Information
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), yet it is very different from the rest of the Emirates in many ways. To begin with, Dubai has a strong policy to attract foreigners, both for business and pleasure. Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenue from oil accounts for only 6% of its gross domestic product.
This approach has resulted in a modern metropolis where luxury trappings abound. Some examples of this are the mammoth ultra luxury hotels of Dubai – only Las Vegas comes close to competing with the modern magnificence of these establishments.
Dubai attracts an incredible number of tourists in relation to its size, and the biggest single source of its revenue is from tourism. The combination of Arabic culture, a mythical desert, the aforementioned luxurious trappings, world class duty free shopping and picturesque beaches all combine to attract the casual tourist.
It has also achieved fame through spectacular real estate projects, by hosting major sports events & conferences and by establishing itself as a premier international hub for air travel. In recent years it has been actively positioning itself as an international financial center and is now attracting a lot of travelers for associated business endeavors.
Dubai is the most populous, and the second largest, emirate of the UAE after Abu Dhabi. It has an arid & sub-tropical climate. Rainfall is infrequent and does not intrude in tourism activities. The weather in Dubai is temperate and sunny between November and March, making it a great destination for the winter months.
Visa Information
(1) Direct contact with the Embassy
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
3522 International Court, NW
Washington, DC 20037
Tel (202) 243-2400
See http://www.uae-embassy.org/travel-culture/visas-passports
if you plan to stay 30+ days.
