Situated on the north-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is one of the seven Emirates making up the United Arab Emirates. Just seven hours flying time from London, Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s top tourist destinations offering exceptional standards of accommodation and service.

With its white sandy beaches and turquoise seas, exotic desert atmosphere, excellent restaurants and shopping, Dubai is popular both as a stand alone or stopover destination. Soon to open are the Palm Islands and The World - manmade resort islands that can even be seen from space.

Weather
Dubai is the oasis of the UAE. Situated on The Gulf it has a much cooler temperature than inland, with blue skies year round. Mid October to April is the best time to visit, with a climate of warm sunny days and pleasant evenings.
During July and August temperatures can be extremely high. Most of the country's interior is desert with very little, if any rainfall.

Local Customs
In general, the Emirates states have a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but local laws and sensitivities should be respected. All the UAE are Muslim and therefore alcohol is not served except in hotels. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in public and penalties are severe. Dress and behaviour should be modest, particularly during the month of Ramadan when it is disrespectful to smoke, drink or eat in public between sunrise and sunset. Women's clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs; in tourist resorts in Dubai these rules are much more relaxed. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or show a public display of affection.

Visas
Citizens of the UK (with right of abode in the UK) will be granted a visit visa on arrival in the UAE. Visas are valid for 60 days, with an extension of 30 days possible. British passports not endorsed British Citizen must hold a visa, as well as tickets and documents for next destination, and have a sponsor in the UAE to cover their stay.

All visitors to the United Arab Emirates must hold a passport that is valid for three months from the date of entry, or six months if visiting for longer than 90 days. All passport photographs are to be recent colour photographs. Visitors must hold documents and tickets needed for their next destination.

Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend that your protection against Tetanus, Typhoid, infectious Hepatitis and Polio is up to date. It is your responsibility to check all relevant recommendations and also to get the most up-to-date health information for the destinations being visited. You can contact your GP or any of the following organisations:

MASTA: Telephone: 0906 822 4100 www.masta.org
Live Travel Health Line: 09068 633414
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Flight duration
Flight time to Dubai from London is 7 hrs with British Airways or Emirates.

Accommodation
In Dubai we use four and five star hotels such as the Royal Mirage or the Mina A’Salam.