Quick Facts

Visas are required by all visitors except nationals of the GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia).  Citizens of most European and North American countries also do not require visas.

Read more about visa requirements from the United Arab Emirates Government.

The unit of currency is the dirham (AED), and is available in notes of 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.

Cash and travellers cheques can be exchanged in licensed currency exchange offices and international hotels.

Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.

AED 1.00 equals:

10% service charge and 10% Municipality Fee applies to all purchases in UAE.

Service charges may be included in the bill. Otherwise, a 10% tip is appreciated by the service provider.

Bank Hours
8am - 1 / 3 pm, Saturday through Thursday

Office Hours
8am - 6pm, Sunday through Thursday
7am - 1.30pm, Saturday through Wednesday (Government)
7am - 12pm, Thursday (Government)

Shopping Hours 
10am - 10pm daily

A health certificate is not required for entry to the Emirates, except for visitors who have been in cholera or yellow fever infected areas in the previous 14 days. It is always wise to check health recommendations before departure.

International medical services in Dubai are of a high standard and are readily available.

Light clothing for the summer months and a sweater for the winter months, especially in the evenings.

Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, Dubai has a very relaxed dress code. Despite this, care should be taken to dress modestly.

At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swim-suits and bikinis are quite acceptable.

The weather is Dubai is mostly hot and dry throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 27°C (75°F) to as hot as 48°C (119°F) during the July and August summer months.