AROUND THE INDIA

Economy: Oil contributes just 20 per cent of economic production. Trading, manufacturing and services - including tourism - now dominate the economy.
   
Local Time: The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

Population: The population of Dubai was estimated at 757,000 in 1997.

Entering Dubai-Visas: All visitors except AGCC nationals (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia) require a visa sponsored by a local entity such as hotel or company. Visitors may apply for an entry service permit (for 14 days), a visit visa (for 60 days renewable), or a tourist visa (for 30 days, non-renewable). This year department of immigration  is coordinating with Emirates Airline so that visa reuqests   can be processed and cleared within one hour of receiving an e-mail request from the various Emirates'  offices  all over the world for shopping festival.

Airlines may require confirmation that the sponsor is holding a valid visa for incoming tourists. For those travelling onward to a destination other than that of original departure, a special transit visa (up to 96 hours) may be obtained through the same airline carrier operating in the UAE.

British citizens with the right of abode in the UK and expatriate residents of the AGCC who meet certain criteria may obtain (60-day and 30-day, respectively) visas on arrival. All current regulations should be checked before travelling, as they are subject to change. German and US citizens may obtain multiple entry visas from the UAE embassies in their respective countries. Israeli nationals will not be issued visas.
 

Customs Duty-free allowance: Cigarettes - 2000; cigars - 400; tobacco - 2 kg; alcohol (non-Muslim adults only ) - 2 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine; perfume - a reasonable amount. No customs duty is levied on personal effects entering Dubai. Dubai Duty Free has a sales outlet in the Arrivals Hall.
  
Climate: Lightweight synner 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 very relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be be considered revealing. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Good quality sunglasses are advised, and photochromotic lenses for those who wear spectacles. Hats or some protection for the head are advisable when in direct sunlight.
 
Language: The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood. Both Languages are commonly used in business and commerce.
 
Religion: Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city.
Other religions are respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St. Mary's (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (Inter-denominational).
 
Alcohol: Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.
 
Working Hours:  8:00 to 1:00 PM and 4:00 to 7:00 pm (Sat to Wed). Thursday afternoons and Fridays are weekends. 
 
Currency: The Dirham.The exchange rate  US $1 = Dhs 3.67 and Dh 1 = Rs. 11.05 (selling) and Rs. 12 (buying). The dirham (Dh) is divided into 100 fils.