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Major Banks in Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Major Banks in Dubai

Major Banks in Dubai

When travelling to a foreign city, it is always good to have some information about how money transactions can be made. For this you have to foray into the list of services offered to tourists by banks. In Dubai, like any other city, there are multinational and national banks. Banks are open 8:00 am to 3:00 pm from Saturday to Wednesday and 8:00 am to 12:00 pm Thursday. Most banks offer 24-hour access to automated teller machines (ATMs). Fridays and Saturdays are holidays for most establishments in the city.

If you are a credit card holder,t hen these are the ones which would be helpful during your visit; Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express. However, most small establishments may not have a card swiping machine. Therefore, it is wise to carry some cash with you. The official currency in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). One AED equals 12.20 INR. You can get foreign currency exchanged from major banks and private financial institutions/outlets like MMA Forex, UCS etc. Most of the hotels also do currency exchange like Flora Grand Hotel, Deira and Palm Beach hotel, Jumeirah.

Some of the multinational banks in Dubai are as follows:

  • Citi Bank
  • Barclays Bank
  • ABN-Amro
  • HSBC
  • Standard Charted Bank
  • Lloyds TSB

Some prominent local banks are:

  • National Bank of Dubai
  • Dubai Islamic Bank
  • Emirates Bank
  • Mashreq Bank

Tourists with a Visit Visa cannot open a bank account. Only a person with a resident visa is allowed to open a bank account in Dubai. In case, you are working in Dubai, your company will be able to arrange a bank account for you. Two important documents are necessary for opening a bank account in Dubai: the passport with the resident visa stamp and a letter of employment stating your salary from a company in Dubai. Tourists are easy targets for thieves, keep an eye on your wallet or purse when in crowded areas like Naser Square or Deira. If you are withdrawing large amounts of cash from ATM’s or banking institutions, either conceal the notes or ask the institution’s security to escort you to your vehicle. There have been repeated reports of theft in such a manner.

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Renting a House in Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Renting a House in Dubai

Renting a House in Dubai

Finding a good house in Dubai should be fairly easy if you take a few precautions. The first thing you should know is to rent property in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you have to pay a years rent in advance, either by cash or cheque. Agents are available in plenty and they charge a commission of around 5% which should be paid directly to them. If the apartment is furnished, extra security deposit should be paid along with the advance rent.

Below are the standard rates for areas popular among expatriates in Dubai.

  • Studio Apartment: 4000 AED/ month
  • One Bedroom Apartment: 7500 AED/ month
  • Two Bedroom Apartment: 9000 AED/month

Service Apartments are also available but the costs for a month works out to be more than the standard rental charges. Municipal tax, which is 5% of annual rent currently is expected along with the rent. Another vital thing to add to your rent is the utilities like electricity charges, water charges, phone bills etc which may cost an additional 1000-1500 AED.

For an expatriate in Dubai, the lease will for apartment rental will be done with your sponsor for visa as the principal.The principal is beneficial to the landlord as he should be a person who is not likely to leave the country and can be from any part of the UAE. As per common dealing, the principal pays one year advance rent and deducts it from your salary. One important thing to note is that contract cancellation is very difficult, so make sure you find a suitable place with all amenities such that you stay there till the period specified in the contract.

Rental contracts in UAE are no different from the ones you would find anywhere else. Clauses like proper maintenance of property should be expected. Apart from normal wear and tear any damage is the responsibility of the tenant. Also, you should adhere to certain ground rules like good behaviour, no abuse of neighbors etc. Violation of these conditions could lead to eviction. If the apartment is furnished, usually a list of items is kept along with the contract. If any items are found missing or damaged, the tenant is expected to replace it at his expense. www.theemiratesnetwork.com provides an updated list of short term apartments in Dubai.

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Golf Courses in Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Golf courses in dubai

Golf courses in dubai

It would leave many awestruck when they know that golf is a hugely popular sport in Dubai. Dubai is a land where grass grows sparsely due to the weather conditions. But, Dubai is known for having some of the best golf courses in the Middle East. These golf courses are a treat not only to professional golfers but also to visiting tourists. As a mainstay within the PGA European Tour since 1989, Dubai has played host to the ‘Dubai Desert Classic Tournament’. It is the first golfing tournament in the middle east. The Emirates Golf Club in Majli’s building is where the tournament is usually held. The Majlis golf course was the first grass course in the Middle East. Having this distinction in history has made this challenging course an instant classic. Many of the world’s biggest golfing stars play in this tournament. It is considered as one among the top 100 golf courses in the world.

Some of the famous golf courses in Dubai are:

  • Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
  • Emirates Golf Club
  • Nad Al Sheba Club
  • The Al Badia Golf Resort
  • The Montgomerie Dubai
  • The Desert Course at Arabian Ranches
  • Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

The most famous golf course in Dubai is the Al Badia golf course. This golf course created by Robert Trent Jones II, is skillfully designed with ponds, lakes and waterfalls. It is also considered as a very challenging course. Golf has always been considered a rich mans game mainly due to the expenses involved like club membership and equipment. Dubai is one such city which has all the state of the art facilities when it comes to golf. The rich and elegant style in which the courses are designed are truly world class which are in many ways similar to ones in USA and UK. These advanced facilities allure golfers and tourists from all over the world. The official Dubai Golf also known as DG is the government program setup to regulate and promote Dubai golf to the world. Its goal is to continue to attract professional and casual golfers to the various courses and resorts that they manage. The three major courses that they manage are the Majlis, The Faldo courses, along with the Dubai Creek Golf club.

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Traffic Fines in Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Traffic Fines in Dubai

Traffic Fines in Dubai

Dubai may be known for the thrill and adventure it provides but make sure you don’t carry over all these antics on the road. While driving its best if you know the common traffic rules in the city. Dubai has a yearly registration renewal system, therefore it would be wise to check for dues regularly such that you don’t encounter any hassles during re-registration. Some of the traffic violations have serious consequences like imprisonment or confiscation of the vehicle. Dubai also has a sleek speeding camera system. So, if you’re caught by one of those you can just check online and pay your fine through an online payment system. There is also an option where you can register you mobile number online to get SMS updates on any fine payment.

If you re using a rental car in Dubai, It is best to let the agency take care of it. They will charge you a processing fee along with the fine amount. The Dubai Police provide a simple method to know and pay your traffic fines. All you need is a credit card and your license plate number.

  1. Log on to www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
  2. Navigate to the e-services section
  3. Click on “Traffic Fines Inquiry and Payment Service”
  4. Click the icon to go to the service
  5. Enter the fine number, OR your driver’s license number, OR your plate number.
  6. Any outstanding fines will then be displayed. Inclusive of any fines against your registration from other governmental agencies as well.

Other methods of paying the fine are through Dubai Police self service kiosks and Emirates Bank ATMs. These kiosks are located all over the city such that people without Internet access can pay their tickets with ease. Dubai is loaded with comfort services. However, sometimes it seems futile. In 2010, there was a noted rise in the number of false traffic tickets being issues in Dubai.  These were dubbed as ‘Fairy Fines’ or ‘Phantom Fines’. People were issued tickets when they were out of the country. A quick way to get out of a false ticket is to file a complaint with the police by supplying relevant details of your whereabouts when the ticket was issued. This would help you get out of paying a fine unnecessarily.

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How to get a Visiting Visa to Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
How to get a visiting visa to dubai

How to get a visiting visa to dubai

Dubai, a city located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on the world map as one of the best tourist destinations. People from the world over are fascinated by the mixture of modern and traditional values in the city. It is a perfect place for a short term stay away from home. A Visit Visa is the most common type of visa issued to tourists who wish to stay for more than 14 days. It also has variants depending on the requirement of the individual.

The visit can be sponsored by a resident, company or any tour operator/hotel licensed to do so. Now, the Visit Visa is valid for 60 days and can be renewed for an extra month with a payment of AED 500. A copy of your Dubai visa application form must be duly filled in with all relevant details and relevant signatures, 2 photographs, a letter from your sponsor. The sponsor has to furnish relevant details like the visitors date of arrival and mode along with a photocopy of the first few pages of the visitors passport. The visitors passport should be valid for a minimum period of three months. A fee of AED 100 is to be paid along with the application. Also, the sponsor has to pay a refundable deposit of AED 2000 as guarantee. If you are coming from one of the 33 selected countries that do not need a Dubai visa before you can enter Dubai can stay there for a period of one month. The visit visa can be obtained on entry. This visa cannot be renewed. Tour operators and hotels may levy separate charges for processing. The Visit Visa holder may enter and leave the country through any point of entry in the UAE.

A Visit Visa can be obtained in another form which is known as a multiple visit visa. For a sum of 1000 Dirham you can get this visa if you are commercially related to a renowned company. The visa is valid for 6 months and each time you visit Dubai you can stay for a maximum of 1 month. You need a visit visa to enter Dubai and can get this multiple visit visa once you are there. Overstaying is a serious offence and fine of AED 100 is charged and beyond AED 200/ day. Once a guest leaves the UAE, his visit visa gets cancelled. The sponsor can obtain his deposit refund from the immigration department.

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Buying a used Car in Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Buying a used car in dubai

Buying a used car in dubai

Dubai has growing population of expatriates. Buying a used car is by far the best deal for them to get around the city. In Dubai, it is necessary to have a resident visa to purchase a car; new or used. A driving license is also required, but if you have valid reasons as to why you don’t own one you can present the information to concerned authority. Cars in the UAE are slightly cheaper than in the UK or US, and being an oil rich nation fuel is also cheap. There are plenty of used car dealerships, who offer accompanied services like service warranty, insurance and financing. But, the charges for these services come up to AED 5000 to 10,000. The largest and the accepted dealership is 4×4 Motors, Sheikh Zayed road. Other good used car centres to consider are the Al Futtaim Automall and Al Awir.

Al Awir has a peculiarity. It is a automobile auction house, where residents can bid for a new/used car. Another perk of purchasing from an auction house is that all the cars would have undergone a vehicle check and registration. Al- Awir has a used car complex which holds weekly auctions. But with all good things come a bad one, there is no warranty on the price. Apart from this, the constant entry and exit of expatriates in the country has created a large network of private sellers. The best way to grab a good price is when the seller has a immediate deadline to leave the city. Also, you should be ready to bear the burden of registration and any other documentation. Private sellers advertise usually online or through newspaper classifieds. Newspapers such as The Gulf News and Khaleej Times have a classified section for used cars. Some Supermarkets have notice boards with advertisements from private sellers. Another thing to check on before buying a used car is any dues associated with the car. This can be done by visiting the Dubai Police website and keying in the car plate number.

Once a vehicle has been purchased, the new owner has to insure and then register the car. Car registration can be done at the Dubai Traffic department or at Tasjeel Eppco, Shamil or Belhasa Wasel. There are certain rules and formalities for registering an used car like presence of both buyer and seller during documentation. Look around for companies offering registration services, a small price can save a lot of time and stress!

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Underwater Hotels in Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Underwater Hotels in Dubai

Underwater Hotels in Dubai

On a comic note it has sometimes been said that Dubai has more construction workers than actual citizens. This concrete jungle is home to some of the most amazing works of architecture in the world. Now, they’ve left land and ventured into the deep blue sea. Dubai is almost set to unveil the world’s first underwater luxury hotel ‘Crescent Hydropolis’ in 2013. According to the plan laid out, the hotel was to be built in Germany and assembled in Dubai. However, a lot of delay has occurred due to the economic crisis in Dubai. Not only that there are several concerns about its effect on marine life.

It is said to have three main parts : the land station (where guests will be welcomed), the connecting tunnel (which will transport the guests by train to the main area of the hotel), and the 220 suites within the underwater leisure complex. This architectural project is considered to be one of the largest in the world till date covering 260 hectares. The land on which the Hydropolis is being built belongs to HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. A whopping $550 million is the cost of construction. With his encouragement around 150 firms have invested in the project. Built below the surface of the Persian Gulf, Jumeriah coastline, this amazing underwater hotel in Dubai, will be next to Burj-Al-Arab. It is an estimated 66 ft below sea level. One night stay in this aquatic marvel could cost around US$550 per room. There has been a lot of hype and speculation surrounding ‘Hydropolis’. The inspiration for the architect for Hydropolis, Joachim Hauser is beleived to have come from the novel ‘20,000 Leagues Under The Sea’ by Jules Verne.

The hotel is said to resemble a jellyfish and is constructed from a combination of concrete, steel and clear Plexiglas. After its completion, a person staying in the hotel would be able to experience the magical life undersea. This project will set tourists flocking to Dubai to have this one of a kind experience. Edutainment is another special highlight for visitors. There will be a high-tech cinema in which the history of underwater architecture as well as the evolution of life in the ocean will be shown. A viewing platform at the front opening of the spanning roof structure allows stunning views by day and night of the architecture and the light shows of Hydropolis. But, only time will tell whether this project is just a dream or will turn into a reality!

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Travelling Within Dubai – Dubai Transportation System

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Travelling Within Dubai - Dubai Transportation System

Travelling Within Dubai - Dubai Transportation System

Once you are in Dubai finding your way around shouldn’t be too difficult. The city has an efficient Public transportation system. It is tourist friendly with the all details available on the sites put up by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). There are a few public transport options available: Taxi, Bus, Metro Rail and Ferry.

Taxi

A taxi is a viable option to use on your visit, mainly because most of the taxi drivers are well aware of all the routes in the city leading to the prominent tourist attractions. Dubai Taxi Corporation’s fleet of approximately 3,500 vehicles will ensure that you find a taxi at any time of the day to take you anywhere you want to reach in Dubai. These taxi’s ply through the city and can be spotted at most of the commercial area in the city. There is a standard metre charge of 1.60 AED/km, thus you can travel hassle free. There is a surcharge of AED 3 for prior booking but its best not to rely on advance bookings. It is also advised that women be seated in the back of the taxi because drivers find it inviting if women travel in the front.

Bus

Dubai’s bus network is the most well-connected public transport option available. A detailed routemap along with timetable can be obtained from the RTA website. Public buses are relatively clean and cost effective. Although, they are not very frequent. The main bus stations are Gold Souk Market (in Deira) and Al Ghubaiba bus station (in Bur Dubai). The standard fare is 2 AED, and varies according to the distance. The timings usually differ during the month of Ramadaan.

Metro Rail

In September 2009, Dubai’s 52km long metro rail system was unveiled. It is the second metro in the Arab nations. There are a total of 21 stations which have stops in major areas along the coastline and prominent malls. It also has a stopping at the airport. Single tickets range from AED 2 to 8.50. Trains run every 5 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day except on Friday. On this day service is from 2:00 PM until midnight. All stations are air-conditioned and there is a large network of feeder buses.

Ferry

The ferry is known as an ‘abra’. Stations are located in Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai and Deira. It is the most easiest way of crossing the creek and the abra’s have an efficient filling system. A trip across the river costs 1 AED/ passenger. The main advantage is that they are frequent and a great way to get a good view of the city.

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Malls in Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Malls in Dubai

Malls in Dubai

Shop till you drop! this is what best defines the mall culture in Dubai. Dubai has something for everyone, whether visitors are looking for a cultural experience or purely indulging in the lavish lifestyle the city has to offer. Spanning over acres of land, Dubai has 68 malls and 8 whose construction are underway. Most tourists visit shopping malls even though there are a variety of bargain free shops outside because of the speciality shops in the malls.

The malls don’t brag only about the shopping facilities but also the excellent architecture. Most shopping malls take up a major portion of Dubai’s skyline. Dubai Shopping Centers have a  complete entertainment package. Most of them have cinema halls, restaurants, multi-level car parking and theme-based attractions, and in addition retail outlets of top international brands. There are special recreational centres for kids when the parents go shopping. Kids can entertain themselves in skating rinks or video game parlours.

Prominent malls in Dubai

The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping malls in terms of total area. It forms a part of the Burj Khalifa complex and has about 1200 shops. The main attraction in this mall is that it has an underwater zoo and loads of entertainment areas!

Diera City Centre is located opposite  to the Creek Golf and Yacht Club. It is open from 10:00 AM to midnight on weekdays and 2pm to midnight on Friday. It is the only mall which is open for such long hours in Dubai and is often crowded till it closes down.

The Mall of Emirates, located in the Al Barsha district of Dubai, is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Since its inception in 2005, it offers a range of shopping, leisure and entertainment.

Dubai Festival City located in Dubai Creek, was constructed in 2005. It has 116 retail shops, a collection of cafes and eateries, four floors of parking with 2000 spaces, a ‘Waitrose’ Supermarket, a children’s play area, a six screen cinema and an attached hotel, everything a shopaholic could ask for is right here!

The feature that makes malls in Dubai a great place for shopping is the fact that it is duty-free that means low or mostly no duties or tariffs imposed on foreign products. Many international designer outlets can be found here. Major branded products are often found less expensive in Dubai than its country of origin. They are also a relief from the blistering heat as they are fully air conditioned. Dubai is often nicknamed as the shopping capital of the middle east and also the fashion capital. Most malls are open till 10:00 PM

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Important Hospitals in Dubai

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Important hospitals in Dubai

Important hospitals in Dubai

Dubai tourism is flourishing in more ways than one. Dubai is gaining wide popularity as a medical tourism destination due to its low cost services, English speaking medical staff, and virtually no queues for treatments. The Joint Commission International (JCI) has accredited 11 hospitals and clinics making it, the first hospitals to be accredited in the Middle East by the JCI. The city has a  distinguished health care system which has world class facilities. Hospitals in Dubai offer excellent treatment facilities to everyone regardless of their financial conditions. Which essentially means everyone is treated equally in terms of the services rendered to them.

Dubai has both Government run and privately owned hospitals. The major difference between government and private hospitals is in the services provided to the customer. Private hospitals like always would charge more and the services are prompt. There are many hospitals run by the Health Ministry which have state of the art facilities. They have inbuilt pharmacies with all the required medicines such that family members don’t have to scurry through the city looking for it. Restaurants located within the compounds of the hospital have round-the-clock services. Most doctors have private clinics within the hospital premises itself. These clinics are functional 24 hours in a day.

Some of the important hospitals in Dubai are:

  • Emirates Hospital, Jumeirah Beach Road
  • American Hospital, Bur Dubai
  • Al Dowali Private Hospital, Diera
  • Alfa Medical Centre, Bur Dubai
  • Cedars Jebel Ali International Hospital, Jebel Ali
  • Medcare Hospital, Jumeirah
  • Rashid Hospital, Near Al Maktoum bridge, Bur Dubai
  • New Medical Centre Hospital, Deira
  • New Dubai Hospital, Al Baraha
  • Canadian Specialist Hospital (CSH), Bur Dubai

Dubai Healthcare City is an initiative by the Government to get Dubai into the map for world class healthcare services. A branch of Harvard Medical School is soon to be included within Healthcare city which adds more prestige to the undertaking. It is one of the largest international medical centre located between south east Asia and Europe. Dubai offers innumerable medical treatments including cochlear implants, diabetes treatments, orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, obesity surgery, neurology, plastic & cosmetic surgery, physical therapy, dermatology, rheumatology, ophthalmology, lung treatments, and urology.

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