Visa:
Please note that the nationals of the following countries will be issued free entry permits upon arrival in the UAE, all other nationalities will require visas prior to arrival: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino and Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and South Korea.

Currency
The local currency in the UAE is the Arab Emirates Dirham (Dhs). The Dirham is linked to the US$ at the rate of Dhs3.67 = US$1.

Local laws
Although you are allowed to drink in many of Dubai's numerous bars, remember this is a Muslim country. If you wander around the streets drunk then there is a good chance you will be arrested. There is also zero tolerance towards drinking and driving. That means the legal limit is zero and being caught will usually end in a prison sentence. Certain prescription drugs which are legal elsewhere in the world are banned in Dubai. If you need to take these then you must ensure that you take a doctors prescription with you. A list of which drugs are illegal can be found at the: US consulate to Dubai's website.

Language
The official language of the UAE is Arabic. Other languages spoken are English, Hindi, and Farsi. A large number of the expatriate population are from the sub-continent, the Philippines, Iran, and just about any country. So you will find people here speaking Urdu, Tagalog, Malayalam, Russian, South African and languages.

Clothing
You will only need summer clothes when you're here, however it is a good idea to bring a few light sweaters or cardigans as the air conditioning in some restaurants and malls can be chilly. While there is no official ruling about exactly what you can and can't wear, Westerners will be expected to dress with more modesty than you would at home in similar temperatures.
This doesn't mean that women have to cover up or wear a veil but they should try to wear clothes that are not too revealing, while men should avoid short shorts and bare chests. Dubai is a liberal emirate, but it is also part of an Islamic country. You should also be respectful of Gulf culture.

Transport
The car is king in this city, and with wide, fast roads crossing the emirate, it’s the easiest way to get around.  A car can be hired from any of numerous car-rental companies operating in the city and with such a competitive market, rates are pretty reasonable. A renter needs to provide original passport, 2 photographs, and a valid international driving license or national license. Compared to Europe and the United States, taxis are very cheap in Dubai. Taxis are also plentiful and you won't usually have to wait more than a few minuets before one comes along. An average 10km journey will set you back around Dh15 (around $3.50) All taxis are metered. The bus service in Dubai is limited but popular. It tends to run mostly in Deira and Bur Dubai although there are services running along the Shaikh Zayed Road. If catching the bus, male tourists should be wary of sitting next to women they don't know as this is frowned upon in Muslim culture.

Religion
The official religion of the United Arab Emirates is Islam. But other faiths are accepted and freedom of worship privately is given. Churches are common in some emirates and in Dubai you will even find a Hindu Temple.

Climate
Moderate climate is found between October and March when days are sunny and pleasant (Average Temperature - 26C). Nights are Cool (average temperature is 15C) Summer is between April and September, when temperatures peak at 50C with high humidity levels. In the summer, southerly and northerly winds blow over the UAE with occasional sandstorms.

Electricity
Dubai is a modern city and has adopted the same electrical power systems as the UK. Whereas most power outlets in hotel rooms will be the UK 3 pin plug type, and operate at 240 volts.

Telephone
Like the power systems, Dubai has opted for the UK type telephone jack system, but it is possible to find converters from UK type to the US RJ12 type.