Culture

Dubai's culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues. And you are sure to be charged by the genuine warmth and friendliness that greets the visitor. Dubai society is marked by a high degree of tolerance for different life-styles. Foreigners are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and, provided reasonable discretion is shown, the dress code is liberal. Women face no discrimination and may drive and move around unescorted. Despite rapid economic development in recent years, Dubai remains close to its heritage. Local citizens dress in traditional robes and head dresses. Arab culture and folklore find expression in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art. Wedding and other celebrations are colorful occasions of feasting and music. And traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and dhow racing at sea, continue to thrive.

Dining and Nightlife

Dubai's many fine hotel restaurants offer a microcosm of the world's cuisine. The choice is limitless - Gulf and Middle Eastern, Indian, Filipino, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Mexican and much more.
Outside the hotels, Dubai offers the visitor gastronomic adventure, with hundreds of small eating places scattered throughout the city. Fast-Food ranges from several big International Chains to "Shawarma" outlets, selling grilled shavings of lamb or chicken, mixed with salad and rolled inside a pocket of Arabic bread. By night, Dubai has something for everyone. Bars and pubs can be found in all top hotels, most of them featuring live music. There is a vast choice of Discotheques and Arabic Nightclubs. Dubai is on the regular circuit for many International Stars from the Pop Scene, Opera, Asian music and even the London theatre.

Shopping

One of Dubai's greatest attractions for visitors is its superb shopping. Being an open port with low import duties and no taxation, the city offers the bargain hunter unbeatable value. Most major brand-name products are readily available, and are often less expensive in Dubai than their country of origin. Modern shopping malls are conveniently located throughout the city, their marble walls and efficient air conditioning providing a cool welcome to customers. Whether you're looking for French fashion, Japanese electronics or Italian accessories and footwear, Dubai's malls have it all. Shopping can be entertaining as well as profitable, and bargaining is expected. The sheer variety of goods available in the winding alleys is bewildering- from gold and the latest in electronics, cameras and wrist watches to spices, silks, house-hold appliances and sports goods. Dubai's major shopping areas include Al Rigga Road, Karama, Al Dhiyafa Road and Bani Yas Square, not forgetting the Dubai Duty Free complex at the airport.

Undue Shopping : Attracting modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast food outlets.
Deira Malls: leading malls in the Deira district include Deira City Centre, Al Mulla Plaza, The Inter-Continental Plaza, Abu Hall Shopping Centre, The Galleria, Al Ghurair Centre, Al Warba Centre, Al Manal Centre, The center and Hamarain Centre. Dubai Malls: On the Dubai side of the Creek, The Wafi Mall, Bur Juman Centre. Al Diyafa Centre, Dune Centre, Al Hana Centre, Al Khaleej Centre and Holiday Centre are among the largest complexes. Jumeirah Malls: The Jumeirah district has Magrudy's Shopping Mall, Markaz Al Jumeirah and The Beach Centre. Dubai Duty Free: Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport has won numerous international awards and ranks among the largest duty-free operations in the world. The gold shop accounts for about 20 per cent of the total annual turnover, while other outlets sell liquor, tobacco, electronics, computer software, perfumes, tapes, toys, textiles, leather, sports equipment, ladies and men's wear, watches, pens, lighters, sunglasses, gifts from Dubai, books, crystal and cameras. The popular Food Plus offers everything from caviar to chocolate, and household goods to hand cream.

Shopping hours : Normal Dubai shopping hours are from 9 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM until 9 PM. or later. Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 9.30 AM. or 10 AM. Shopping Malls: 10 AM - 10 PM. Local time at UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

Climate : Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5 Degree Celsius / 50 Degrees Farenheit to a high of 48 Degrees Celsius / 118.4 Degrees Farenheit. The mean daily maximum is 24 Degrees Celsius / 75.2 Degrees Farenheit in January rising to 41 Degrees Celsius / 105.8 Degrees Farenheit in July.

Clothing : Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months, especially in the evenings.

Language : The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood. Both languages are commonly used in business and commerce.

Religion : Islam is the official religion of UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and Dubai has two Christian Churches. St. Mary's (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (Inter-Denominational)

Alcohol : Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.

VISA INFORMATION

Type Ordinary Urgent Charge for accompanying child Documents Required Remarks Tourist USD 55 (Less than 10 pax) USD 40 (Above 10 pax) USD 90 (Less than 10 pax) USD 85 (Above 10 pax) Nil Passport copy (Passenger who has changed the nationalities from Asia and Middle East to the eligible category has to send a passport copy) Applicable for all European, American, New Zealanders, and Taiwanese, Chinese and Koreans. Transit USD 60 per pax USD 95 pax Nil Passport copy with first three pages Applicable to all nationalities other than above

NOTES
Flexi Tours Private Limited does not guarantee visas to any passengers. The granting of visas are completely up to the discretion of immigration authorities. Once visas are applied the agent is liable to make the payment even if the visa gets rejected by immigration department.
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months and should not have an Israeli visa.
Validity of Tourist visa is two months from the date of issue and for Transit Visa it is 14 days (except for Dubai visas and passenger arriving through Dubai airport which is one month) from the date of issue.
On Tourist visa passengers can stay up to 30 days maximum, whereas on Transit Visa they can stay only 14 days maximum. Anybody overstaying the validity of the visa period will be subject to strict immigration penalties including imprisonment.
Period required for processing Normal visas are 5 working days and Urgent visas two working days. However Flexi Tours Private Limited does not guarantee any visas within the specified time as the same lies purely in the hands of immigration department. Thursday and Friday immigration department is closed due to week end.
Passengers who arrive without a proper visa and confirmation will be deported by the return flight and Tour Operators are advised not to allow any passenger to travel without having a visa confirmation. Flexi Tours Private Limited will not be responsible for any such eventualities and consequences arising out of the same.
Original visas will be produced at the airport on arrival.

VISA CHARGES FOR STOPOVER PASSENGERS

Type Duration of Visa Charge (USD) Requirement Remarks A Maximum 96 Hrs 100 per pax. 95 per pax for more than 02 pax Clear copies of passport Minimum time required for processing the visa is 24 working hours, except Fridays and Saturdays.

NOTE : The above service can be provided only for passengers coming to Dubai airport and departing to another destination within 96 hours. Time required for visa processing is only one working day and visas can be processed for all nationals

MARHABA SERVICE (MEET & ASSIST SERVICE) CHARGES

SL. No. Type of Service Charge 1. Meet & assist on arrival with expeditious immigration & customs and escort up to TSI Rep. Waiting spot USD 25 for 1 pax 2. Meet & assist on departure with expeditious immigration and escort up to boarding point USD 25 for 1 pax. USD 20 for 2 pax and above 3. Use of First Class Lounge USD 25 per pax 4. Floral Bouquets on arrival USD 15 for small Bouquets, USD 21 for medium Bouquets & USD 24 for large Bouquets (bouquet service provided only with meet and greet service)