Trifter

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates. The seven United Arab Emirates belong to a federal monarchy in which they elect their president and prime minister. The population of Dubai is the largest of the seven emirates, which consists of 1.4 million inhabitants. Dubai produces approximately 240,000 barrels of oil a day. Even though Dubai’s economy was built on its oil industry, revenues from oil and natural gas account for less than 6% of its $37 billion economy. Most of Dubai’s revenue derives from its increasing amount of tourist and the service-oriented business. Dubai has a sub-tropic, arid climate therefore, it is hot and dry most of the year.

As of September 2006, Dubai’s official weekend changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday. As a result, some businesses have changed their operating days and hours. Shops are open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but they close earlier on Thursday. Shopping malls open an hour later than shops at 10:00 a.m. and they close at 10:00 p.m. Banks and private offices are open from Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 pm. Government offices open at 7:30 a.m. and the offices close at 3:00 p.m. Most offices close in the afternoon during the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, work is completely in the early morning or later in the evening after the fast ends at sunset.

It is customary to make appointments for times of the day rather than precise hours due to the importance of courtesy and hospitality attached to meeting in Dubai. Visitors should be aware of the prayer times that are printed in the daily newspaper when making appointments. If you already know the person you are meeting, it is often better not to make an appointment but rather show up at the meeting place. If you are meeting with a person of high position, it is better to take a letter along to leave with the secretary if you are not able to meet with the person.

Most of the holidays in Dubai originate from the sighting of the moon. As a result, the confirmation of each holiday occurs the day before they take place. Some public holidays include the Islamic New Year, the Prophet’s Birthday, and National Day. The most popular time to visit Dubai is during the winter months from November to March to escape the intense heat of the summer. Each year in January Dubai is the host of the world famous Dubai Shopping Festival which attract 3.3 million visitors. The festival is famous for its tax-free bargains and prizes, which consist of luxury cars to large amounts of money. Dubai has at least twenty- five shopping malls, including some of the largest malls outside of the United States.

Dubai’s favorite topics of conversation include the weather and bad driving. They also enjoy talking about Dubai. However, some topics such as heavy discussions about politics or religion are disrespectful. Another social taboo is the public consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is available for non- Muslims with a permit. Visitors should also know that it is not acceptable to photograph women and men should give their permission before you take their picture. In addition, pointing the sole of your shoe at someone is offensive in Dubai.

Lastly, Dubai has the fourth tallest building in the world, the Millennium Tower. The Millennium Tower is 935 feet and it has sixty-one stories. It is important to dress modestly to respect the local customs. It is a common practice to engage in bargaining when buying certain goods. Criticizing or correcting a client or colleague in front of someone else is not acceptable. All criticism and correction should take place in private meetings away from the public.   Dubai’s economy is rapidly growing due to large amounts of tourism and it is considered a wonderful place to vacation.