It is hard to believe that at the beginning of the 20th century there were no roads, running water, electricity or hospitals in this city.Things have changed dramatically. Today Dubai has been transformed into a fascinating mix of modern hi-tech buildings and sumptuous traditional Arabic culture.

Dubai is a city of superlatives. It boasts the tallest hotel in the world at 321 metres high – the elegant sail-shaped Burj Al Arab; The Dubai World Cup is the world's richest horse race in the world, offering the highest prize to the winner; Dubai's newest golf course the Montgomerie, boasts the largest single golf green in the world, so you can see it lives up to its name!
Dubai is also recognised internationally as one of the safest cities in the world, to the point that crime is virtually non-existent.

This combined with its climate, lifestyle and freedom from taxation, all make it a very attractive place to live and holiday. It has a large expatriate community and it is estimated that at any given time, over 50% of those residing in the country are non-nationals.

Dubai Climate Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 11 degrees celsius/50degrees fahrenheit, to a high of 48 degrees celsius/118 degrees fahrenheit. The seasons run the same as the UK

Area Dubai is really two towns merged into one and divided by Dubai Creek an inlet of the Gulf. Deira lies to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. Both districts are home to traditional architecture and bustling souqs, but the old city centre is in Deira. Glittering new office buildings along Sheikh Zayed Road (formally known as Abu Dhabi Road ) in Bur Dubai threaten to supplant it as the city's real centre of gravity.

Dubai Crime is very low in Dubai compared to other cities in the world. In fact, it is internationally recognised as one of the top five safest cities in the world. Drugs are highly frowned upon and penalties are extremely severe no matter what the type or quantity. Theft or crimes against a person are almost non-existent. It's not unknown for lost goods to be returned before you ever reach a police station.

Visas Around 18 months ago the property ownership agreement was altered, allowing foreigners to own property outright for the very first time which also entitles you to a full residency visa.
Visit visas are issued at Dubai airport and are valid for 60 days. Those requiring residence visas should either make an application to an Embassy in your home country before arriving in Dubai, or arrange the residence visa with the property agent/employer assisting you. This does not apply to members of GCC Countries. Entry is forbidden to travellers whose passports bear Israeli stamps. 
Required by all except the following:
(a) 1. UK Nationals with the endorsement 'British Citizen' for a maximum of 30 days;
(b) 2. EU Nationals for a maximum of 30 days;
(c) 3. Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, USA and Vatican City for a maximum of 30 days;
(d) Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia Nationals;
(e) transit passengers, provided in possession of valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport for up to 12 hours.


Language: Arabic (official); English is also predominant
Religion: Islam
Currency: Dirhams
Exchange Rate: £1 = 7Dhs / 1 EUR = 4.83Dhs / 1 USD = 3.67Dhs
Climate: Winter 11-25C Summer 27-48C
Time Zone: GMT +4 hrs , GMT +3hrs (BST)
Added Benefit: Tax Free