The official language is Arabic, but English and Urdu are also widely spoken Language, along with other languages like Persian, Hindi, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Tagalog. Islam is the official religion of all of the emirates. A vast majority of the locals are Sunnis. There are foreign minority Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians as well. Dubai is the only emirate that has Hindu temples and a sikh gurudwara.

The Meena Bazaar area of the city has Religious Temples of Shiva and Krishna. Both are believed to be sanctioned by the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. There is an electric crematorium

run by a group of Indian expatriates. Non-Muslims in the country are free to practice their religion but may not proselytize publicly or distribute religious literature. The government follows a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and Polytheist; in practice, interferes very little in the religious activities of non-Muslims.

In early 2001, ground was broken for the construction of several additional churches on a parcel of land in Jebel Ali donated by the government of Dubai for four Protestant congregations and a Catholic congregation. Construction on the first Greek Orthodox Church in Dubai (to be called St. Mary's) would begin at the end of 2005, members of the Eastern Orthodox Christian community in the UAE have had to use churches of other denominations for services, untill General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister, donated a plot of land in Jebel Ali.

Apart from donated land for the construction of churches and other religious facilities, including cemeteries, non-Muslim groups are not supported financially or subsidised by the government. However, they are permitted to raise money from among their congregants and to receive financial support from abroad. Christian churches are permitted to openly advertise certain church functions, such as memorial services, in the press.

Visitors to Dubai have an extensive choice of places to stay, which offer superb service and facilities. There are a number of deluxe hotels on the beach, though all are close to major tourist attractions in the city.

Visit our Where to Stay section for more information.

Cars are the main method of getting around Dubai and the major hotels provide shuttle bus services for guests.

The Dubai Municipality operates the public bus service from 06:00-23:00. Depending on the destination adult fares vary and these are paid to the driver upon boarding. It is useful to have the exact change.

Dubai is really two Cities, Dubai and Deira. Divided by the Creek, they are a paradise for sightseeing and both have their unique characters. You will be amazed at the diversity of architecture and cultures to be found here, ranging from traditional Arab houses to magnificent modern towers of steel and glass.

The Creek is the main artery of Dubai, winding inland from the Gulf for about six miles. On its clear waters you will see traditional teak trading dhows plying their trade across the Gulf, heading as far as India. At night, the waterfront is a hive of activity, as Abras, the local water taxis, crisscrosses the Creek carrying people to their chosen restaurant or attraction for the evening.

Money Exchanges - Most currencies can be freely converted in Dubai and you will find money exchange companies all over Dubai. Exchange houses are open from 8:30 to 13:00 and 16:30 to 20:30.
One US dollar equals 3.65 UAE Dirhams.

Click here for today's Exchange rates.

Credit Cards - All major credit cards are accepted in Dubai, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club etc. Most establishments accept credit cards, though at some of the smaller ones you will get slightly better prices if you pay in cash.

Business Days - All Government and private sector offices are closed on Friday & Saturday. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week, though on Fridays they start business after the afternoon prayers.

Banks - Most international banks have branches in Dubai, servicing the usual retail and corporate segments. Transfers can be made easily as exchange controls are virtually non-existent, and the Dirham is freely convertible.
Banking hours run from 08:00 to 13:00 Saturday to Thursday.