in July 2010 and cost US $ 11 million has been successful in creating rain storms in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi deserts .
Do I need to have local currency before I get there ?
No . Currency exchange is available at the airport in Dubai although money exchange shops are recommended . The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham ( AED ). There are notes of Dirhams 5 , 10 , 20 , 50 , 100 , 200 , 500 and 1000 and coins of 25 , 50 Fils and 1 Dirham . Exchange of money is possible in banks , hotels and in Money Exchange Shops . United States Dollar gives the best rate of exchange and credit cards are accepted in most places . We recommend having some local currency on hand when in Dubai especially if you intend to buy something during the old Dubai tour or for tips .
What is the dress code for women ?
The dress code in the UAE is generally casual . Women should keep their shoulders and knees covered . Light sweaters are advisable during the winter months or if there is an early morning / late evening activity in the desert . We recommend wearing hat and sunglasses for protection from the sun .
When at a beach , feel free to wear your bathing suit – but only at the beach . When leaving the beach area , it is best that both men and women have a T-shirt and shorts to walk back through the hotel corridors .
Dress code for visiting the mosque is significantly different . Detailed instructions will be provided by the travel company booking excursions . For both men and women , clothes should be loose , long trousers or skirts reaching the ankles and long sleeves reaching the wrists . Shoulders must be covered . No shorts . No tight or transparent clothing . No visible tattoo . Women should bring a scarf to cover their head , with no hair being visible .
Ramadan
Ramadan is the holy month during which Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset , therefore , eating , drinking and smoking in public is strictly prohibited during fasting hours . During Ramadan , live entertainment is banned and alcohol is only served after sunset where permitted . Shops in local souks are open for a few hours in the morning then they re-open after sunset until midnight .
SHOPPING
Dubai is a Shopper ’ s paradise . You can find almost anything your heart desires . Bargaining is accepted ( even expected ) in most shops in the souks .
Tips
Most restaurants and bars in hotels include a service charge . However , tipping taxi drivers , waiters , room service staff and bellhops is expected . Tipping your excursion driver and guide is appreciated , but entirely at your discretion .
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