Dubai offers visitors traditional Arabic hospitality together with an unparalleled service industry.The excellent infrastructure allows for easy and afforadle transport around the city.
Business Hours
The Weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon and Friday, although some organisations now close on Friday and Saturday, working through Thursday afternoon instead. Shop hours are similar in their opening times, but most shops remain open until 21.00-22.00 HRS. Department stores, souks and many eateries remain open on a Friday apart from prayer times (between 11.30 and 13.30), while larger shops re-open on Friday afternoon around 16.00-17.00.
Currency
The monetary units is the dirham (DHS or AED) which is divided into 100 fils. The dirham is linked to the Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary Fund. It has been held contrast against the US dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US $ 1.00 = Dh 3.67.
ATM`s
ATMs or ‘cash points, are very common in Dubai and can be found throughout the city and inside hotels.
Tipping
There is no rules that says you must tip in Dubai, however it is deemed good practice by most restaurants and bars often include a service charge of between 10% – 15%. It is common to tip taxi drivers by rounding up to the nearest AED 5.
Taxis
Despite all the modern modes of transport taxis are still the most popular and convenient way to get around Dubai. The beige-colored Dubai cab can be spotted almost everywhere. There is a minimum spend in each cab of 10 dirhams. Remember,paying with small notes or exact change is highly appreciated. Most taxi drivers are friends and speak enough English to get you where you want .
Credit Card
All major credit cards and debit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Visa, Master Card, etc) are widdely accepted in most hotels and larger stores. Most Souqs accepts only cash, while a few accept credit cards too.
Buses
Buses are rarely used by tourists and it is advised to travel around the city by taxi or metro. However for a good hop on-hop off type of tour, try the Big Bus Company. It runs two routes – the blue route through Jumeirah and the red route through the older parts of Dubai. One ticket costs AED 175 and covers 24 hours of riding.
Metro
The world’s longest and most advanced driver less metro system. Opened in 2009, the Dubai Metro span an astounding 75 km, operates 43 stations. The metro travels at an average speed of 45 km per hour and serves around 1.2 million passengers everyday. Ticket ranges from 2 dirham to 6.50 dirhams and can be bought at any station. Trains run from 6.00 to 23.00. Saturday to Thursday and from 14.00 to midnight on Fridays.