Driving in Dubai can be a challenge and may initially be intimidating. Dubai is home to approximately 180 different nationalities, all of whom come with their own driving abilities and habits. Those arriving from Western countries may find the roads chaotic, while those from Asian nations or Arab states may find the driving organized. With some experience behind the wheel in Dubai, coupled with basic knowledge of local driving regulations, expats should soon feel comfortable taking to the roads.
One must have a residency visa in order to acquire a local driving license. Many people arrive in Dubai on a visit visa and thus will rent a vehicle for the first month or so until their residency visa is completed. In order to rent a car you will need an International Driving Permit and a driving license from your home country. Many well-known car rental agencies exist in Dubai including Avis, Budget Car Rentals, Hertz and Thrifty Car Rentals. Alternatively, you may opt to obtain a Temporary Driving License if you wish to drive a private car. A temporary license is valid for six months and is issued at the Dubai Traffic Police Station.
Once you have Dubai residency you must get a local driving license - you can no longer use a temporary or international permit. Certain nationalities, including those from many European countries, US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, and South Korea can get a local license by simply showing their own driving license and doing some paperwork. Others will need to take driving lessons (available at licensed centers including Belhasa Driving Center, Dubai Driving Center, Emirates Driving Institute, Galadari Motor Driving Center, and Al Ahli Driving School) and afterwards pass a test. The driving school can arrange an appointment for your driving test with the Dubai Traffic Department.
Once an expat has a residency visa they can buy a car. Most major car makes are available at dealers in the UAE, with 4x4s and Japanese models being especially popular. Used vehicles are available at 4x4 Motors, Al Futtaim AutoMall, Western Auto and SunCity Motors among others. Searching the classifieds for Dubai used cars can also yield good results.
After you rent or buy a car, understanding the local rules of the road is paramount to having a positive experience. It is often necessary to drive defensively and be vigilant behind the wheel. Cars in Dubai are left-hand drive, with traffic on the right. Slower drivers should stick to the furthest right lane. If you travel in the left-most lane at a slower speed you will most likely find another vehicle alarmingly close to your rear bumper honking its horn and flashing its high beams. It is common for drivers to change lanes abruptly without signaling, to slowly coast through stop signs instead of coming to a full stop, and to honk their horns loudly the instant the light turns green at a traffic signal. Pedestrians are often darting across the street and need to be watched for. Recently an automated toll system (known as Salik) was installed on selected major roadways in order to try and reduce traffic congestion.
There are mobile radar cameras set up around the emirate to catch those driving over the speed limit or running a red light. Zero tolerance exists for drinking and driving. Something as seemingly minor as a rude hand gesture, used in a moment of frustration at another driver, can land you in court or even jail. If you do incur a fine you will not receive a notice in the mail, rather you can check on the Dubai Police Traffic website or call them directly. Fines for an entire year can be paid when renewing your annual car registration. If you get into a minor accident it is recommended to park your vehicle so as not to obstruct traffic, get the other party's detailsFree Reprint Articles, and then immediately visit the nearest police station to file a report. If the police are called to the scene they will often write a report on the spot. These papers are necessary for the insurance company and it is almost impossible to get repairs done without them.
Unfortunately Dubai has one of the highest road death tolls in the world. As of March 2008 the Unified Federal Traffic Law stiffened the penalties for driving offenses and also implemented a black point system for drivers in attempts to improve road safety for all who visit and live in Dubai.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Fairmont Hotel Dubai - Important Tips about Staying, Moving Around, Eating etc.
The Fairmont Hotel Dubai, which is shaped like an Arabic wind tunnel, also known as 'barajeel' in Arabic, has become a widely known, architecturally recognised landmark in a city that has more landmarks than any other.
Literally.
Dubai is reinventing itself with every new project laying claim to some new record. Biggest, tallest, etc. are adjectives that have become an order of the day, and are being touted by every new project be it a hotel, residential, office or Mall Complex.
Coming back to the Fairmont, it has been receiving rave reviews from tourists and critics alike, ever since it opened it's doors for business. It has cultivated die-hard fans from amongst their regular travellers to Dubai, who would not go elsewhere, even if stay was cheaper. As part of the page on our website, as well as the afore mentioned claim, we decided to find out.
Starting almost 2 years ago we have been in touch with a very large group of people, consisting of family, friends, and, friends of friends. These were people who travelled extensively to Dubai and represented every class of travellers that would stay in a 1 star hotel right up to the so-called 10 star hotels in Dubai.
After we collected and compiled all this information, we added various tips like restaurants in the hotel and the vicinity. This is very critical information, since, food, rather good food is very important to any and everyone. We also added transportation tips to and from the hotel, along with contact information of various modes of transport. T
he Fairmont Hotel Dubai receives high scores due to it's exceptional service. The polite & friendly staff call you by name, which builds a fine rapport and go out of their way to satisfy all your needs (reasonable ones!). If you are a regular at the hotel, it is recommended to join the President's club, that lends you a few extras at a nominal cost or even free. One such service available, is the free internet access in the room.
The large and spacious rooms give a beautiful, panoramic view of the city. The elegant Willow Stream Spa at The Dubai Fairmont Hotel, that covers 40,000 square feet, has a Romanesque spa with a relaxing Jacuzzi and Turkish Hammam Bath.
The 9 private treatment and relaxation rooms are tastefully decorated and you can enjoy a soothing massage from the well trained massage staff. A sure fire way to de-stress yourself and feel vibrant with energy.
The fitness centre at the Dubai Fairmont Hotel is well equipped with the latest fitness equipment, and the trainers there will recommend a customised work-out to make you feel fit and energised. Sunrise and Sunset are the names of the pools in the hotel, where you can see the beautiful sunrise and sunset while swimming. A beutiful experience. All in all, this is a hotel that gives you more than your money's worth.
Visit Fairmont Hotel Dubai for the latest tipsPsychology Articles, do's and dont's and other important info.
Literally.
Dubai is reinventing itself with every new project laying claim to some new record. Biggest, tallest, etc. are adjectives that have become an order of the day, and are being touted by every new project be it a hotel, residential, office or Mall Complex.
Coming back to the Fairmont, it has been receiving rave reviews from tourists and critics alike, ever since it opened it's doors for business. It has cultivated die-hard fans from amongst their regular travellers to Dubai, who would not go elsewhere, even if stay was cheaper. As part of the page on our website, as well as the afore mentioned claim, we decided to find out.
Starting almost 2 years ago we have been in touch with a very large group of people, consisting of family, friends, and, friends of friends. These were people who travelled extensively to Dubai and represented every class of travellers that would stay in a 1 star hotel right up to the so-called 10 star hotels in Dubai.
After we collected and compiled all this information, we added various tips like restaurants in the hotel and the vicinity. This is very critical information, since, food, rather good food is very important to any and everyone. We also added transportation tips to and from the hotel, along with contact information of various modes of transport. T
he Fairmont Hotel Dubai receives high scores due to it's exceptional service. The polite & friendly staff call you by name, which builds a fine rapport and go out of their way to satisfy all your needs (reasonable ones!). If you are a regular at the hotel, it is recommended to join the President's club, that lends you a few extras at a nominal cost or even free. One such service available, is the free internet access in the room.
The large and spacious rooms give a beautiful, panoramic view of the city. The elegant Willow Stream Spa at The Dubai Fairmont Hotel, that covers 40,000 square feet, has a Romanesque spa with a relaxing Jacuzzi and Turkish Hammam Bath.
The 9 private treatment and relaxation rooms are tastefully decorated and you can enjoy a soothing massage from the well trained massage staff. A sure fire way to de-stress yourself and feel vibrant with energy.
The fitness centre at the Dubai Fairmont Hotel is well equipped with the latest fitness equipment, and the trainers there will recommend a customised work-out to make you feel fit and energised. Sunrise and Sunset are the names of the pools in the hotel, where you can see the beautiful sunrise and sunset while swimming. A beutiful experience. All in all, this is a hotel that gives you more than your money's worth.
Visit Fairmont Hotel Dubai for the latest tipsPsychology Articles, do's and dont's and other important info.
Facts About Dubai
Whenever I think of Dubai, my mind immediately conjures up images of skyscrapers and large malls – each one painstakingly created to make this place a haven for its inhabitants as well as visitors. Located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is a bustling metropolis and the second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. HH Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the ruler of Dubai as well as the Prime Minister of the federation of UAE. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Maktoum is the crown prince.
The climate in Dubai is sub-tropical and arid with rainfall that is irregular and infrequent. The temperatures in this city range from a low of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to about 118 degrees. Dubai has a population of approximately 1.67 million people of which 80% are made up of Expatriates. Arabic is the official language of Dubai, while English is used in business. Other languages such as Urdu and Hindi are also spoken in this city. The currency of Dubai is known as Emirati Dirham. The United Arab Emirates get their revenue from financial services, manufacturing as well as trade. Natural gas and petroleum contributes less than 6% to the overall revenue.
This ever-expanding city sure knows how to welcome its visitors. New constructions such as shopping malls, an airport and skyscrapers just add to the charm of this city. Apart from the constructions, Dubai is also known for gold. This city is said to buy the highest amount of per capita gold in the world. It is said that taking an average idea, every five person buys five pieces of gold in the form of jewelry every year! The city of Dubai has also made the world's largest gold chain, which was made of 22 k gold and measured 4.2 kilometers. This was during the DSF-1999. 9,600 people bought the chain as necklace wear or pieces of bracelet.
Apart from gold, the world's largest horses can be found in Dubai. The best breeds of horses are imported from every corner of the globe and are used for racing. Cars also find a special mention here because the cars here are specially made with huge wheels in order to navigate through the hills of sands of the hilly terrain. Dubai is a city that has no income or property related tax. Of course you will find fees that are related to associated registration, transfer and residence apart from charges for offshore company setup and property purchases.
The city of Dubai also has a number of facts that continue to amaze people all over the globe. It is said that the city of Dubai does not have any street addresses. Information also states that the number of construction workers in Dubai are more than the actual citizens. Dubai will soon also have Dubailand, which is a project that is based on tourism. It has been projected that Dubailand will be the most ambitious leisureHealth Fitness Articles, tourism and entertainment destinations ever known to mankind.
The climate in Dubai is sub-tropical and arid with rainfall that is irregular and infrequent. The temperatures in this city range from a low of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to about 118 degrees. Dubai has a population of approximately 1.67 million people of which 80% are made up of Expatriates. Arabic is the official language of Dubai, while English is used in business. Other languages such as Urdu and Hindi are also spoken in this city. The currency of Dubai is known as Emirati Dirham. The United Arab Emirates get their revenue from financial services, manufacturing as well as trade. Natural gas and petroleum contributes less than 6% to the overall revenue.
This ever-expanding city sure knows how to welcome its visitors. New constructions such as shopping malls, an airport and skyscrapers just add to the charm of this city. Apart from the constructions, Dubai is also known for gold. This city is said to buy the highest amount of per capita gold in the world. It is said that taking an average idea, every five person buys five pieces of gold in the form of jewelry every year! The city of Dubai has also made the world's largest gold chain, which was made of 22 k gold and measured 4.2 kilometers. This was during the DSF-1999. 9,600 people bought the chain as necklace wear or pieces of bracelet.
Apart from gold, the world's largest horses can be found in Dubai. The best breeds of horses are imported from every corner of the globe and are used for racing. Cars also find a special mention here because the cars here are specially made with huge wheels in order to navigate through the hills of sands of the hilly terrain. Dubai is a city that has no income or property related tax. Of course you will find fees that are related to associated registration, transfer and residence apart from charges for offshore company setup and property purchases.
The city of Dubai also has a number of facts that continue to amaze people all over the globe. It is said that the city of Dubai does not have any street addresses. Information also states that the number of construction workers in Dubai are more than the actual citizens. Dubai will soon also have Dubailand, which is a project that is based on tourism. It has been projected that Dubailand will be the most ambitious leisureHealth Fitness Articles, tourism and entertainment destinations ever known to mankind.
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