information about fascinating city DUBAI

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Dubai

One of the seven emirates which constitute the United Arab Emirates - is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new. Known in the region as the "city of merchants", Dubai has, for generations, welcomed seafarers and traders to its shores. Today, this tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on. The streets are clean and safe, and travelers are sure to be charmed by the city's warmth and friendliness.

Dubai is referred to as "shoppers paradise" and without doubt, of its many attractions shopping is the greatest one. Being an open port with low import duties, Dubai's retail prices are reasonable and the product range is vast. Items range from designer clothes and hi-tech electronics to ethnic Bedouin jewellery. Shoppers have the choice of buying from elegant shopping malls, boutiques or ethnic souks.

Dubai has something for everyone - from the holidaymaker simply seeking a relaxing break away from the clouds and crowds, to the active tourist looking for a new and exciting experience. The city has superb facilities for sports, shopping, dining and entertainment and is well equipped to cater for the diverse needs of individual travelers, families or incentive groups.

Everything you need to know about Dubai before you get there...



Climate
The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some 13 centimeters a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius to a high of 48 degrees Celsius. The mean daily maximum is 24 degrees in January rising to 41 degrees in July.


Culture
Only about a quarter of Dubai's population is Emirate; expatriates come from all over the world and large communities of Iranians, Brits, Pakistanis, Indians and Philippines call the city home. Arabic is the official language, but English is the language of business and most often used. Urdu, Farsi and Malayalam are also useful. Although there's little in the way of a national cuisine in the UAE - the Bedouin diet catered more to sustenance than to decadence - the city's tradition of trade and long-standing commitment to multiculturalism has nurtured a centuries-old love of international edibles.

If you attend any of Dubai's festivals, you may be lucky enough to see traditional dances like the fast-paced liwa or the Bedouin ayyalah performed. Most Bedouin crafts are practical as well as beautiful: Pots like the birnah and hibb are designed to keep milk cool, while the mehaffa, or hand fan, does the same for you. The barjeel, a windtower and attractive architectural element, directs the smallest breeze into the house; it's surprisingly effective air conditioning.


Dubai Market
International businesses interested in developing their trade with Dubai will find that the market has a number of attractive features, as follows:

1) Large. Despite a relatively small population, Dubai's total imports in 1994 exceeded $14 billion. The reason is that Dubai is the major re-export centre for the region.

2) Growing. The emirate's non-oil imports expanded by 200% between 1986 and 1994. Many of the economies of the region served by Dubai are still at a relatively early stage of development, so there is plenty of long term scope for diversification and expansion in the future. Another important consideration is Dubai's rapidly developing role as a supplier to such emerging markets as India, the CIS, Central Asia and South Africa.

3) Diversified. There is potential for almost any type of goods and services. In the prosperous, but sparsely populated Gulf states, there is demand for foodstuff, high technology equipment and luxury products. But, through its re-export trade, Dubai also reaches an "outer ring" of less prosperous markets. This means there are also opportunities for manufacturers and exporters of less sophisticated equipment and mass consumer products.

4) Free. There are no foreign exchange controls, quotas or trade barriers. Import duties are extremely low, and many products are exempt.

5) Accessible. The emirate's transport infrastructure is unrivalled in the region in terms of size, facilities and efficiency. Its ports are served by more than 100 shipping lines and the airport by 65 airlines. Also, overseas businessmen will find that their counterparts combine local and regional expertise with a full understanding of international business practices. English ranks on a par with Arabic as the main business language of business and there are plenty of foreign banks, lawyers and other advisors - as well as the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, The Economic Department, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority to help those wishing to enter the market.

6) Competitive. Inevitably, the various attractions outlined above have caught the attention of manufacturers and exporters from around the world. Any exporters seeking success in the Dubai market must ensure that their products can hold their own in terms of their price, technology, design and value, just as in any other market of the world.


Economic Policies
In matters unrelated to diplomacy and defense, each emirate enjoys considerable autonomy in managing its own affairs. In business, the government of Dubai is committed to liberal, free market policies and to the creation of a business environment conducive to commercial activity. This approach is well illustrated by the incentives available to investors in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and by the continuing high level of public sector investment in the infrastructure.


Geography
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprise the seven member states of Abu Dhabi, the capital city, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

The total area of the country is about 83,600 square kilometers, much of it in Abu Dhabi emirate. Dubai, with an area of 3,885 square kilometers, is the second largest emirate. Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf which divides the city into the Deira district to its north and Bur Dubai on its south, the city ranks as the UAE's most important port and commercial centre.

The UAE has 700 kilometers of coastline, of which 100 kilometers are on the Gulf of Oman. Along the Arabian Gulf coast there are offshore islands, coral reefs and sabkha, or salt-marshes. Stretches of gravel, plain and barren desert characterize the inland region.

To the east, a range of mountains lies close to the Gulf of Oman and forms a backbone through the Mussandam Peninsula. The western interior of the country, most of it in Abu Dhabi, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oases.


Getting Around
Buses run between Dubai International Airport and Deira bus station every half hour, and metered, beige-colored Dubai Transport taxis take new arrivals to any point in the Deira or Bur Dubai city centers for Dh30. Although they can't serve the airport, there are scores of private taxis in all shapes and colors. As these aren't metered, you may need to haggle a bit about fares.

Local buses run from the Deira bus station, near the gold souq, and the Bur Dubai Station on Al-Ghubaiba Rd. Monthly bus passes, known as taufeer, get you unlimited travel on either side of Dubai Creek (Dh75) or throughout the city (Dh120).

Driving in the city of Dubai is considered an extreme sport, but masochists love it. If you must rent a car, bring your credit card and a copy of your passport. Drinking and driving will get you jail time on top of a stiff fine. Note that all accidents, no matter how small, must be reported to the police.

The older parts of Dubai, with their souqs, fascinating architecture and museums, are best seen on foot. Abras criss-cross Dubai Creek from early morning until around midnight, and are a great, inexpensive way to see the city.


Getting There & Away
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has recently undergone a US$540 million expansion. New facilities include a spa, business and conference rooms, a five-star hotel and, of course, an expanded duty-free store, enlarging what was already one of the biggest in the world. The airport has a long-standing reputation as the Gulf's travel hub.

The national carrier is Emirates, which flies to some 45 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. For all the talk of free markets, air fares out of the UAE are just as strictly regulated as anywhere else; there are no bucket shops. There is no departure tax leaving Dubai International Airport, although there may be in the future.

Buses run throughout the region to other parts of the UAE and surrounding countries. Within the UAE, the only intercity bus route you're likely to use runs to Hatta from the Deira bus station. To get to most other cities in the Emirates, take a Dubai Transport minibus. There are two buses a day to Muscat, Oman. Balawi Bus Service runs to Jordan twice weekly and Egypt on Wednesdays. To arrange buses to Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Syria, you'll need to go to Abu Dhabi.

Long-distance taxis can take you to any other emirate on a shared or 'engaged' basis (which means you'll either have to fill all five seats or pay for them). Settle the price before you leave. There is a Dh20 tax as you cross the UAE border by land.




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Passenger ferries make the 12-hour trip between Sharjah (a twenty-minute drive from Dubai) and the port of Bandaré Abbas in Iran daily. A passenger and car ferry runs from Jebel Ali (30 minutes south of the city center) and Umm Qasr Port in Iraq every Saturday. If you leave the UAE by boat, there's a Dh20 port tax.


Government
The Supreme Council of the UAE, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, is the highest federal authority. It is responsible for general policy matters involving communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and development, and for ratifying federal laws. The President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.

The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto.

While Abu Dhabi is the centre of federal government activities, most ministerial departments also maintain offices in Dubai.


History
Although little is known about the ancient history of this area, archaeological finds suggest that humans have been living here since at least 3000 BC. Other evidence links the peoples of what are now the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman to the mysterious Bronze Age Magan civilization. Magan ships sailed to Babylonia, Mesopotamia and beyond, trading copper from Oman and pearls from the mouth of Dubai Creek with the heavyweights of the Bronze Age economy. The Magan civilization waned around 2000 BC, but Dubai's instinct for trade remained.

Excavations at Jumeira, about 10km south of Dubai, recently unearthed a 6th-century AD caravan station, proving that the area's population was still keeping the trade routes well oiled. Around this same time, the Sassanids, a Persian dynasty who had inhabited the mouth of Dubai Creek since 224 AD, were driven out by the Umayyads, who came to stay and brought Islam with them.

Exploiting their prime location between the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean, the new inhabitants, working with the old, began reestablishing old trade routes and spreading the word of Allah, all the while making folks fantastic deals for the lowest everyday prices in the Gulf. As trade began to match pearl diving's importance to the local economy, merchant dhows (ships) sailed as far as China, returning with silk and porcelain for Middle Eastern and European markets. This maritime madness reached its peak between 750 and 1258 AD.

Soon everyone wanted a piece of the Gulf's action. By the late 16th century the Portuguese were attempting to control local trade. Their success was limited, and they retreated when faced with French, Dutch and British attempts to take over the ancient trade routes. The British finally gained control of the region's waterways in 1766. Dubai was caught between local power struggles and the Europe's imperial dreams, but somehow turned this bad situation to its advantage, expanding its pearl trade through every channel.

In 1833 a neighboring tribal power, the Bani Yas of what's now Saudi Arabia, decided that Dubai would be its new turf. Eight hundred Bani Yas moved into the Bur Dubai area under the leadership of Maktoum bin Butti, founder of the Al-Maktoum dynasty that still rules the emirate today.

The region's two economic epicenters, neighboring Sharjah and Lingah in modern-day Iran, were already losing business to bustling Dubai. Shaikh Maktoum decided to capitalize on the opportunity. In 1892 he signed an exclusive business deal with the British and in 1894 permitted a full tax exemption for foreign traders. Persian merchants were the first group of expats to take advantage of the deal, but traders the world over were on the way. In 1903, when the Shaikh convinced a major British steamship line to make Dubai a port of call, a 25-year boom began.

The Great Depression, compounded by the emergence of artificial pearls in 1929, cast a dark cloud over Dubai's newfound prosperity. Young Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum, convinced that the pearl trade was dead, decided that this cloud had a 24-karat gold lining. Dubai wasn't duty-free for nothing. Soon, the barely legal re-export business (other nations might have refered to it 'smuggling'), whereby goods were cheaply imported into a duty-free port and immediately exported to another market, exploded. After Dubai Creek was dredged in 1963, allowing almost any boat safe harbor, the gold smuggling...er...re-exporting business took off like a rocket.

Dubai's lucky streak had only just begun. In 1966, oil was discovered and the economy kicked into overdrive. The British had already decided to pack up the empire and head home, and in 1971, Dubai became the seventh emirate of the newly formed UAE. Shaikh Rashid agreed to a formula that gave the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai the most weight in the federation, and made sure that Dubai would continue living life in the fast lane. Border disputes and friction about the integration of the Emirates led to some tension, but in 1979, Shaikh Rahid and Shaikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi sealed a compromise; in effect, Dubai would remain a bastion of free trade while Abu Dhabi imposed a tighter federal structure on the rest of the Emirates.

When Shaikh Rashid, the architect of Dubai's success and unrivaled financial freedom, passed away in 1990, his son Shaikh Maktoum took the reins of power( but let Adam Smith's invisible hand continue to do most of the steering). The core of Maktoum's policies is economic freedom and the no-holds-barred promotion of Dubai, which makes the city a very fun place. By the mid-1990s, the Dubai Desert Classic had become a well-established stop on the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) tour. World-class tennis tournaments, boat and horse races, desert rallies and one of the largest air shows in the world attract millions of visitors to the city. Other high profile events, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, bring hordes of tourists into town. Tourism matches trade and oil in importance to the emirate's economy.

The story of Dubai reads like a rags to riches tale, and indeed, it is hard to imagine anywhere else in the world that has developed at such a pace, in such a short time, for so many different people.


Labour Laws
Administered by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Labour Law in the UAE is loosely based on the International Labour Organization's model. UAE Law No. 8 of 1980, as amended by Law No. 12 of 1986 (the "Labour Law") governs most aspects of employer/employee relations, such as hours of work, leave, termination rights, medical benefits and repatriation. The Labour Law is protective of employees in general and overrides conflicting contractual provisions agreed under another jurisdiction, unless they are beneficial to the employee.

The Ministry issues a model form of labour contract in Arabic which is widely used, but other forms of contract are enforceable, provided they comply with the Labour Law. End of contract gratuities are set at 21 days pay for every year of the first five years of service and 30 days for every year thereafter. Total gratuity should not exceed two years' wages. Employees are entitled to pro-rated amounts for service periods less than a full year, provided they have completed one year in continuous service.

Trade unions do not exist. In the case of a dispute between employer and employee, or in interpretation of the Labour Law, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs will initially act as an adjudicator, in an effort to resolve matters. If a party wishes to appeal any such decision it can take its case to court. Strikes and lock outs are forbidden.

The normal maximum working hours are eight per day or 48 per week. However, these hours may be increased to nine daily for people working in the retail trade, hotels, restaurants and other such establishments. Similarly, daily working hours may be reduced for difficult or dangerous jobs. Many businesses work on a two shift system (for example, 8am - 1pm and 4pm - 7pm). As in all Muslim countries, Friday is the weekly day of rest. In practice, commercial and professional firms work 40-45 hours a week and government ministries about 35. The weekend for office workers has traditionally been Thursday afternoon and Friday, but a number of organizations have changed over to a five day week with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, normal working hours are reduced by two hours per day.

There are 10 days of public holidays (paid) in any year. The employee's annual leave is two days for every month if his service is more than six months and less than a year. In every completed year of service after the first, an employee is entitled to 30 days annual paid leave. This is in addition to public holidays, maternity leave for women and sick leave.

Overtime is used extensively and additional pay is required for manual and lower ranking staff.


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Legal System
There is a comprehensive framework of legislation to ensure that business in the UAE is conducted in a fair and orderly manner. There are laws dealing with commercial transactions, intellectual property, labour and other aspects of business life.

Dubai has many local and international law firms willing to advise foreign business organisations on legal matters.

There are Federal Courts in all emirates except Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, which have retained their local courts. Dubai has civil, criminal and Shariah (Islamic) Courts of first instance. All court decisions may be brought to the Dubai Court of Appeal. Thereafter, a final appeal may be made to the Dubai Court of Cassation.

The Civil Court (as opposed to the Shariah court) has jurisdiction over labour, civil and commercial transactions, as well as personal matters (e.g. wills, divorces etc) relating to non-Muslims. The language of the Courts is Arabic and advocates admitted to plead are Arab nationals.


Population
According to the Ministry of Planning, the population of the U.A.E. expanded from 2,230,000 in 1994 to 2,377,453 in 1995. Dubai's population stands at 674,101.


Setting up businesses in Dubai
In the UAE, economic activity is regulated by individual emirates as well as the Federal Government. In Dubai, the authorities have deliberately sought to create an environment which is well ordered without being unduly restrictive. As a result, Dubai offers businessmen operating conditions that are among the most liberal and attractive in the region.

There are many options open to international companies seeking to establish a business relationship with Dubai. Apart from forming a trading relationship, for many companies there are distinct advantages in being on-the-spot to research market prospects, make contacts, liaise with customers, and see through the details of any transactions and orders secured.

Having a presence can provide considerable business advantages in the Middle East. Businessmen in the region prefer to deal with someone they know and trust and personal relationships are much more important in doing business in the Arab world than they are in western Europe or America. Also, the buying patterns of some countries served by Dubai tend to be unpredictable, creating a need for first class market intelligence and information.

Licensing
The basic requirement for all business activity in Dubai is one of the following three categories of licenses:

Commercial licenses covering all kinds of trading activity; Professional licenses covering professions, services, craftsmen and artisans; Industrial licenses for establishing industrial or manufacturing activity. These licenses are all issued by the Dubai Economic Department. However, licenses for some categories of business require approval from certain ministries and other authorities: for example, banks and financial institutions from the Central Bank of the UAE; insurance companies and related agencies from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce; manufacturing from the Ministry of Finance and Industry; and pharmaceutical and medical products from the Ministry of Health.

More detailed procedures apply to businesses engaged in oil or gas production and related industries.

Practicing some trade activities (e.g. jewelers and insurance) requires the submission of a financial guarantee issued by a bank operating in Dubai.

In general, all commercial and industrial businesses in Dubai should be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ownership Requirements
Fifty-one per cent participation by UAE nationals is the general requirement for all UAE established companies except:

Where the law requires 100% local ownership;
In the Jebel Ali Free Zone;
In activities open to 100% AGCC ownership;
Where wholly owned AGCC companies enter into partnership with UAE nationals;
In respect of foreign companies registering branches or a representative office in Dubai;
In professional or artisan companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted.
Legal Structures for Business

In the past, each emirate followed its own procedures governing the operations of foreign business interests. In practice, however, Dubai and the other emirates followed the same general system, whereby foreign companies operated in one of three ways: with a local sponsor, through a partnership with a UAE national or company, or through a private limited company or public shareholding company incorporated by Ruler's decree.

Since 1984, steps have been taken to introduce a codified companies law applicable throughout the UAE. Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, as amended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 - the "Commercial Companies Law" - and its by-laws have been issued. In broad terms the provisions of the Law are as follows:

The Federal Law stipulates a total local equity of not less than 51% in any commercial company and defines seven categories of business organization which can be established in the UAE. It sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. It further lays down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies.

The seven categories of business organization defined by the law are:
General partnership company
Partnership-en-commendams
Joint venture company
Public shareholding company
Private shareholding company
Limited liability company
Share partnership company
Partnerships

Partnership companies are limited to UAE nationals only. The Dubai government does not presently encourage the establishment of partnership-en-commendams and share partnership companies.

Joint Venture Companies
A joint venture is a contractual agreement between a foreign party and a local party licensed to engage in the desired activity. The local equity participation in the joint venture must be at least 51%, but the profit and loss distribution can be prescribed. There is no need to license the joint venture or publish the agreement. The foreign partner deals with third parties under the name of the local partner who - unless the agreement is publicized - bears all liability.

In practice, joint ventures are seen as offering a suitable structure for companies working together on specific projects.

Public and Private Shareholding Companies
The Law stipulates that companies engaging in banking, insurance, or financial activities should be run as public shareholding companies. Foreign banks, insurance and financial companies, however, can establish a presence in Dubai by opening a branch or representative office.

Shareholding companies are suitable primarily for large projects or operations, since the minimum capital required is Dh. 10 million (US$ 2.725 million) for a public company, and Dh. 2 million (US$ 0.545 million) for a private shareholding company. The chairman and a majority of directors must be UAE nationals and there is less flexibility of profit distribution than is permissible in the case of limited liability companies.

Limited Liability Companies
A limited liability company can be formed by a minimum of two and a maximum of 50 persons whose liability is limited to their shares in the company's capital. Such companies are recognized as offering a suitable structure for organizations interested in developing a long term relationship in the local market.

In Dubai, the minimum capital is currently Dh. 300,000 (US$ 82,000), contributed in cash or in kind. While foreign equity in the company may not exceed 49%, profit and loss distribution can be prescribed. Responsibility for the management of a limited liability company can be vested in the foreign or national partners or a third party.

The following steps are required in establishing a limited liability company in Dubai.

Select a commercial name for the company and have it approved by the Licensing Department of the Economic Department;
Draw up the company's Memorandum of Association and have it notarized by a Notary Public in the Dubai Courts;
Seek approval from the Economic Department and apply for entry in the Commercial Register;
Once approval is granted, the company will be entered in the Commercial Register and have its Memorandum of Association published in the Ministry of Economy and Commerce's Bulletin. The license will then be issued by the Economic Department;
The company should then be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Branches and Representative Offices of Foreign Commercial Companies

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The Commercial Companies Law also covers the formation and regulation of branches and representative offices of foreign companies in the UAE and stipulates that they may be 100% foreign owned, provided a local agent is appointed.

Only UAE nationals or companies 100% owned by UAE nationals may be appointed as local agents (which should not be confused with the term "commercial agent"). Local agents -- also sometimes referred to as sponsors -- are not involved in the operations of the company but assist in obtaining visas, labour cards, etc and are paid a lump sum and/or a percentage of profits or turnover. In general, branches and offices of foreign commercial companies are not licensed to engage in importing activity except for re-export or in the case of products of a highly technical nature.

To establish a branch or representative office in Dubai, a foreign commercial company should proceed as follows:

Apply for a license from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, submitting an agency agreement with a UAE national or 100% UAE owned company. Before issuing the license, the Ministry will:
forward the application to the Economic Department to obtain the approval of the Dubai government;
forward the application specifying the activity that the office or branch will be authorized to undertake in the UAE, to the Federal Foreign Companies Committee for approval;
Once this has been done, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce will issue the required Ministerial license specifying the activity to be practiced by the foreign company;
The branch or office should be entered in the Economic Department's Commercial Register, and the required license will be issued;
The branch or office should also be entered in the Foreign Companies Register of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce;
Finally the branch or office should be registered with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Branches and Representative Offices of Foreign Professional Companies

Branches and representative offices of foreign professional firms may be 100% foreign owned provided UAE nationals or 100% UAE owned companies are appointed as local agents. Such agents are not involved in the operations of the firm but assist in obtaining visas, labour cards etc and are paid a lump sum as remuneration. The Economic Department is the authority in charge of licensing such branches or representational offices.

Professional Firms
In setting up a professional firm, 100% foreign ownership, sole proprietorships or civil companies are permitted. Such firms may engage in professional or artisan activities but the number of staff members that may be employed is limited. A UAE national must be appointed as local service agent, but he has no direct involvement in the business and is paid a lump sum and/or percentage of profits or turnover. The role of the local service agent is to assist in obtaining licenses, visas, labour cards, etc.


Taxation
There is no corporate tax in Dubai. The only exceptions to this are oil producing companies and branches of foreign banks. Likewise, there are no personal taxes. Direct taxation is against the traditions of the UAE and it is highly unlikely that it will be introduced in the near future.


UAE in a nut shell
A century ago, Dubai was a tranquil town along the banks of Dubai Creek, where coral-and-gypsum huts housed Bedouin traders and pearl divers. Today, the merchants have gone international, their bounty calling forth science-fiction style skyscrapers from the sand to stand alongside the mosques and windrowers of old Dubai.

Trade, not oil, is the lifeblood of this traditionally Arabic and refreshingly tolerant society, where business brings the best and brightest from across the world to help build Dubai's future. It's the Middle East meets Hong Kong, with a little Las Vegas thrown in for style; a cosmopolitan melting pot at the crossroads of time - and the quintessential home of sand, sea, sun and shopping. Dubai's generally safe and secure for travelers although demonstrations and political gatherings are best avoided.

Population: 419, 104
Area: 35 sq km (15 sq mi)
Country: United Arab Emirates
Emirate: Dubai
Time Zone: GMT/UTC plus 4 hours

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Visas
The UAE Federal Authorities are primarily responsible for all immigration matters, and visitors are advised to consult their nearest UAE embassy or consulate if in doubt about visa requirements. Information can also be obtained from the overseas offices of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

In general, all visitors, except transit passengers who do not leave the airport on arrival and citizens of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council states - Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia - must obtain visas sponsored by a local entity such as a hotel, company or travel and tourism firm to enter the UAE. However, British citizens with the right of abode in the UK and AGCC residents of certain qualifying nationalities and professions are issued automatic 30 day visas on arrival, and German and US citizens may obtain multiple entry visas from UAE Embassies.

Visas are easily obtainable for other visitors except for Israelis and travellers whose passports bear Israeli stamps.

A business visitor may enter Dubai with either a transit visa or a visit visa. Both types of visa require the sponsorship of a company or hotel licensed to operate within the UAE.

A transit visa entitles its holder to a stay of 14 days exclusive of arrival and departure days. A visitor planning a longer stay in the UAE may prefer to enter the country with a visit visa which entitles him to a stay of 30 days renewable twice up to a total of 100 days including a grace period of 10 days. A visit visa further entitles its holder to change his status to that of residence or employment provided certain conditions are met. A visa holder may enter and leave the country through any port of entry in the UAE.

Airlines may require confirmation that the sponsor is holding a valid visa for the incoming visitor.


When to go?
The best time of the year to visit the Dubai is between November and April, when the weather is coolest. The rest of the year you're more likely to be running from one air-conditioned environment to the next instead of getting out and exploring. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the western calendar, is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. That means that it's illegal, not to mention rude, to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset during your stay. On the up side, hotel rates drop up to 70%.


Working Hours and Holidays
The normal maximum working hours are eight per day or 48 per week. However, these hours may be increased to nine daily for people working in the retail trade, hotels, restaurants and other such establishments. Similarly, daily working hours may be reduced for difficult or dangerous jobs. Many businesses work on a two shift system (for example, 8am - 1pm and 4pm - 7pm). As in all Muslim countries, Friday is the weekly day of rest. In practice, commercial and professional firms work 40-45 hours a week and government ministries about 35. The weekend for office workers has traditionally been Thursday afternoon and Friday, but a number of organizations have changed over to a five day week with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, normal working hours are reduced by two hours per day.

There are 10 days of public holidays (paid) in any year. The employee's annual leave is two days for every month if his service is more than six months and less than a year. In every completed year of service after the first, an employee is entitled to 30 days annual paid leave. This is in addition to public holidays, maternity leave for women and sick leave.

Overtime is used extensively and additional pay is required for manual and lower ranking staff.

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fuck this :fawkd: ....... no reply :sadwavey: ..... why :cry:

[bareranch]

This is great! Thanks for the info.