Dubai in Brief :-

Dubai today is an important tourist destination and a port-city.Jebel Ali its port constructed in the 1970s, has the largest man-made harbour in the world. Dubai is also increasingly developing as a hub for service industries such as IT and finance, with the establishment of a new Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The government has set up industry-specific free zones throughout the city.Dubai Internet City, combined with Dubai Media City as part of TECOM (Dubai Technology, Electronic Commerce and Media Free Zone Authority) is one such enclave whose members include IT firms such as EMC, Oracle, Microsoft and IBM and media organisations such as MBC, CNN, Reuters and AP.

The government's decision to diversify from a trade-based but oil-reliant economy to one that is service and tourism-oriented has made real estate more valuable, resulting in the property appreciation from 2004–2006. Large scale real estate development projects, undertaken by firms such as Emaar Properties, have led to the construction of many skyscrapers such as the Emirates Towres and the world's tallest hotel, the Burj al-Arab. Burj Dubai also being constructed by Emaar Properties, is expected to become the world's tallest structure.

The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalizing glimpse of old Dubai. Immediately to the east of Al Fahidi Fort is the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with windtowers.

The Deira Covered Souq has more of an Indian feel than an Arabic one, with folks hawking textiles, spices, kitchen wares, clothes and henna. It is a perfect place for a housewife to feel home! The aromas, the sights and the flavours of this place is quite intoxicating!!!

Dubai Museum offers a unique trip to desert life, traditional Arabian homes, mosques, fishing, pearl diving and trade. Major highlights of Dubai Museum are artefacts from excavated graves, musical instruments. Deadly weapons also form the major part of Dubai Museum, such as swords, spears, bows, arrows, shields, pistols and axes.

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) was established to stimulate trade and commerce in the United Arab Emirates in 1979. Over the past two decades, the DWTC has become a symbol of economic growth and prosperity in the Middle East.

Dubai boasts one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling everything from ingots to intricately worked jewellery at bargain prices. The street-front stores hide alleys of smaller shops with glittering show windows.

Situated on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek near the Ruler's Court, Grand Mosque was re-built in 1998 and now has, at 70 metres, the city's tallest minaret. It has 45 small domes in addition to nine large ones boasting stained glass panels.

Archaeological Sites :

There are three main archaeological sites in Dubai. They are located in Al Ghusals, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah. Al Ghusals and Al Sufooh have over 2000 years old graveyards. You can visit the excavation sites at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah where you will find artifacts from the 7th to 15th century.

Dubai Festivals & Fairs:

January
Dubai Shopping Festival: although Dubai is well known as a shopper's paradise at anytime of the year, the month of January is particularly good for bargain hunters. Throughout January, over two million visitors flock to Dubai for the month-long Shopping Festival, which seems to involve every shop in the city, with concerts, street theatre, firework shows and other events offering a welcome break from the city-wide shopping frenzy.

February
Dubai Desert Classic: this annual event, held at the Emirates Golf Club, is now one of the most popular golf tournaments in the European tour, with many of the world's leading golfers returning every year for the chance to play for generous prize money on what is generally regarded as the best golf course in the Middle East. The tournament consists of a challenge match on day one, a pro-am competition on day two and four further days consisting of the main competition.

March
Emirates World Series-Dubai World Cup: every year Dubai is home to the world's richest horse race, with a six million US dollar prize fund ensuring the annual presence of the world's best horses, jockeys and trainers. The action takes place at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, where state-of-the-art facilities and a superb track provide race goers with a unique and atmospheric venue at which to enjoy some of the international calendar's highest quality racing.

April
The Bride Show: during April, Dubai plays host to the annual Bride Show, which features a variety of events centred on the theme of weddings. The event attracts hundreds of exhibitors from all over the region, with the main events being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Center.

June
Dubai Summer Surprises: this 10-week festival kicks of in June and is the summer equivalent of the Dubai Shopping Festival, with concerts and activities spread around the city's many shopping centres, aimed at encouraging people to 'shop, save and celebrate'. The 10 weeks are divided into separate themes such as food, the arts, adventure and nature, while many of the city's hotels offer special 'shopaholic' packages to encourage visitors.

September
Motexha Textile Show: this annual trade fair is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and attracts exhibitors and shoppers from right across the region. The main fair is located at the Dubai International Exhibition Center and features over 500 exhibitors spread throughout 30 international pavilions that cover every branch of the clothing and textile industry.

November
Dubai Rugby Sevens: every year, the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club plays host to the first round of the IRB Sevens Series, with 16 international teams competing over three days for the prestigious trophy. The three days of competition are accompanied by various other shows and events designed to keep visitors of all ages entertained, while those new to rugby will find the fast and furious matches a good introduction to the sport.

December
National Day Festival: Dubai's National Day Festival is an annual day of celebration to commemorate the Emirates' independence from Great Britain, with many of the city's leading monuments opening their doors to the public and putting on special events throughout the day.

Dubai International Film Festival: Dubai has recently joined the long list of cities that celebrate the film industry with their very own festival, with film screenings and other events showcasing the best of Arab and world cinema. The festival's importance is set to grow in the coming years, as the number and quality of the films on display increases.

Visa Requirements:

Visa requirements for entering Dubai vary greatly between different nationalities and it is always advised to check regulations before travelling. Currently, every nationality entering the UAE needs a visa except citizens of GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) expatriate residents of the GCC (certain nationalities and professions) and British citizens with the right of abode in the UK.

In addition, nationals from Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea in Asia, as well as those from the United States of America and Canada also now receive Visas on arrival.

GCC nationals can stay more or less as long they like. British citizens can stay for a month and then apply for a visa for a further two months. European, American, South African and Australian citizens may obtain a visit visa from the UAE embassy in their respective countries before departure. Please note that Israelis and travellers whose Passports bear Israeli stamps will be denied a visa.

OTHER NATIONALITIES

For all other nationalities, a visa must be applied for before the visitor enters the country either through their respective embassy, a local UAE sponsor or a local hotel.

VISAS THROUGH HOTELS

Tourists can get a visa from a tourist company or a hotel by first making a reservation for at least one night. They must fax/courier the hotel a copy of their passport along with the reason for the visit � tourism is an acceptable reason � and their arrival date. You must also make sure that the hotel faxes you a copy of the visa when it is ready. Airlines may require confirmation (preferably a fax copy of the document) that a visa is held before check-in at the airport. The original is held at Dubai Airport for collection before passport control.

TOURIST VISA
This visa is issued through tourist companies and it is valid for 30 days. It You cannot renew it or extend it. If the Visa holder of the tourist visa stays more than the 30 days, that person has to pay a fine per day plus some charges are for an out pass.

VISIT VISA
Visa is issued through DNRD. It is stamped for 30 days validity but it is valid for 60 days and can be extended for 30 more days by paying some amount. The extension needs to be done before the 60th day. If the visitor stay more than 60 days or more than 90 days (after the extension) they will have to pay a fine per day plus some charges for an out pass.

Certain passport holders can enter the UAE without obtaining a visit visa prior to arrival and stay up to 30days.

WORK VISA
These visas are issued for people want whether to work or do business in UAE. It is valid for 60 days only, during this the work residence visa has to be processed. If the person delays in stamping the residence he will pay 25 AED fine for each day. (Please see Residence Section for further details about how to stamp the residence).

Dubai Accommodations :