Dubai Money & Costs

The monetary unit of the UAE is the dirham (designated as Dhs. or AED, which stands for Arab Emirate Dirham), which is divided into 100 fils. Bills come in the following denominations: 5 (brown note), 10 (green), 20 (light blue), types of silver coins written in Arabic representing 25 fils, 50 fils, and 1 dirham. The dirham is pegged to the U.S. dollar... 

Dubai By Taxi

Dubai taxis are safe, clearly marked, and relatively inexpensive. They’re the most common form of transportation for those without cars. It’s generally easy to flag one off the street, or you can order one from Dubai Transport (Phone:4/208-0808; www. dtc.dubai.ae). The fare is AED 3 (80¢/ 40p) for pickup followed by AED 1.60 (45¢/20p) per kilometer. Ordering... 

Getting Around By Car

Driving is an economical way to travel in Dubai. If you’re visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car, keep in mind that an international driver’s license or a temporary Dubai license is required. Some rental car companies are able to help arrange international or temporary Dubai licenses for visitors. Most rental cars are new, automatic, and air-conditioned.... 

LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS

HOW TO STAY COMFORTABLE • Your choice of airline and airplane will definitely affect your legroom. Find more details about U.S. airlines at www.seatguru.com. For international airlines, the research firm Skytrax has posted a list of average seat pitches at www.airlinequality.com • Emergency exit seats and bulkhead seats typically have the most... 

Getting into Town

Many international rental car agencies are located in the airport (see above). You will find them just as you exit Customs and enter the Arrivals hall. A taxi is the simplest way to get from the airport to Dubai destinations and is relatively inexpensive. The Dubai Transport taxi stand is clearly marked as you leave the Arrivals hall. Expect to pay... 

Arriving at the Airport

IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS CLEARANCE International visitors arriving by air must first pass through immigration. It’s usually a long walk (10 min. or so) from the jetway to the Immigration hall. There are 32 passport control desks. After clearing immigration, visitors then pick up their luggage in the Arrivals hall before clearing Customs. All bags... 

Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport has two terminals, with most international flights clustered around a circular satellite in Terminal 1. Etihad Airways (see appendix A, p. 158) is based here. The airport code is AUH. Abu Dhabi International Airport has a hotel, duty-free shops, restaurants, carrental agencies, visitor information, and exchange services.... 

Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport serves more than 110 airlines from 160 countries. It has two terminals, with most international flights scheduled out of Terminal 1 (a free shuttle connects the terminals). Emirates Airlines is based here. The airport code is DXB. Dubai International Airport has excellent duty-free shops in the Departure and Arrivals halls,... 

Dubai in December

Dubai Rugby Sevens Sponsored by Emirates Airlines, this 3-day event starting at the beginning of the month is the first round of the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series. More than 1,750 players take part. The event is enormously popular with Western expatriates living in Dubai, and is accompanied by “Rugby Rock” concerts that liven up... 

Dubai in November

Horse Racing The racing season starts in November and culminates in late March with the Dubai World Cup. Races take place at Nad Al Sheeba Racing Club and Jebel Ali Racecourse, usually on Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm. General admission and parking are free. www.emiratesracing.com  Read More →

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