Dubai is one of seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is a place of intriguing contransts, where you will witness the merging of ancient traditions with a growing modern city. Known in the region as the city of merchants, Dubai has welcomed traders to its glistening shores for generations, their traditional courtesy and hospitality still thrives today. The streets of this Arabian city are clean and safe, and visitors to this charming city will be captivated by its friendliness. Not to mention you will be swept away by the superb shopping including the famous bargains at the gold souks, that are tucked away in a maze of corridors. For those seeking a historical journey, amongst the modern sky scrapers of Dubai you will find spectacular historic examples of Islamic architecture and tradition, even the traditional bakeries and fish souks are something worth seeing. Come... Discover Dubai!

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CLIMATE
Best time to visit Dubai is between November and March. The winter months of January and February experience light showers bringing the temperatures down. Summers are hot with high humidity. The daily maximum is 24 C° in January rising to 41 C° in July.

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

ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply in Dubai is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles. It is advisable to bring a universal power adaptor.

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Much of the Middle East still holds very traditional and religious values, and as guests it is right you respond sensitively and respect as many of their beliefs and customs as you can. When visiting mosques or holy sites follow the standard etiquette of women having head, shoulders, arms and legs covered; men should not wear shorts. Remember always to remove your shoes before stepping on a mosque’s carpet.

TIPPING
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where service charges are not included 10% is adequate.

WATER
The most common cause of sickness comes from drinking contaminated water. Bottled or mineral water is readily available, be sure to check the seal is intact.

GETTING ABOUT
Taxis are the most common way of getting around. Metered taxis from Dubai Transport Corporation, recognised by their cream colour, are efficient, with well trained and courteous drivers.

MONEY
USD currency is by far the best currency to take. We recommend that you take plenty of small denominations, as larger notes may prove difficult to change in some instances. While Visa, Mastercard and American Express are largely accepted in major hotels and tourist shops we do not recommend that you rely upon credit cards for cash advances as these can usually only be obtained at certain banks in the mains centres. American Express or Thomas Cook travellers cheques for large amounts of cash and can easily be exchanged.

VISAS
For New Zealand passport holders’ 30-day visas are obtained free of charge upon arrival at Dubai Airport. For Egypt a 30-day visa is available on arrival at Cairo Airport for approximately USD20 pp. Please check with your travel agent regarding up to date costs and requirements as these do change from time to time.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Taking photos, still or video in military zones is to be avoided. Remember that it is against Islamic traditions and not customary to photograph people, especially women. So it is polite to ask permission before taking photographs.

DUBAI CITY TOUR
Visit the Jumeirah mosque, Bastiakia - the oldest part of the city where old wind-towered houses of wealthy merchants are still to be seen, the Dubai Museum in the Al Fahidi Fort which has survived for two centuries and travel by Abra (local water taxi) across the Creek to the area of spice and gold souks.
Departs: Twice Daily @ 9am & 1pm / 4 hours

BIG BUS - HOP ON, HOP OFF
This 24 hour pass allows you to hop on and off at stops including Wafi City Mall, Karama Shopping Area, the Gold Souk, Dubai Museum, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Al Boom Tourist Village and many more.
Departs Daily - every 40 minutes / valid for 24 hours

EAST COAST TOUR
A full day tour that will take you from city, to mountains, to ocean; seeing the variety of landscapes the UAE has to offer. Visit local markets, natural springs, fishing villages and the oldest mosque in the UAE before heading back to Dubai.
Departs Tuesday @ 8am / 7 hours

HATTA & HAJAR MOUNTAINS
The Hatta Mountains lie on the border with Oman and offer spectacular scenery. The tour includes the Hatta City 16th century Portuguese Fort and the Heritage Village. A picnic lunch is included enroute.
Departs Monday & Wednesday @ 8am / 6 hours

SHARJAH CITY TOUR
A cultural tour through the Emirate of Sharjah including the Cultural Roundabout and the Ruler’s Palace, drive along the Corniche, and the Al Majarra Souk with its golden dome before a photo stop outside the King Faisal Mosque.
Departs Wednesday @ 8.30 am / 4 hours

DESERT SAFARI
The highlight of any visit to Dubai is undoubtedly this fun tour. Board your 4x4 and head out towards the desert. Dune bashing is a fun experience and combined with a beautiful desert sunset simply unforgettable. Dinner is at a Bedouin Camp where you will have the opportunity to ride a camel before settling down for a BBQ dinner and a belly dancing performance.
Departs Daily @ 2pm / 6 hours

DESERT SAFARI
The highlight of any visit to Dubai is undoubtedly this fun tour. Board your 4x4 and head out towards the desert. Dune bashing is a fun experience and combined with a beautiful desert sunset simply unforgettable. Dinner is at a Bedouin Camp where you will have the opportunity to ride a camel before settling down for a BBQ dinner and a belly dancing performance.
Departs Daily @ 2pm / 6 hours

OVERNIGHT DESERT SAFARI
The same programme as the Desert Safari but instead of returning to the city overnight in the city. Awaken to the beautiful desert scenery and a traditional breakfast before you head back to civilisation. Please note that accommodation is rustic. This tour is not recommended for single travellers or from June to September during the height of Summer.
Departs Daily @ 2pm /overnight

CAMEL SAFARI
Transfer by 4x4 vehicles to the edge of the desert where you can embark on a camel ride and enjoy the flora and fauna of the desert. The trek includes an hour of camel riding and an excellent opportunity for photographs.
Departs Most days @ 8am / 3 hours

SUNDOWNER CRUISE
Enjoy a late afternoon cruise along the Creek while a commentary on the cultural and heritage sites fills you in on all you need to know. A welcome drink and light snacks are served on board.
Departs Daily @ 4pm / 3 hours