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You'll quickly notice that Dubai has many streets & areas with either no name, or "adopted" names, given by locals & expatriates.
Most side-streets only have numbers. Because of this, the postal system is run on postboxes at various post offices. No mail, etc. is ever sent directly to a physical address. Everything is sent to P.O. Boxes. (courier services such as DHL, FedEx, etc. do - of course - deilver to your door).
Then there are the areas & streets that have names, which you will never find in a guide book or street map.
> For example: "Khalid bin Walid Road" in Bur Dubai is called "Bank Street" & further down changes to "Computer Street"... explanation superfluous in this case.
> In the same area there's the "Falcon Roundabout". Now this is a tricky one. There used to be a roundabout just before the Shindagha Tunnel with a golden falcon statue in the middle. Nowadays, it's an intersection with no statue but people have kept the old name.
> Then there's the "Wollongong Beach" or "Kite Surfer's Beach" in Umm Suqeim area. There used to be the Wollongong University located here, nowadays it's an Islamic art centre and the beach is frequented by - you guessed it - kite surfers.
> And finally, who could forget the hilarious & brand new (2006) "Interchange 4 1/2" on the Sheikh Zayed highway to Abu Dhabi... they're building so fast, there's no space for new names :-)
> Most of the city is under construction, so numerous "detours" add to the confusion on the roads.
Because of all this confusion, when asking for directions most people will not give street names or even proper building names. Directions are given by landmarks & places of interest. For example, in the area of Karama there is a building called "Sana Fashion". It's been there since the 80s and everyone knows it. Same goes for "Fish Roundabout" in Deira, or "Safa Park" in Jumeirah. Or they'll simply mention the nearest shopping mall or hotel.
--> I use this interactive map of Dubai very often. It's extremely useful, you can zoom in / out and it is updated regularly. http://map.dubaitourism.ae/
I sometimes wonder whether U2's song "Where the streets have no name" was written about Dubai:
"We're beaten and blown by the wind,
Trampled into dust.
I'll show you a place,
High on a desert plain,
Where the streets have no name.
Where the streets have no name.
Still building, (yep, there's a lot of construction)
then burning down love, burning down love.
And when I go there, I go there with you
It's all I can do."
PROBLEMS? Since August 2007 there is a new department within Dubai Police, especially for tourists: Tourists may call on toll-free number 8004438 (24 hours) or e-mail t.s@dubaipolice.gov.ae. Leave a Comment
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Dubai has been a trading centre for centuries thanks to Dubai Creek, a natural sea-water inlet which meanders through the centre of the city. To me it doesn't look much like a creek, but more like a river.
This picturesque waterway offers you a glimpse of the old Dubai. The Creek is lined with bustling wharves where you can watch the loading and unloading of the dhows (traditional boats), which still travel the ancient trade routes to places like India and Eastern Africa.
The best way to get a feel for the Creek and traditional Dubai life is to get out on the water. Catch one of the public water-taxi type boats called abras, which go from one side to the other, and can be hired for longer trips too.
The banks of the Creek are undergoing major redevelopment. On the Deira side you can enjoy a walk on the paved promenade, snooping at the dhows and gaining an insight into the importance of the Creek in the city's history.
At the inland end of the Creek is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see migrating shore birds, including the beautiful Flamingos which have made the Creek their permanent home. We drove past the sanctuary and I was amazed to see the massive flock of these impressive birds. Leave a Comment
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 Dubai is still one of the
safest destinations by JessH
Videos/DVDs are subject to scrutiny and may be censored or confiscated.
Import of any Israeli products, reading material, etc. is forbidden.
Visitors that have previously travelled to Israel & have an Israeli visit-visa in their passport will NOT be granted entry to the U.A.E.
Penalties for drug trafficking, smuggling & possession are severe. Those arrested on suspicion of alcohol or drugs will have to undergo blood and urine tests. The presence of drugs in the system is counted as possession & carries a min. sentence of 4 years. (see my seperate Warnings & Dangers Tip on Drugs...)
It is a punishable offence to drink or to be drunk in public. Offenders may incur a prison sentence, fine & deportation.
The UAE also holds an absolute zero tolerance in regards to alcohol & driving - the limit is set at blood alcohol level of 0,000 Promille. Even if you haven't consumed alcohol but are transporting it in your vehicle & cause an accident, you are regarded as DUI & will be punished.
Job seekers should be aware that they have to undergo a blood test in order to request a visa: those testing HIV positive whilst applying for their residence visa are detained prior to deportation. The blood is also tested for Hepatitis. Your chest is also X-rayed to test for TB. There is no appeal process. Taking a blood test shortly before travelling to the UAE would therefore be advisable.
Single women are also subjected to a pregnancy test, as it is illegal to have a relationship with a man outside wedlock. If a single woman is found to be pregnant, hefty fines and deportation from the country will follow.
"Committing suicide or provoking a person to commit suicide is prohibited & those who attempt to commit suicide but fail will face jail term."
"Abortion is prohibited. If a woman aborts a foetus, she will face jail. Doctors, surgeons, pharmacists or any other person, who help abort will face severe penalty."
"Cross-dressing or men wearing women's clothes to enter a *women's only* place can land you behind bars."
"Gambling is not allowed either in public or in private by law."
With our world becoming more violent, more politically tense and with fear ruling our everyday-lives, I just wanted to share some information on the safety of Dubai with you.
Not visiting Dubai because of the events in Iraq, Saudi Arabia & Sharm El Sheikh is too generalising. It's the same as saying: London was attacked, so I will not travel to Amsterdam. There is no reason to stay-away or cancel holidays and business trips.
"The United Arab Emirates is one of the safest countries in the world even though it is regionally located in the Middle East. Since 1970 it is a neutral country that has no disputes with any nation or country."
Interesting Article: http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/08/25/10148980.html<br />
PROBLEMS? Since August 2007 there is a new department within Dubai Police, especially for tourists: Tourists may call on toll-free number 8004438 (24 hours) or e-mail t.s@dubaipolice.gov.ae. Leave a Comment
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 'Sophisticated Racism' is
common in Dubai by JessH
1. Unspoken law:
The law seems to be literally "black & white" and will often be quite lenient with UAE Nationals (=Emirati =Local) in comparison to the punishment that expatriates would face. Example: speeding, reckless driving, parking tickets, bar-brauls, etc. This is slowly improving, but one can notice that Emiratis receive preferential treatment by the authorities.
And note this: a women, if harassed can defend herself - even physically. The boyfriend/husband however, better keep his hands in his pockets.
Generally, the hundreds of nationalities living together in Dubai reside in a relatively peaceful & accepting existence; just make sure you know the rules...
2. Unspoken law: (for women)
If a man approaches you & the interest/feeling is NOT mutual, telling him you are married will usually have little effect... many Arab/Muslim men seem to think that because Westerners are "allowed" to have sex before marriage & because women are allowed to go out alone, we don't really care about marriage & will cheat whatever chance we get.
So Ladies, be painfully direct and say: "I am not interested in you. I don't like you. Leave me alone".
3. The boys in green:
Dubai Police seem to implement the country's laws in accordance with their mood. If they are grumpy just shut up & don't argue. Also, it's a problem that many officers do not speak sufficient English. It always helps to know some Arabic or have a friend who does. (Strangely enough: if you speak Arabic they immedidately lighten-up and sometimes even let you off...)
4. Unspoken law:
In the public, women do receive a huge amount of respect in the Middle East. You may notice this when queueing and being asked to step before all the men waiting...
5. City of Eternal Youth:
One of the rarest sights is old people. It is as if they barely exist. Old grannies & grandads - they are not part of this surreal, youth-obsessed world.
Elderly expats don't exist here because work visas expire at age 60 (bar a few rare exceptions). The only senior citizens one ever sees are elderly parents visiting their expat-children. It can be quite startling to see a couple of silver-haired seniors after months of seeing nobody past middle age... Elderly Locals are just as rare. There are some older emirati ladies around the shopping malls, but they tend to wear the traditional "bronze-effect" face mask, so who can tell if they're fifty or ninety? As for old Emirati men - perhaps they prefer the quiet & privacy of their villas, away from the alien, modern world that has invaded theirs.
6. "Sophisticated Racism"
Dubai society can be described as "sophisticated racism": Western expatriates are respected less (& paid less!) than Locals, but are generally treated better (& paid more) than Asian expatriates (Philipinos, Indians, Pakistanis). Brits (well, the English) are nowadays being regarded as "snobby" by many Locals - after all: they colonised this country once...
If you are Scottish, Irish, German or Swiss, Arabs usually loooove you! Many Arabs holiday in Germany/Switzerland or send their children there for school.
7. Seeing & being Seen:
Dubai is the Los Angeles of the Gulf with its share of "trend setters". For them it's all about being seen in the right place, at the right time, with the right people.
"Coffee culture": People always meet in cafes, and the city get's very crowded during lunch-hours & Fridays. Dubai has many nice cafes, especially in Jumeirah along the Beach Road.
Sorry if you think that this tip isn't "politically correct"...
reality rarely is.
Superb Dubai Blog: http://dubaithoughts.blogspot.com/ Leave a Comment
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 I wish I had THIS book!
Impossible to find? by JessH, 3 more photos
Much has improved in the past 2 decades, but the UAE still ranks an astonishingly dismal 137th in the world on respected free-speech organisation Reporters Sans Frontiers' Press Freedom Index, sitting below such "havens of tolerance" as Yemen, Sudan & Egypt.
At the turn of the millennium, openly recommending anything other than a "hops-based beverage" or "bottle of grape beverage" brought unwanted attention from authorities.
In an online survey in 2005, over 80% of residents agreed:
Dubai's heavy censorship is a real cause for concern.
"The problem is restriction of access" a journalist explains. "There was a big accident at the dry docks and they didn't allow us in. We reported their statement but added our eyewitness saying how many people were in the body bags. We counted 3 times the bodies acknowledged by the government!"
Dubai's press still faces a subtle pressure to avoid highlighting the uglier side of life in the city. Journalists here are always afraid of writing something will get them in trouble, so they start ignoring facts because they're worried about upsetting someone high up, be it in the Information Ministry or a business tycoon.
UAE LAW Article 70:
"No criticism shall be made against the Head of State or Rulers of the Emirates."
UAE LAW Article 84:
"It is prohibited to malign a public official, or anybody occupying a post in the public prosecution, or assigned to perform a public job. The writer shall not be held responsible if he proves he did so in good faith."
BANNED BOOKS: One of the most notorious & desirable forbidden reads is Robin Moore's 1977 blockbuster "Dubai": "Dubai. The hot spot... Where adventurers play the world's most dangerous games; Gold, sex, oil... and war."
Sadly "Dubai" has been out of print for decades. The rumour is that Sheikh Rashid was so appalled by its contents, and the accuracy of its portrayal of the Creek, gold smuggling, tribal politics and so on, that he bought the rights to it to prevent further publication.
After talking to editors & journalists it becomes clear that this view is driven by 2 main factors. 90% of media staff in the UAE are non-local & therefore need a visa to work - many professionals are cowed by the prospect of deportation...
Secondly, journalists walk a tightrope, both culturally & legally, of not really knowing what they can get away with.
Journalists shy away from the region's bigger stories that are always being ignored.
> Prostitution is happening everywhere, even in Saudi Arabia.
> What about human trafficking of house maids & construction workers?
> What about money laundering?
> And the real estate boom? Who's buying these villas, sometimes 50 at once?
Also, this is an Islamic country, which has endemic prostitution.
Sensitive things such as religion, prostitution, corruption & anything on the Royal family are not touched by the media.
The fact remains that the UAE is a largely appointed society dominated by tribes and powerful families; perhaps it's understandable that, in the medium term at least, it's who you know and not what you have to say which influences the stories making it onto the newsstands. Leave a Comment
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 "Who ya gonna call?" - Dubai
Police by JessH
Dubai has often been viewed as a safe haven and it's true that many foolishly leave the doors to homes & cars open and can still come back to find them untouched and intact.
But as the emirate has grown and begun to attract more money and tourists, the place has also become more vulnerable to crime.
Luckily, most expatriates & tourists have so far been deterred from crime because of Dubai's strict deportation laws.
You will notice that Dubai Police is constantly patrolling certain areas of the city.
With the arrival of crowds of tourists, the odd pickpocket can be spotted in busy public areas frequented by visitors that are too busy taking pictures, without noticing a hand in their pocket or bag.
A disturbing phenomenon is the arrival of "date-rape" drugs in the clubbing-scene. It's advisable for women to not leave any drinks unattended, and to keep a close eye on the cute stranger that just offered to buy you a cocktail...
Especially in the summer months most expatriates flee from the heat and take-up "shelter" in their home countries in Europe, USA, South Africa, etc.
It is at this time that thieves come out of the shadows, prying on uninhabited residences: large villas in expensive parts of town (e.g. Jumeirah)) are at highest risk. The danger is amplified by the fact that many residents never got acquainted to their neighbours, and so this incredible story happened a mere 5 houses from my old residence:
Personal Experience: the family was on vacation, and cunning burglars drove-up in broad daylight with a van painted with the logo of a fake removals/furniture packing company. Neighbours & passers-by simply assumed that another expatriate family was leaving, and nobody even looked twice whilst the thieves emptied out the entire house over a 4 hour period: television sets, sofa, curtains, beds, furniture, painting, clothing... Everything!
Either way: Dubai is still one of the safest places in the world where we all live a relatively care-free existence, but residents & tourists should not be fooled into a sense of false security - there's always the exception to the rule...
Dubai Police: 999.
Ambulance: 997.
PROBLEMS? Since August 2007 there is a new department within Dubai Police, especially for tourists: Tourists may call on toll-free number 8004438 (24 hours) or e-mail t.s@dubaipolice.gov.ae. Leave a Comment
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In today's hi-tech society, we're all connected - with wires, wireless, high speed, digital, etc.
So if you want to be reachable while on holiday in Dubai, or especially if you're here on business, here's some info on how to "get connected":
The 2 telephone providers in the UAE are called ETISALAT and DU.
They both provide a pre-paid / pay-as-you-go mobile phone service.
You just have to visit any Etisalat or DU office with your passport (they need a passport copy & a copy of the page with your UAE visit visa) and the fee is about Dhs 100.- You then immediately get your sim card, can activate it and start making & receiving calls.
Phone cards to re-charge the mobile are avaible at petrol stations & supermarkets throughout Dubai (e.g. card for Dhs 30.-) You can also re-charge your card by paying cash into Etisalat's public payment machines, that are situated in most major shopping malls (1 US Dollar = 3.67 Dirhams).
Wasel Prepaid GSM Service: an initial subscription charge, inclusive of connection charges, 1 year rental & the cost of the WASEL GSM Card enables subscribers to receive incoming calls on their mobile phones during the one year validity period. An initial credit of Dhs 10.- is provided to enable outgoing calls.
The WASEL system (pre-paid by ETISALAT) even gives you international roaming! So you can use it also after leaving the UAE (if you charge it up beforehand). The card has to be renewed every year, if you want to continue using the number.
Another advantage is that WASEL customers can dial emergency numbers 998, 999 and 997 free of charge.
MORE INFO ON THE CARD:
http://www.etisalat.co.ae (then click "Travellers", then "Visitors")
CLICK HERE for more info on the Pay-as-you-go Service by DU.
You can also apply for your "Ahlan" Prepaid Mobile Package at Etisalat Kiosks at Dubai Airport, and also in Dubai Duty Free. "Ahlan" only costs 90 Dhs (US$25.00) & is valid for 3 months. Leave a Comment
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 Traditional Arabic coffee
"Khahwa" and dates by JessH,
1 more photos
In 2009, Ramadhan will take place from approx. Aug. 22nd until Sept. 19th.
For over 1 billion Muslims throughout the world, Ramadhan is the 9th lunar month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It was the month in which the 1st verses of the holy Qur'an were revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH = Peace be upon Him). It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God and self-control:
-- Restraining the stomach from food & drink & the "private parts" from temptation.
-- Restraining other body parts: the tongue must avoid bad-mouthing, insult & lies; the eyes should avoid looking into things considered as unlawful or haram; the ears must stop from listening to conversation or songs that spoil the spirit of fasting.
-- Restraining heart & mind from indulging themselves in things other than Allah.
There are also clear rules about who is exempt from fasting:
> Children (before reaching puberty) & Pregnant & nursing women
> Women having their menstrual period
> Travelling people
> People performing hard, physical labour (especially outdoors)
> Sick people (diabetics, flu, etc.)
> Elderly people
> People on medication or who have a disability (physical or mental)
Muslims who were unable to fast may redeem their fast after Ramadhan has finished.
IFTAAR is to "break the fast" = breakfast.
This is done when the sunset prayer "maghreb" is heard. After breaking the fast (recommended are fresh dates & water or camel milk or Laban (drink yoghurt), they perform "vudoo" (=ritual washing before prayer), then pray and may then eat & drink a full meal.
Before the sunrise prayer "sohur", Muslims rise early from their beds to have a hearty meal before the day of fast begins.
You will notice that many gather in typical Ramadhan tents, either as part of hotel restaurants, or in a tent in front of their residence. They sit together for many hours, spend time with the family & discuss matters of life.
The sighting of the new moon at the end of Ramadhan proclaims the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. (2-3 days public holiday).
Gifts are exchanged, especially for children (new clothes, school items, etc.) This is also the time that Muslim women usually visit beauty salons to have their hands & feet painted with "Hennah". Sometimes I go together with my mother (she is Muslim).
TIP: To wish someone a happy Ramadhan, say Ramadhan Kareem.
The greeting during Eid is: Eid Mubarak.
And remember: during Ramadan people may get a bit ratty towards the end of the day due low blood sugar level or feeling desperate for a cigarette!
Expatriates & visitors alike also enjoy traditional Ramadhan evenings, sitting on large pillow, gathering for "Sheesha" & Arabic specialities (hommous, falafel, etc).
CHECK HERE for a list of Arabic dishes:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/1411c2/
CHECK HERE for information on Sheesha:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/13efb3/
TIP: If you wish to see the traditional, quiet side of Dubai - as well as the hectic shopping malls, street scenes & nightlife, why not arrive during the last few days before the beginning or the end of Ramadhan?
You can then experience both "sides/faces" of the city.
CHECK HERE for facts about nightlife & other restrictions during Ramadhan:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/130464/
News Article: RAMADHAN EXPLAINED http://www.timeoutdubai.com/dubai/features/review.php?id=1632 Leave a Comment
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 People by Rinjani
If you asked me, is it difficult to find a job in Dubai?? Well, I can say that as many other places in the world, hunting and finding a job is different experience from one to another person. Some say will find it easy, while some don’t.
Looking to job advertisement in local news paper in Dubai, I notice that some advertisements are not hesitant to mention preferable citizenships. For example wanted US/UK educated, or Indian/Arabic preferred. Some advertisements mention preferable visa status, for example : Husband or Father visa preferred. It means that the advertised company will not give sponsorship for the employee and prefer to hire candidate on husband or father visa.
To work in UAE, you are legally required to have a valid labour card. This can only be applied once you have residency. Employment/Residence visa provided by a company unless if you are under husband/father sponsorship. A person who wishes to find a job in UAE under visit visa (valid until 60 days with an extension for 30 day and required extension fee) should change to employment visa once they found a job.
If you wish to find a job in UAE, it will be wise to read rules and regulations applied. For example, there is a regulation that impose a six-month ban for employee who resign from the company before certain period of time, or there are regulation to govern changing a job, visa transfer, minimum income for sponsor family, etc. You just need to know these regulations.
For further info :
http://www.gulfnews.com/UAEinfo/default.asp
http://www.dnrd.gov.ae/dnrd/default.htm
http://www.dubai.ae
Hope it’s help. Leave a Comment
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 We are the World by Rinjani
You can find many different cultures, languages, customs and food.
It's always invite curiosity to hear people talking in their native languages . (Sometimes, you can hear also dozens of swearing in different languages)
And among friends, we like to play 'guess-where he/she- is-from' game. And the answer can be surprising.
If you ask poltely, the opening question can lead you to a new friend. It's fun!! Because, even we are different, there is always universal language that most common, such as smile, polite and friendly. Leave a Comment
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Al Arouba Street, Dubai - Lotus Hotel
Al Rigga Road, Deira P.O. Box 63833, Dubai - Palm Tree Court & Spa
Near Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai - Arabian Park Hotel
Jaddaf, Bur Dubai PO Box 122382, Dubai - Green Desert Hotel
Muraqabat Street, Dubai - FLORA PARK HOTEL APARTMENTS
Port Saeed, nr Deira City Centre, Dubai - Coral Oriental Dubai
Burj Nahar Roundabout, Naif Road PO Box No 83252, Dubai - Al Faris 1 Hotel
Al Rifa Street PO Box 31219, Dubai - Chelsea Tower Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai - Al Jawhara Gardens
Airport Rd, Dubai - Ramee Guestline Hotel
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Deira PO Box 5588, Dubai
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