Beach Rd) Offers courses in a number of lan- in is your own fault. Remember that you are
are plenty of beaches, parks and activity cen-
vember, the weather is very pleasant, with guages, including Arabic and Urdu. The latter is useful to bound by the laws of the UAE. Your embassy
tres to keep kids amused, and the shopping
temperatures in the low 30s. In winter (De- know to some extent, as this is the language of many of will not be very sympathetic if you end up in
malls and hotels usually have play areas for
cember to February), the weather is usually the Pakistani expats in the UAE. jail after committing a crime locally, even if
young children. Many restaurants have chil-
perfect, although there are the occasional cold such actions happen to be legal in your own
Polyglot Language Institute (Map pp54 5; 222 3429;
x
dren s menus, especially in shopping malls.
patches around New Year. Unlike the desert country.
www.polyglot.co.ae; Al-Masaeed Bldg, Al-Maktoum Rd,
We have highlighted Dubai s best family res-
area inland, Dubai doesn t get too cold on In genuine emergencies you might get
Deira) Beginner courses and conversation classes in Arabic,
taurants by using the child-friendly icon in
winter nights, with the lowest temperature some assistance, but only if other channels
French, German and English. A 10-week Arabic course with
the Eating chapter. All the major parks have
hovering around 15°C, but bring a warm have been exhausted. For example, if you need
three classes per week costs Dh2050 including materials. Pri-
playgrounds too. There is very little crime
jacket if you re visiting at this time of year. to get home urgently, a free flight is exceed-
vate tuition costs around Dh8000 for 25 90-minute lessons.
in Dubai, but driving standards are poor, so
It doesn t rain often, or heavily, although ingly unlikely  the embassy would expect you
parents should take extra care when crossing
Sahary Gate (Map pp62 3; 353 5660; www.sahary
when it does (usually in December or Janu- x to have insurance. If you have all your money
roads with kids. For the best children s activi-
ary), getting around can suddenly become gate.com; Bastakia House no 14, Bur Dubai) Offers courses and documents stolen, it might assist with
ties, check out our Top 10 For Kids (see the
difficult as streets turn into rivers and traffic in spoken Arabic from beginner to advanced levels. A four- getting a new passport, but a loan for onward
boxed text, p71). Lonely Planet s Travel with
becomes chaotic, with accidents everywhere. week course costs around Dh1000. travel is out of the question.
Children by Cathy Lanigan is a good book
Drivers are not used to wet road conditions,
that prepares you for the joys and pitfalls
and the city planners decided Dubai didn t
Embassies & Consulates in
of travelling with the little ones, while the Cultural
need a drainage system, so there are no gutter
website Dubai Kidz (www.dubaikidz.biz) contains
or storm-water drains. The average annual Dubai International Art Centre (Map pp76 7; 344
x
Dubai
detailed and up-to-date listings specific to
rainfall is about 6.5cm per year (and it rains
4398; www.artdubai.com; Villa 27, Street 75B, near Town
Most countries have diplomatic representa-
children.
only five days a year on average), but rainfall
Centre, Jumeirah Rd) Offers a plethora of art-related courses,
tion in the UAE. Dubai is home to several
but it s the Arabic calligraphy lessons that are most appeal-
consulates and one embassy, the British
Average
ing. DIAC is expected to relocate to more spacious premises
embassy; other embassies are in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI 5m (16ft)
Max/Min
Babysitting
in the future, so visit its website for up-to-date info.
and are listed in the front pages of the Dubai
Most of the large hotels offer babysitting serv- °C °F Temp/Humidity % in Rainfall mm
40 104 100 20 500
phonebook. The telephone area code for
ices at around Dh75 for three hours. These
Dubai is 04.
x
tend to be reliable as hotels are very used to 30 86 80 16 400
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
large numbers of children visiting. Locals and Australia (Map pp62 3; 508 7100; www.uae.embassy
x
20 68 12 300
60
The duty-free allowances for tobacco are 400
expats with children generally have maids,
.gov.au; 25th fl, BurJuman Centre, Bur Dubai; 8am-
h
10 50 8 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 500g of loose tobacco.
40
and those who don t often  borrow a maid
3.30pm Sun-Wed, 8am-2.45pm Thu)
Non-Muslims are allowed to import 4L of al-
0 32 20 4 100
from a neighbour for the night if they want
cohol or two cartons of beer, each consisting Canada (Map pp62 3; 352 1717; dubai@international
x
to go out  the maids are usually more than -10 14 0 0 0
of up to 24 355ml cans. You are generally not
J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D .gc.ca; 7th fl, United Bank Bldg, Khalid bin al-Waleed Rd,
happy to earn the extra money.
allowed to bring in alcohol if you cross into the
Bur Dubai; 8am-4pm Sun-Thu)
h
182 183
lonelyplanet.com
DIRECTORY BUSINESS HOURS
DIRECTORY COURSES
sexual orientation. Although no bars, clubs
Egypt (Map pp64 5; 397 1122; 11 St, Bur Dubai;
x
or cafés would dare identify themselves as
9am-noon Sat-Wed)
h ISLAMIC HOLIDAYS
gay-friendly for fear of being raided and shut
France (Map pp72 3; 332 9040; www.consulfrance Hejira New Year Prophet s Birthday Ramadan Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Adha
x
down, there are venues in the city that attract
-dubai.org.ae/; 18th fl, API World Tower, Sheikh Zayed Rd;
1430 29 Dec 08 09 Mar 09 21 Aug 09 21 Sep 09 28 Nov 09
a sizeable gay and lesbian crowd. It is some-
8.30am-1pm Sat-Thu)
h
1431 18 Dec 09 26 Feb 10 11 Aug 10 09 Sep 10 16 Nov 10
times possible to get info on these venues from
1432 07 Dec 10 15 Feb 11 01 Aug 11 30 Aug 11 06 Nov 11
websites, but you can t access gay and lesbian
Germany (Map pp64 5; 397 2333; www.dubai
x
1433 27 Nov 11 05 Feb 12 21 Jul 12 19 Sep 12 26 Oct 12
interest websites from inside the UAE.
.diplo.de; 1st fl, Sharaf Bldg, Khalid bin al-Waleed Rd, near
We don t recommend Dubai as a holiday
BurJuman Centre, Bur Dubai; 8-11am Sun-Thu)
h
destination for same-sex couples. Booking a
other indulgence. This is to clean the mind using your credit card. You enter your card
India (Map pp64 5; 397 1222; www.cgidubai.com; 7B
x
hotel room can be awkward and potentially
and body to better focus on their relationship number and mobile phone number in the
St, Bur Dubai; 8am-4.30pm Sun-Thu)
h
risky, and open displays of affection are likely
with Allah. fields provided, and you ll be sent an access
Iran (Map pp76 7; 344 4717; www.iranconsul.org.ae; to land you in trouble.
x
During Ramadan, government offices ease code by text message. It costs Dh15 for one
cnr Al-Wasl Rd & 33 St, Jumeirah; 8am-1pm Sat-Wed)
h
back to about six hours work (well, attend- hour, Dh30 for three hours and Dh70 for 24
Italy (Map pp72 3; 331 4167; www.ambabudhabi ance) a day. Bars and pubs are closed until hours. If you have a UAE mobile phone and
x
HOLIDAYSHolidays table (opposite) for the
7pm each night, live music is prohibited and subscribe to Etisalat s Wasel service, you can
.esteri.it; 17th fl, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed
See the Islamic
dance clubs are closed throughout the month. use Hotspots for Dh10 an hour. In addition
Rd, Za abeel; 9am-noon Sun & Tue-Thu)
h
approximate dates of the religious holidays
Camel racing ceases too. Some restaurants do to Hotspots venues, many other malls, hotels,
observed in Dubai. Lailat al-Mi raj is the cel-
Netherlands (Map pp64 5; 352 8700; www
x
not serve alcohol during this month. Every- restaurants and cafés offer their own wireless
ebration of the Ascension of Prophet Moham-
.netherlands.ae; 5th fl, ABN-Amro Bank Bldg, Khalid bin
one, regardless of their religion, is required to services, which are often free if you make a
med. Eid al-Fitr is a three-day celebration
al-Waleed Rd, Bur Dubai; 9am-noon Sat-Thu)
h
observe the fast in public (see p106) purchase.
that occurs after Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha
Oman (Map pp64 5; 397 1000; general@ocodubai For visitors interested in Islam or religion Visitors without wi-fi on their machines
x
is a four-day celebration that occurs after the
in general, this is a fascinating time to visit can access Etisalat s Dial  n Surf service at
.com; 11 St, Bur Dubai; 7.30am-2.30pm Sat-Wed)
h
main pilgrimage to Mecca, or haj.
Dubai. If you walk the backstreets of areas 500 5555; all you need is a modem and a
x
Secular holidays are New Year s Day (1
Qatar (Map pp62 3; 398 2888; qatar98@emirates.net
x
such as Satwa at Iftar, you ll see mosques with phone line. No account number or password
January) and National Day (2 December).
.ae; cnr Al-Adhid Rd & 52 St, Al-Jafiliya; 9-11.30am
h
mats and carpets laid out with food ready is needed. It is charged at 12 fils per minute
The death of a minister, a member of the royal
Sun-Thu)
for mosque attendees, and witness the streets directly to the telephone you are connected
family or the head of state of another Arab
South Africa (Map pp64 5; 397 5222; www.southaf come to life  well into the wee hours. to. If you re staying at a hotel, you should
x
country is usually marked by a three-day holi-
check whether the hotel will charge you an
rica.ae; 3rd fl, Sharaf Bldg, Khalid bin al-Waleed Rd, near Bur
day. Newspaper websites (p37) are the quick-
additional fee for using their phone line.
Juman Centre, Bur Dubai; 8.30am-12.30pm Sun-Thu)
h
est way to find details when this occurs. If a
INTERNET ACCESS
If you don t own a computer, nearly all
public holiday falls on a weekend (ie Friday or
Syria (Map p52; 266 3354; cnr 15 & 10C Sts, Al-
x
Dubai is the most wired city in the Middle
hotels have business centres although your
Saturday), the holiday is usually taken at the
Wuheida Street, Deira; 8.30am-2.30pm Sat-Wed)
h
East and you should have no trouble getting
best bet is likely to be an internet café, which
beginning of the next working week.
online. In the UAE the internet is accessed
Turkey (Map pp72 3; 331 4788; tcdubkon@emirates may charge as little as Dh2 an hour for access.
x
The Islamic calendar starts at the year AD
through a proxy server, which blocks pornog-
.net.ae; 11th fl, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed The following are pleasant and reliable:
622, when Prophet Mohammed fled Mecca
raphy, gay interest sites, websites considered
Rd; 10am-noon Sun-Mon, Wed & Thu)
h Al-Jalssa Internet Café (Map pp62 3; 351 4617;
for the city of Medina. It is called the Hejira x
critical of Islam or the UAE s leaders, dating
calendar (hejira means  flight ). As it is a lunar Al-Ain Shopping Centre, Al-Mankhool Rd; 8am-1am)
h
UK (Map pp62 3; 309 4444; www.britishembassy.gov
x
and gambling sites, drug-related material and
calendar, it s roughly 11 days shorter than the Wireless internet at Dh10 per hour.
.uk/uae; Al-Seef Rd, Bur Dubai; 7.30am-2.30pm Sun-Thu)
h
the entire Israeli domain. To the irritation of
Gregorian (Western) calendar, which means
x
the country s huge foreign workforce, peer- F1 Net Café (Map pp76 7; 345 1232; Palm Strip Shop-
USA (Map pp72 3; 311 6000; www.dubai.usconsulate
x
that Islamic holidays fall 11 days earlier each
to-peer and Voice over Internet Protocol ping Centre, Jumeirah Rd; 10am-10pm)
h
.gov; 21st fl, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Rd,
year. However, this is not a fixed rule, as the
(VoIP) software such as Skype is banned in
Za abeel; 7.30am-4pm Sat-Wed)
h
exact dates of Islamic holidays depend upon
the UAE.
the sighting of the moon at a particular stage
LEGAL MATTERS
Every major hotel offers in-room internet
in its cycle. This can be as informal as a group
Dubai maintains the death penalty for drug
access, either broadband or wireless. Hotels
EMERGENCY
of elderly imams being taken on a night-time
importation, although the penalty usually
usually charge extortionate rates for an hour
Ambulance ( 998/999)
x drive into the desert to confer on whether
ends up being a very long jail term (see boxed
of access (Dh40 to Dh60 is not uncommon)
or not the new moon is visible. This is why
Fire department ( 997)
x text, p186). Jail sentences for being involved in
and more reasonable rates if you pay for 24
Islamic holidays are not announced until a
drugs by association are also fairly common.
hours up front (around Dh80 to Dh100).
Police ( 999)
x
day or two before they occur, and why they
That means that even if you are in a room
Hotels aren t the cheapest source of wi-fi
differ from country to country.
access. Etisalat s Hotspots service is avail- where there are drugs, but are not partak-
ing, you could be in as much trouble as those
able at all branches of Starbucks, Barista and
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
who are. The UAE has a small but growing
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, as well as the major
Homosexual acts are illegal under UAE law Ramadan
drug problem, and the authorities are crack-
shopping malls and various other restaurants
and can incur a jail term. You will see men This is the month during which Muslims fast
ing down hard on it. The secret police are
and cafés (see www.etisalat.ae for the full list).
walking hand in hand, but that s most likely during the daylight hours. They must also
pervasive, and they include officers of many
The easiest way to gain access is by buying
a sign of friendship and is no indication of refrain from sex, swearing, smoking or any
nationalities. Theft and writing bad cheques
a prepaid card from the venue itself, or by
184 185
lonelyplanet.com
lonelyplanet.com
DIRECTORY EMERGENCY
DIRECTORY INTERNET ACCESS
If you need nonurgent care, ask your consulate or will take one type only. Some places will only
for the latest list of recommended doctors and exchange travellers cheques if you can produce
DRUGS: ZERO TOLERANCE
dentists. Some are listed here in case you need your original purchase receipt. If you don t
We can t shout the following words loudly enough: do not attempt to carry illegal drugs into Dubai. In fact, even if
to find one and your consulate is closed: have the receipt, try asking for the manager.
you re not attempting to import drugs, you should double-check that there isn t the faintest speck of anything illegal
Currencies of neighbouring countries are
Al-Zahra Private Medical Centre (Map pp72 3; 331
x
anywhere in your baggage or on your person. You must also ensure that medicines and drugs legal in your country are
all recognised and easily changed with the
5000; Za abeel Tower, Sheikh Zayed Rd)
legal in Dubai before travelling with them. If you have illegal substances in your bloodstream, this still counts as pos-
exception of the Yemeni rial. American Ex-
session too, and a urine test could see you found guilty. Several drugs available over the supermarket counter in other
Dubai London Clinic (Map pp76 7; 344 6663; Al-Wasl
x
press (Amex) is represented in Dubai by Kanoo
countries are banned substances in the United Arab Emirates. Fair Trials International (www.fairtrials.net) publishes
Rd, Jumeirah) The clinic also has an emergency section and
Travel (Map pp64 5; 336 5000; Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
x
a list of banned substances on their website.
dental services.
Rd, Karama; 8.30am-5pm Sat-Thu). The office is on
h
There are a number of tourists in Dubai prisons or detention centres still waiting to discover what they re being
Manchester Clinic (Map pp76 7; 344 0300; Jumeirah the 1st floor of the Hermitage Building, next
x
charged for. Some recent cases reveal just how unforgiving Dubai s drug laws are:
Rd, just north of McDonald s) to the main post office.

A British tourist was arrested at Dubai airport after 0.03g of cannabis, an amount smaller than a grain of sugar
and invisible to the human eye, was detected on the stub of a cigarette stuck to the sole of his shoe. He was
sentenced to four years in prison.
NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES
MONEY

A British TV producer was arrested and held for possessing the health supplement melatonin, which is taken to
English-language newspapers in Dubai include
The UAE dirham (Dh) is divided into 100 fils.
cure jet lag and is legal in the UK and Dubai. After being cleared of importing an illegal substance, he was held for
the free 7 Days (www.7days.ae  amusingly pub-
Notes come in denominations of five, 10, 20,
over a month without charges in a Dubai prison while they tested the rest of his possessions. See www.freediz
lished six days a week), the government-owned
50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000. There are Dh1, 50
.com for more information on this case.
and infuriatingly obsequious Emirates Business
fils, 25 fils, 10 fils and 5 fils coins. The coins

A Saudi man was sentenced to four years in prison after a tiny and dried up leaf of Qat (a mild stimulant, which is
24/7 (www.business24-7.ae), the high-design
only show the denomination in Arabic, so it s
legal in Yemen) was found on his clothing.
weekly tabloid Xpress (www.xpress4me.com),
a great way to learn. At the time of writing, the

A Swiss man was reportedly imprisoned after customs officials found three poppy seeds on his clothes. These had
and the long-established dailies (Gulf News,
UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar, but
fallen off a bread roll he ate at Heathrow.
Khaleej Times and Gulf Today). At the time of
rising inflation has fuelled speculation that

A British woman was held in custody for two months before UAE customs officers accepted that the codeine she
writing, the Abu Dhabi government was pre-
this will soon change.
was using for her back problem had been prescribed by a doctor.
paring to launch The Nation, the region s most
ambitious English-language daily newspaper to
ATMs & Credit Cards
date, with a staff of around 180 journalists. For
are also taken pretty seriously and usually publishes a more detailed Dubai Map (Dh45)
There are globally linked ATMs all over Dubai,
more on the local media, see p37.
involve jail and deportation. and an Off-Road Map (Dh30), which is very
at banks, shopping malls and at the upmarket
International newspapers and news maga-
If you are arrested, you have the right to a useful if you plan to drive in the desert.
hotels. Visa, MasterCard and American Ex- zines such as the International Herald Trib-
phone call, which you should make as soon
press are widely accepted at shops, hotels and
une and The Economist are fairly easy to find,
as possible (ie before you are detained in a
restaurants throughout Dubai and debit cards
though expensive and sometimes several days
MEDICAL SERVICES
police cell or prison pending investigation,
are accepted at bigger retail outlets.
or a week out of date. The Times is the first
There are pharmacies on just about every
where making contact with anyone could be
UK newspaper to print a daily Dubai edition
street in Dubai. See the daily newspapers for
difficult). Call your embassy or consulate first.
and the Financial Times publishes a Middle
a list of pharmacies that are open 24 hours
If there is an accident, it s a case of being guilty
Changing Money
East edition.
on that particular day. If you need to get to a
until proven innocent. This means that if you
You ll probably get a better deal at Dubai air-
Many shops also sell Indian newspapers
pharmacy urgently, call 223 2323, a hotline
x
are in a road traffic accident, you may be held
port than you will at your home country, but
such as Malayalam Manorama and the
that will tell you where the nearest open phar-
under police guard until an investigation re-
the best rates are to be found in the city itself.
Times of India. The Arabic dailies are Al-
macy is. As a visitor you will receive medical
veals whose fault the accident was. Note that
In central Deira, especially along Sikkat al-
Bayan (published in Dubai), Al-Khaleej and
care, but you will be charged for it. It s im-
drinking alcohol in a public place that is not
Khail St, and around Baniyas Sq, every other
Al-Ittihad (both published in Abu Dhabi).
portant to have health cover for your trip as
a licensed venue is illegal. The penalties vary
building seems to contain a bank or a mon-
Foreign newspapers are available in larger
a lengthy stay in a hospital in Dubai will be
from a warning to a fine. If police approach you
eychanger. In Bur Dubai there are plenty of
bookshops and hotels as well as Spinneys and
expensive. Generally the standard of medical
when you re camping, put away any alcohol.
moneychangers (though most of them only
Choithrams supermarkets. Time Out Dubai
services is good.
Dubai Police has established a Department
take cash and not travellers cheques) around
is produced weekly and has detailed listings
The following government hospitals have
of Tourist Security ( 800 4438) to help visitors
x
the abra dock. Thomas Cook Al-Rostamani
and stories on upcoming events. It costs Dh5,
emergency departments:
with any legal complications they may face
has a number of branches around the city,
although you ll find it free in Dubai s better
Al-Maktoum Hospital (Map pp54 5; 222 1211; Al-
on their trip. x
including one on Sheik Zayed Rd (Map pp72 3),
hotel rooms. What s On is the other listings
Maktoum Hospital Rd, near cnr Omar ibn al-Khattab Rd,
south of the Crowne Plaza Hotel; on Kuwait
monthly and costs Dh10, although it s a lot
Rigga)
St (Map pp64 5) in Bur Dubai; and on Rd 14 (Map
tamer than the competition.
MAPS
pp54 5) in Deira, near Al-Khaleej Hotel.
Al-Wasl Hospital (Map pp64 5; 324 1111; Oud Metha
x
Maps of Dubai are available from the bigger
If you are changing more than US$250 it
Rd, south of Al-Qataiyat Rd, Za abeel)
bookshops (see the Shopping chapter, p86). All
might pay to do a little shopping around. Mon-
ORGANISED TOURS
the maps mentioned here should also be avail- New Dubai Hospital (Map pp54 5; 271 4444; Abu
x
eychangers sometimes have better rates than
able in the bookshops at five star hotels. The
Baker al-Siddiq Rd, near cnr Al-Khaleej Rd, Hor al-Anz)
Creek Cruises
banks, and some don t charge a commission.
Dubai Mini Map (Dh15), published by Ex-
The problem with moneychangers is that some
Bateaux Dubai Cruises (Map pp64 5; 399 4994;
Rashid Hospital (Map pp64 5; 337 4000; off Oud x
x
plorer, provides a large fold-out overview map
of them either will not take travellers cheques
Al-Seef Rd, opposite British Embassy, Bur Dubai Creek;
Metha Rd, near Al-Maktoum Bridge, Bur Dubai)
with detailed maps of key areas. Explorer also
186 187
lonelyplanet.com
lonelyplanet.com
DIRECTORY MAPS
DIRECTORY MONEY
are similar to those in Western countries; It seems almost inconceivable that 20 years
a small letter to Europe, for example, costs ago foreign workers in Dubai were eligible for
GETTING YOUR GOAT Matthew Lee
Dh3.50, while a postcard costs Dh2.50 and a a  hardship allowance  financial compensa-
While researching this book, I was almost arrested for taking a photograph of a goat. It was Eid-al-Adha, a festival traditionally
500g parcel costs Dh31.50. Expect the price to tion for having to live in a boring, conserva-
marked in Pakistan by the sacrificing of a goat, and the butcher s shop on Al-Musallah Rd was heaving. There were at least
double if you send by registered post. tive and unbearably hot place. Back then,
10 goats in the tiny shop, and another five animals and their owners were queuing outside. Even in Bur Dubai this wasn t an
Major post offices: working hours were short and salaries were
everyday sight, so I instinctively pulled my mobile phone out my pocket to take a snapshot. Within seconds a policeman was
high. Today some people will accept a drop
Al-Musallah Post Office (Map pp62 3; 8am-2pm Sat-
h
threatening to arrest me. After demanding to know my nationality, the purpose of my visit to Dubai and the reason why I
in salary to experience the much-feted  Dubai
Thu, 5-9pm Fri) At Al-Fahidi Roundabout in Bur Dubai.
was taking a photograph of a goat, he announced that he would be taking me to the station for taking an  illegal photo . But
dream , despite the fact that inflation is on
it was my lucky day. After talking to one of his colleagues, he suddenly changed his mind; he d let me go free if I deleted the
Al-Rigga Post Office (Map pp56 7; 8am-8pm Sat-
h
the rise, rents are higher than they ve ever
photo from my phone, apologised to the goat concerned (he didn t seem too concerned about an apology for the goat-owner),
Thu, 5-9pm Fri) Near the Clock Tower Roundabout.
been and wages haven t increased in years
and promised never to take a photograph of a goat ever again. Chances are this won t happen to you. But it s worth bearing
(and are now on a par with salaries in the
Main Post Office (Map pp64 5; Za abeel Rd; 8am-8pm
h
in mind that people in Dubai can be very sensitive about tourists taking photographs.
West). For many, these conditions are offset
Sat-Thu, 5-9pm Fri) On Bur Dubai side of the Creek in Karama.
by the fact that the salary is tax free, and that
Satwa Post Office (Map pp76 7; Al-Satwa Rd; 8am-
h
myriad perks are still considered standard
dinner cruise with 4-course set menu Dh175) Dinner cruises No 2, Sheikh Zayed Rd; city tours adult/child 2-12 yrs
8pm Sat-Thu, 5-9pm Fri)
in many expat packages, such as a reloca-
on an elegant boat with a stylish contemporary design and
Dh135/70) Arabian Adventures operates daily half-day city
tion allowance, annual plane tickets home,
floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
tours. From Tuesday to Thursday and on Sundays, it also
Mail generally takes about a week to 10 days
housing, health insurance, kids education
runs a fascinating Al-Jadeedah tour (Dhs425), which covers
Danat Dubai Cruises (Map pp64 5; 351 1117; oppo-
x
to Europe or the USA and eight to 15 days to
allowance, long paid holidays, and gener-
the sites of Dubai s most audacious future megaprojects,
site British Embassy, Bur Dubai Creek; dinner cruise Dh175)
Australia. If you need to send something in
ous gratuity payments for when you decide
before high tea at the Burj Al Arab.
Boarding at 8pm, the licensed two-hour dinner cruise sails
a hurry, it s best to use one of the following
you ve had enough. Still, veteran expats are
by the historical waterfront. Lama Tours (Map pp64 5; 334 4330; www.lama
x
courier agencies:
often heard grumbling that things ain t like
.ae; Al-Sayegh Building, Suite No 202/203, Oud Metha Rd;
Tour Dubai (Map pp54 5; 336 8407; www.tour-dubai Aramex ( 600 544 000) they used to be.
x x
adult/child Dh120/70) As well as the usual city tours, Lama
.com; tour Dh45, dinner cruise Dh200; tours 11.30am, These days many people are moving to
h
DHL ( 800 4004)
x
arranges shopping tours, although whether you really need
Dubai for reasons that are less to do with
1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm, dinner cruise 8.30-10.30pm)
a guide to show you round Deira City Centre and BurJuman FedEx ( 800 4050)
x
financial reward, and more to do with job
Departs in front of Radisson SAS, Deira. Succinct one-hour
is another matter entirely.
satisfaction and being part of the exciting de-
guided dhow tours of Dubai Creek. Plenty of scheduled cruise
velopments that are taking place in the region.
times mean you get a good intro to sights at your conven-
RADIO
The opportunities for career progression are
ience. The licensed dinner cruise with belly dancer is popular.
PHOTOGRAPHY The quality of radio programming is improv-
fantastic. Competition exists, but it s nowhere
Dubai loves technology, so memory cards, ing in Dubai (especially talk radio), but it s
near as tough as it is back home. Whereas the
batteries and other accessories for digital cam- generally a cringe-worthy and ad-saturated
Bus Tours expat of the oil-boom days was in his or her
eras are available everywhere. The best range affair wherever you point the dial.
40s or 50s, white, middle class, and more than
Big Bus Company (Map pp64 5; 340 7709; www
x
and prices are usually found at Carrefour
Channel 4 FM (104.8) Contemporary Top 40.
likely worked in oil, gas, petroleum, construc-
.bigbus.co.uk; Wafi City Mall, Bur Dubai; adult/child/
(p92) or Plug-Ins (p94). The UAE uses the PAL
tion, nursing, teaching or foreign relations,
Dubai Eye FM (103.8) News, talk and sport.
family Dh175/100/450, discounts on online bookings) One
video system and all imaginable accessories
times have changed. The new expats come in
of Dubai s most surreal sights is that of the Big Bus Company s
Dubai FM (92) Classic hits from the  80s, 90s etc, as well as
are available from Carrefour and Plug-Ins.
all ages, races, nationalities and classes, and
open-topped London double-decker buses plying a red city
dance and lounge on weekends.
If you take photographs of government of-
the work itself is more glamorous, with the
route (every 20 minutes) and blue beach route (every half
fices and military areas, you will arouse sus-
Emirates 1 FM (100.5 and 104.1) Popular music.
most coveted opportunities being in tourism,
hour) from 9am to 5pm every day. The 24-hour ticket allows
picion and could get into trouble. You should
hospitality, marketing, PR and advertising,
Emirates 2 FM (90.5 and 98.5) Eclectic programming.
you to get off and back on at any one of 23 well-positioned
also be wary of photographing people without
real-estate development, project manage-
stops (maps and stops online) and includes free entry to the
their permission (see boxed text, above), espe-
ment, architecture, interior design, fashion
It s worth searching through the dial, as there
Dubai Museum (p61), Sheikh Saeed al-Maktoum House (p66)
cially covered women.
and entertainment. While the opportunities
are stations playing Hindi, Arabic and Indian
and a Wafi City discount card. There s a running commentary
The best spots for photography tend to be
are fantastic, the work culture can be intense.
regional music, and stations where you can
in English.
near the Creek, where you can capture dhows,
Late nights and weekends in the office are
hear recitations of the Quran  very soothing
abras, historical buildings and Dubai s most
Wonder Bus Tours (Map pp62 3; 359 5656; www
x
commonplace and it can be tricky achieving
when you re stuck in Dubai s horrific traffic.
colourful city scenes. Lonely Planet s Urban
.wonderbusdubai.com; BurJuman Centre, cnr Khalid bin
the right life balance.
Travel Photography by Richard I Anson will
al-Waleed (Bank St) & Trade Centre Rds, Bur Dubai; adult/
While Dubai may not be as culturally ac-
help you get the best results.
child/family Dh115/75/350) Twice a day (11am and 3pm) tive as many other cities (there s very little
RELOCATING
this amphibious bus drives down to the Creek, plunges into theatre, live music and quality cinema), it s
If you like Dubai so much you don t want to
the water, cruises for an hour, and then drives back onto
leave, you may not have to. In most cases, relo- easier to get noticed if you are a budding
POST
land and returns to the BurJuman Centre. playwright, actor, musician or film direc-
cating to Dubai is easy. To secure a three-year
Emirates Post is the UAE s official postal serv-
tor. The opportunities to travel from Dubai
residency permit, you need either an employer
ice. There are post boxes at most of the major
are fantastic, with the Indian subcontinent,
to sponsor you (see Work, p192), a spouse with
shopping centres. There are also a number
City Tours
Eastern Europe, East Africa and all of the
a job who can sponsor you, or ownership of
of fax and postal agencies dotted along the
Arabian Adventures (Map p52; 303 4888; www.ara
x freehold property, which comes with a renew- Middle East accessible within a few hours
small streets in Bur Dubai and Deira. Prices
flying time. And then there s the affordable
bian-adventures.com; Emirates Holidays Bldg, Interchange able residency permit.
188 189
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DIRECTORY PHOTOGRAPHY
DIRECTORY RADIO
fine dining, the beaches, the desert trips at daylight saving into account, when it s noon in quasi-official travel agency in Dubai; it has a
TELEPHONE
weekends, the inspiring multiculturalism and Dubai, the time elsewhere is as follows: monopoly on travel services at a wholesale
The UAE has an efficient and modern tel-
the chance to learn about the Arab World
level. The DNATA head office (Map pp56 7; 295 1111;
x
ecommunications system. Until 2007, Etisalat
and Islam. City Time
Al-Maktoum Rd, Deira) is at the DNATA Airline
(Map pp54 5; cnr Baniyas & Omar ibn al-Khattab Rds; 24hr)
h
For a detailed guide to relocating to the
Centre. There are other branches opening
Auckland 8pm
had monopolised the industry. The much-
Gulf, see Lonely Planet s Oman, UAE & Ara-
around the city.
London 8am
heralded advent of a competitor, Du (Map pp76 7;
bian Peninsula guide. For information on
Los Angeles midnight
Jumeirah Centre, Jumeirah Rd; 10am-10pm), turned
h
long-term rentals, see p150.
New York 3am
out to be an anticlimax. The government owns
TRAVELLERS WITH
Paris & Rome 9am
the majority stake in both companies and
Perth & Hong Kong 4pm
DISABILITIES
SAFETY their tariffs are almost identical.
Sydney 6pm
Dubai has made a big effort in recent years to
On the whole, Dubai is a very safe city, but you Coin phones have almost been completely
improve its services for physically challenged
should exercise the same sort of caution with taken over by cardphones. Phonecards are
people. Most major hotels can cater to the
your personal safety as you would anywhere. available in various denominations from gro-
TIPPING
needs of wheelchair users and the Department
Due to Dubai s location at the heart of the cery stores, supermarkets and petrol stations 
Service charges are often included in restau-
Gulf, the US Department of State and Brit- do not buy them from street vendors. Note of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM; 223 0000;
x
rant bills. If not, 10% is usually sufficient.
ish Foreign Office both warn travellers of a that there are two phonecards, one for card-
www.dubaitourism.co.ae) has a highly detailed list
However, tips in Dubai don t always reach the
general threat from terrorism. phones and one for mobile phones operating
of facilities for disabled people at dozens of
pockets of the person who served you. See p105
One very real danger in Dubai is bad driv- on the Wasel GSM service.
hotels, which it will fax to you on request.
for more information.
ing. We also don t recommend that you swim, To phone another country from the UAE,
The DTCM website includes a Special Needs
water-ski or jet-ski in the Creek. The tides in dial 00 followed by the country code. If
x section, which contains information on
the Gulf are not strong enough to flush the you want to call the UAE, the country code
TOILETS wheelchair-accessible parks, heritage sites,
Creek out on a regular basis, so it is not a clean is 971. The area code for Dubai is 04,
x x The best advice is to go when you can. The very cinemas and malls. All the major shopping
waterway, despite what the tourist authorities though if you are calling from outside the
few public toilets on the streets are usually only centres have wheelchair access, but ramps in
might tell you. Also, be careful when swim- UAE you drop the zero.
for men. Public toilets in shopping centres, car parks and into most buildings in the city
ming in the open sea. Despite the small surf, are few and far between. The airport is par-
museums, restaurants and hotels are Western
Directory enquiries ( 181)
x
currents can be very strong and drownings ticularly well equipped, with a quick check-in
style and are generally well maintained. On an
International directory assistance ( 151)
x
are not uncommon. and porters, and most parking areas in town
excursion outside Dubai you might have to
contend with  hole in the ground loos at the contain spaces for disabled drivers.
Faxes back of restaurants or petrol stations. You can order taxis that are equipped to
SMOKING
Most typing and photocopying shops also carry wheelchairs from Dubai Transport ( 208
x
At the start of 2008, Dubai Municipality ex-
have fax machines you can use. You ll find the
0808). The airport has facilities for the disabled,
tended its smoking ban to cover most public
TOURIST INFORMATION
highest concentration of these just north of
including low check-in counters, lounges and
places, with the exception of nightclubs and
the Clock Tower Roundabout on Abu Baker
carts, but things get more difficult once you
Local Tourist Offices
bars. Most shopping malls, hotels, restaurants
al-Siddiq Rd in Deira (North).
are out of the airport even though many hotels
The Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
and cafés have designated smoking areas,
in Dubai now claim that they are disabled-
(DTCM; 223 0000; www.dubaitourism.ae) is the of-
x
and most hotels have designated smoking
friendly. Dubai Museum has ramps; however,
ficial tourism board of the Dubai government.
rooms. The fine for lighting up in a non- Mobile Phone
other tourist attractions are difficult places for
It is also the sole regulating, planning and
smoking area is typically between Dh500 and Mobile numbers begin with either 050 (Etis-
disabled visitors to get around on their own.
licensing authority for the tourist industry in
Dh1000. alat) or 055 (Du). If you don t have a world-
Dubai. It has three main welcome bureaus you
While smoking is not particularly prevalent wide roaming service and want to use your
can call for information or for help in booking
among UAE nationals, the large expat com- mobile phone in Dubai, you can buy a prepaid
VISAS
hotels, tours and car hire: the airport arrivals
munities from India, Pakistan, Lebanon and SIM card from Etisalat, Dubai Duty Free or
To visit Dubai your passport must have at least
area (just after customs, on your left), Baniyas
Egypt tend to be fond of their cigarettes. The one of Dubai s myriad mobile phone shops.
six months validity from your date of arrival.
Sq and way down Sheikh Zayed Rd on the way
relatively low cost of cigarettes (around Dh7 This excellent-value Ahlan Visitor s Mobile
Visit visas valid for 60 days are available on
to Abu Dhabi (around 40km out of Dubai).
for a packet of 20) often entices European Package lasts 90 days, costs Dh90 and includes
arrival in the UAE at approved ports of entry,
There are also smaller information desks at
smokers to stock up before heading home. Al- Dh35 of credit. Domestic calls cost Dh0.50 a
including all airports and ports, for citizens of
all the major shopping malls.
though smoking  of cigarettes and sheesha  minute and international calls are priced at
most developed countries. These include all
is still seen as a male activity in some quarters, Dh2.50 a minute. Recharge cards are available
Airport (Map pp56 7; 224 5252/224 4098; 24hr)
x h Western European countries (except Malta
women smokers should have no qualms about for purchase from grocery stores, supermar-
and Cyprus), Australia, Brunei, Canada, Hong
Baniyas Sq (Map pp54 5; 228 5000; Baniyas Sq;
x
lighting up. kets and petrol stations  once again, do not
Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singa-
9am-9pm Sat-Thu, 3-9pm Fri)
h
Many people who don t smoke cigarettes buy them from street vendors.
pore, South Korea and the USA. Tourist visas
Sheikh Zayed Rd ( 883 3397; Sheikh Zayed Rd;
do smoke sheesha (water pipes filled with x
are valid for 60 days despite the fact that the
9am-9pm Sat-Thu, 3-9pm Fri)
scented or fruit-flavoured tobacco). There h
stamp on your passport, which is in Arabic,
TIME
are sheesha cafes all over Dubai and these are
says it is valid for 30 days. No fee is charged
Dubai is four hours ahead of GMT. The time
great places in which to strike up a conversa-
Dubai National Travel & Tourist Authority
for tourist visas. If you overstay on your visa,
does not change during the summer. Not taking
tion with local people.
(DNATA), part of the Emirates Group, is the
you will be fined Dh100 for each day over.
190 191
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DIRECTORY SAFETY
DIRECTORY TIPPING
© Lonely Planet Publications
think twice about taking a room in some of paperwork. Those on a residence visa who isn t really the most effective way to go about
the budget hotels in Deira and Bur Dubai. are sponsored by a spouse who is in turn it. Firstly, most employees are on a contract
VIS-Ä„-VIS OMAN
Although things might be better in Dubai sponsored by an employer are not officially that s generally for three years. Secondly, there
Coming from Dubai, many nationalities can enter
than other parts of the Gulf, it does not mean permitted to work. This rule is often broken, are a lot of sums to be done before you can re-
Oman without visa charges if they have tourist visas
that some of the problems that accompany and it is possible to find work in the public ally figure out whether the amount you re of-
or entry stamps issued by Dubai authorities. They are
travel in the Middle East will not arise here or private sector. If you are in this situa- fered is going to make financial sense. Things
also free to depart for, or return from, a third destina-
as well, such as unwanted male attention and tion, remember that your spouse, and not such as a housing allowance, medical cover-
tion through land or air facilities in either country.
long, lewd stares, especially on public beaches. the company you work for, is your sponsor. age, holidays and schooling (for those with
If you are visiting Oman on a tourist visa, these
Try not to be intimidated; it helps to retain a One effect of this is that you may only be kids) have to be taken into account before
same nationalities can enter the UAE by land, air or
sense of humour. able to apply for a tourist visa to another you can decide.
sea without visa charges.
Gulf Arab country with a consent letter from Target who you want to work with and try
your spouse. In some cases you will need to to set up meetings before you arrive. Email
Safety Precautions
be accompanied by your spouse, who has and follow up with a phone call or two. Em-
It is not possible to enter with an Israeli
Dubai is a relatively liberal place and people
company sponsorship. Similarly, if you want ployers in Dubai are very fond of people with
passport, although following a change in pol-
here are used to Western women. While it is
to apply for a driving licence, you will also qualifications. However, it s of little conse-
icy you can now enter Dubai with an Israeli
liberal, do yourself a favour and wear more
need a consent letter from your spouse. quence which higher learning establishment
stamp in a non-Israeli passport. Don t worry
than a skimpy tank top to places like shopping
If you obtain your residence visa through you attended  it s of lesser importance than
if you have a Jewish-sounding name. This is
malls where Emiratis will be present. While
an employer and then quit because you ve the paper it s written on. Teachers, nurses
not an issue at all.
they re too good a host to actually say any-
found something better, you may find your- and those in engineering are highly valued
Citizens of the other Gulf Cooperative
thing, most Emiratis find this disrespectful.
self under a six-month ban from working in in Dubai and are well paid.
Council (GCC) countries do not need visas
When it comes to beach parties and night-
the UAE. This rule is designed to stop people The Khaleej Times and the Gulf News pub-
to enter the UAE, and can stay pretty much
clubs almost anything goes, but take a taxi
from job hopping. lish employment supplements several times a
as long as they want. For citizens of other
there and back. Keep in mind also that many
If you are employed in Dubai and have any week. When you find a job, you will be offered
countries, a transit or tourist visa must be
of Dubai s bars and clubs (even some five-
work-related problems, you can call the Ministry an employment contract in Arabic and Eng-
arranged through a sponsor. This can be a
star hotels) have  working women operating
lish. Get the one in Arabic translated before
of Labour Helpline ( 800 665) for advice.
hotel, a company or a resident of the UAE. x
in them.
you sign it.
Most hotels charge a fee of around Dh200 for
If you travel outside Dubai, keep in mind
arranging a visa. Business Aid Centre ( 337 5747; www.bacdubai.com;
x
that everywhere else in the UAE is far more
Finding Work
PO Box 8743, Dubai)
conservative. Apply common sense  don t
While plenty of people turn up in Dubai on
wear tight and revealing clothes that are just SOS Recruitment Consultants ( 396 5600; www.sos
a visit visa, decide they like the look of the x
Visa Extensions
going to make your life difficult. It s sensible
place and then scout around for a job, this .co.ae; PO Box 6948, Dubai)
Visit visas can be extended once for 30 days by
to sit in the back seat of taxis. You ll find that
the Department of Immigration and Naturalisation (Map
you ll often be asked to take the front seat in
pp62 3; 398 1010; Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd), near
x
buses or be asked to sit next to other women.
the Za abeel Roundabout, for Dh500 and a
This is so you can avoid the embarrassment
fair amount of paperwork. You may be asked
of men s stares.
to provide proof of funds. It s much easier,
In banks, Etisalat offices, post offices and
and usually cheaper, to leave the country for
libraries there are usually separate sections or
a few hours and head back for a new stamp.
windows for women  great when there s a
People have been known to stay in Dubai for
queue  so take advantage of it. In small Arab
a year or more simply by flying out to Bah-
and Indo-Pakistani restaurants you will often
rain, Doha, Muscat or Kish (an island off the
be ushered into the  family room . You don t
Iranian coast) every two months and picking
have to sit here, but the room is there to save
up a new visa on their return at a total cost of
you from being stared at by men.
about Dh400 per trip.
Visas can only be extended in the city or
emirate you arrived in, so if you landed in
WORK
Sharjah, you can t get your visa extended in
You can pre-arrange work in the UAE, but if
Dubai.
you enter the country on a visit visa and then
find work, you will have to leave the country
for one day and re-enter under your employ-
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
er s sponsorship.
Attitudes Towards Women If you have arranged to work in Dubai
In general, Dubai is one of the best Mid- you will enter the country on a visit visa
dle East destinations for women travellers. sponsored by your employer while your
Checking into hotels is not usually a problem, residence visa is processed. This process in-
but unaccompanied women might want to volves a blood test for HIV/AIDS and lots of
192 193
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DIRECTORY WOMEN TRAVELLERS
DIRECTORY WORK
© Lonely Planet Publications
3 thalatha Where s the nearest ...?
4 arba a wayn aghrab ...?
LANGUAGE
5 khamsa automatic teller machine (ATM)
6 sitta alet saref/sarraf alee
7 sab a foreign exchange office
Arabic is the official language of the UAE, but English is also widely under- maktab al-serafa
8 thimania
stood. Despite the prevalence of English, you ll find that locals appreciate
9 tis a
travellers trying to speak Arabic, no matter how muddled you may think
10 ashra
Post
you sound. Learn a few key Arabic phrases before you go. Write them down 11 hda ash
Where is the post office?
on pieces of paper and stick them on the fridge, by the bed or even on the 12 thna ash
wayn maktab el-bareed?
computer  anywhere that you ll see them often. A good way to start learning 13 thalathta ash
is through Lonely Planet s compact but comprehensive Middle East Phrasebook. 14 arba ata ash
I want to send a ...
It covers the predominant languages and Arabic dialects of the region and 15 khamista ash
ana areed an arsell an ...
includes script throughout. 16 sitta ash
fax faks
17 sabi ta ash
parcel barsell/ta rd
18 thimanta ash
Do you understand (me)? postcard beetaga bareediya/kart
19 tisi ta ash
SOCIAL
hal bitifhaam (alay)?
20  ishreen
I understand. I want to buy ...
Meeting People
21 wahid wa  ishreen
(by a man) ana fahim ana areed an ashtaree ...
Hello/Welcome.
22 ithneen wa  ishreen
(by a woman) ana fahma an aerogram reesala jaweeya
marhaba
23 thalatha wa  ishreen
I don t understand. an envelope zaref
Peace be upon you.
30 thalatheen
(by a man) ana mu fahim a stamp tab eh bareed
al-salaam alaykum
40 arbi een
(by a woman) ana mu fahma
Peace be upon you. (response)
50 khamseen
wa alaykum e-salaam
60 sitteen
Phones & Mobiles
Could you please ...?
How are you?
70 saba een
I want to buy a (phone card).
mumkin min fadhlak ...?
kay fahlak?
80 thimaneen
ana areed ashtaree (beetaget hatef/
repeat that a id hatha
Good, thanks.
90 tis een kart telefon)
speak more slowly takalam shwai shwai
zein, shukran
100 imia I want to make a call (to ...)
write it down iktbha lee
Goodbye.
101 imia wahid ana areed an atsell (bee ...)
fI man ullah or ma al salaama
102 imia wa-ithneen I want to make a reverse-charge/collect call.
Goodbye. (response)
Going Out
103 imia wa-thalatha ana areed tahweel kulfet al-mukalama ila
(to a man) alla ysalmak
What s on ...?
200 imiatain al-mutagee
(to a woman) alla ysalmich
maza yahdos ...?
300 thalatha imia
Goodbye.
locally mahaleeyan
1000 alf Where can I find a/an ...?
(to a man) hayyaakallah
this weekend fee nihayet hatha
2000 alfayn wayn mumkin an ajed ...?
(to a woman) hayyachallah
alesboo a
I d like a/an ...
3000 thalath-alaf
Goodbye. (response)
today al-yom
ana areed ...
(to a man) alla yhai eek
tonight al-layla
adaptor plug
(to a woman) alla yhai eech
Days
maakhaz tawseel
Please.
Monday yom al-ithneen
Where are the places to eat?
charger for my phone
(to a man) min fadhlak
wayn el mahalat al-aakl? Tuesday yom al-thalath
shahen leel hatef
(to a woman) min fadhlich
Wednesday yom al-arbaa
mobile/cell phone for hire
Thank you (very much).
Thursday yom al-khamis
mobail ( mobile ) leel ajar
PRACTICAL
shukran (jazeelan)
Friday yom al-jama a
prepaid mobile/cell phone
You re welcome.
Saturday yom as-sabt
mobail moos baq aldaf
Question Words
al-afu
Sunday yom al-had
SIM card for your network
Who? mnu?
Excuse me.
seem kart lee shabaket al-itsalaat
What? shu?
(to a man) lau tismah
When? mata?
Banking
(to a woman) lau tismahin
Where? wayn?
I want to ...
Yes. Internet
How? chayf?
ana areed an ...
na am Where s the local internet café?
How many? cham?
No. cash a cheque
wayn magha al-internet?
la asref el-chek
If God is willing. Numbers & Amounts change money I d like to ...
insha allah 0 sifr asref beezat ana abga an ...
Do you speak English? 1 wahid change some travellers cheques check my email chayk al-emayl malee
titkallam ingleezi? 2 ithneen asref chekat siyaheeya get online ahsaal ala khat internet
194 195
194 195
L ANGUAGE SOCIAL
LANGUAGE PRACTICAL
breakfast futtoor
Transport
khor  inlet or creek
GLOSSARY
lunch ghadha
When does the ... leave?
liwa  traditional dance performed to a rapid tempo
dinner asha
This glossary contains a list of terms you may hear on your
mata yamshi ...
and loud drumbeat; it is usually sung in Swahili and
snack akal khafif
travels through Dubai. For food terms you ll commonly
When does the ... arrive?
most likely brought to the Gulf by East African slaves
eat kol
find in the city, check out the Lebanese Food Lingo 101
mata yusal ... (m)
luban  frankincense
drink ishrab (p111) and Farsi Food (p108) boxed texts.
boat il-markab
maghrib  sunset
train il-qittar
abaya  woman s full-length black robe
majlis  formal meeting room or reception area
For more detailed information on eating and
mata tusal ... (f)
abra  small, flat-decked boat; water taxi
Majlis, The  parliament
dining out, see p104.
bus il-bas
adhan  call to prayer
mandir  temple
plane il-tayara
agal  headropes used to hold a gutra in place
manior  percussion instrument of a belt decorated
al-housh  courtyard
EMERGENCIES with dried goat hooves
What time s the ... bus?
areesh  palm fronds used to construct houses
It s an emergency! masayf  traditional summer house incorporating a
mata ... bas?
asr  mid-afternoon
barjeel
halet isa af!
first awal
attar  perfume
masgouf  fish dish
last akhar Could you please help me/us?
ayyalah  Bedouin dance
mashait  traditional winter house incorporating a
mumkin an toosaadnee min fadhlak?
azan  call to prayer
courtyard
What time s the next bus?
Call the (police/a doctor/an ambulance)!
baiti  romantic Arabic poetry style
masjid  mosque
mata il-bas al-thani?
etasell bil (shurta/tabeeb/sayyaret al-isa af)!
barasti  traditional Gulf method of building palm-leaf
mathaf  museum
Are you free? (taxi)
Where s the police station?
houses; house built with palm leaves
mihrab  niche in a mosque indicating the direction
anta fathee?
wayn marekaz al-shurta?
barjeel  wind-tower; architectural feature of masayf
of Mecca
Please put the meter on.
houses designed to keep the house cool
mimzar  oboe-like instrument
lau samaht shagal al-addad
bateel  young shoot of date-palm plant
mina  port
How much is it to ...?
HEALTH
burj  tower
muezzin  mosque official who sings the azan
bcham la ...?
Where s the nearest ...?
burqa  head scarf
mullah  Muslim scholar, teacher or religious leader
Please take me to (this address).
wayn aghrab ...?
dabar  cheap eatery
lau samaht wasalni la (hadha elonwan)
chemist (night) saydalee (laylee) nabati  Arabic vernacular poetry
dosa  flat grilled bread
dentist tabeeb asnan
oud  wooden Arabian lute; also the wood used to
dhuhr  noon
doctor tabeeb
burn with frankincense
FOOD
dhow  traditional sailing vessel of the Gulf
hospital mustashfa
Can you recommend a ...
dishdasha  man s shirt-dress qibla  the direction of Mecca, indicated in a mosque
mumkin an tansahanee ala ...?
by the mihrab
fajr  dawn
I have (a) ...
bar/pub baar
falaj  traditional irrigation channel Ramadan  Muslim month of fasting
ana andee ...
café magha
diarrhoea is-haal ghatic  large tree like a weeping willow sabkha  salt-crusted coastal plain
restaurant mata am
gurdwara  Sikh place of worship saruj  clay and manure building material mix
fever sukhoona
gutra  white headcloth shayla  black veil
Is service/cover charge included in the bill? headache suda or waja ras
sheesha  tall, glass-bottomed smoking implement;
hal al-fattoora tashmole al-khadma aidan? pain alam/waja
habban  Arabian bagpipes
also called a water pipe or hubbly-bubbly
haj  Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca
sheikh  venerated religious scholar, tribal chief, ruler
halal  meat from animals killed according to Islamic law
or elderly man worthy of respect
hammam  bathhouse
sheikha  daughter of a sheikh
hammour  common species of fish in Gulf waters
haram  forbidden by Islamic law tafila  prose-style Arabic poetry
hawala  written order of payment talli  ancient Nubian art
Hejira  meaning  flight the Islamic calendar is called tamboura  harplike instrument with five horse-gut
the Hejira calendar strings that are plucked with sheep horns
tolah  a measure of perfume; 12mL or 12g
imam  prayer leader, Muslim cleric
Trucial States  former name of the United Arab Emir-
isha a  twilight
ates; also called Trucial Coast and Trucial sheikdoms
jasr  drum covered with goatskin, which is slung
umrah  little pilgrimage
around the neck and hit with sticks
jebel  hill, mountain wasta  influence gained by connections in high places
wind-tower  barjeel; architectural feature of masayf
kandoura  casual shirt-dress worn by men and women
houses designed to keep the house cool
khaleeji  traditional Gulf-style music
wudu  practice of ritual washing before daily prayer
khanjar  traditional curved dagger
196 197
196 197
LANGUAGE FOOD
LANGUAGE GLOSSARY
© Lonely Planet Publications
© Lonely Planet Publications. To make it easier for you to use, access to this chapter is not digitally
restricted. In return, we think it s fair to ask you to use it for personal, non-commercial purposes
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198
198
LANGUAGE


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