Q: What are the business hours in Dubai?

Banks: Sunday – Thursday 8am – 1pm Shopping Malls: Saturday – Thursday 10am – 10pm; Friday – 4pm – 10pm Souks: Saturday – Thursday 10am – 1pm and 4pm – 10pm; Friday – 4pm – 2:30pm

Question 1

Do I need a visa?

Accepted Answer

Visa requirements for entering Dubai vary greatly between different nationalities and it is always advised to check regulations before traveling. In most cases, US Passport holders can obtain a visa upon arrival.

Question 2

Do they speak English in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The official language is Arabic, Arabic and English are commonly used in business and commerce. Hindi and Urdu are also widely used.

Question 3

How long does it take to fly to Dubai?

Accepted Answer

From JFK to Dubai, the flying time is 12 hours and 45 minutes.

Question 4

What are the business hours in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Banks: Sunday &ndash; Thursday 8am &ndash; 1pm
Shopping Malls: Saturday &ndash; Thursday 10am &ndash; 10pm; Friday &ndash; 4pm &ndash; 10pm
Souks: Saturday &ndash; Thursday 10am &ndash; 1pm and 4pm &ndash; 10pm; Friday &ndash; 4pm &ndash; 2:30pm

Question 5

What are the duty free allowances?

Accepted Answer

Duty Free Allowances include the following:

Cigarettes: 400
Cigars: 2 kilograms
Tobacco: 2 kilograms
Liquor: 2 liters of spirits OR 2 liters of wine for personal consumptional

Question 6

Will I have internet and cell phone access in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

GSM services are available and the mobile phone code within the UAE is 050. "Speak Easy" is a GSM mobile service for those visitors and tourists who cannot use their own mobile phones in the UAE. You can either buy a new mobile phone and purchase a temporary SIM card or use your own handset with a temporary card. Contact ETISALAT for details.
Most five-star hotels offer guests internet access. Email cheap rates are from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. At the time of writing public internet access kiosks were being established in the UAE, initially at the major airports. The minimum charge for public access is Dh2 and 60 fils per minute. Payment can be made by credit card.
If you have brought your laptop with you, along with a modem and browsing software, you can dial 500 5333 to get connected to the internet. A charge of 15 fils per minute is billed to the telephone to which you are connected.

Question 7

What is shopping like in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Many of the world's finest goods are available at prices well below what you would pay in other countries. Tax-free open market means bargains galore. Bargaining is commonly practiced and recommended particularly in the souks. Traditional souvenirs include Arabian coffee pots, silver and brass swords or khanjars, silver and wooden miniature dhows, Arabic chests, soapstone figures, antique silver jewelry, Persian carpets and gold jewelry.

Frequently asked questions