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ravel Information [more info] Time Zone & Climate Electricity & Water Language Alcohol Currency & Banks Bargaining / Shopping and Working hours Medical Care Clothing Visa Nearby Points of interest Attractions [more info] The Palm The World Burj Al Arab Festival City Dubai Land Dubai Marina Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai Creek Dubai Museum Heritage and Diving Villages Gold Souk Spice Souk Camel Races Nad Al Sheba Club (horse races) Desert Safaris Jumeira Mosque Dubai by Sea Family Activities [more info] Recreational Parks Wild Wadi Wonderland Sports [more info] Golf Emirates Golf Club: 2 minutes away from Bavaria Executive Suites Montgomerie Golf Club: 5 minutes away from the hotel Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club Nad Al Sheba Golf Club		Skiing  Water Sports Automobile Sports Shopping [more info] Mall of the Emirates Ibn Battuta Mall Mercato Wafi City Deira City Centre Burjuman Centre Chinamex Mart National Events Dubai Shopping Festival: January - February Dubai Tennis Open: January Dubai Desert Classic: March Dubai World Cup: April Dubai Summer Surprise: June - September Air Show: November Dubai Rugby Sevens: November Power Boat Race: December

Travel Information

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of seven Emirates: Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The second largest Emirate is Dubai, which lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Although Abu Dhabi is the capital, Dubai appears as the business center of the UAE.

Dubai is a city of pleasant contrasts: a rich Arabian culture complements an upbeat cosmopolitan lifestyle. A harmonious blend that has transformed the city into one of the most sought after destinations, attracting businessmen and leisure seekers from around the world.

Time Zone & Climate

4 hours ahead of GMT (+4 GMT).

Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny, blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, falling mainly in winter.

Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C/50°F to a high of 48°C/118°F. The mean daily maximum is 24°C/75.2°F in January rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July.

Electricity & Water

The electricity supply in Dubai is 220 / 240 volts at 50 cycles. US-made appliances may need a transformer.

Tap water is quite safe to drink, but locally bottled mineral water is generally served in hotels and restaurants.

Language

The national language is Arabic but English is widely used in business and commerce.

Alcohol

Alcohol is freely available in most hotel restaurants and bars.

Currency & Banks

The UAE dirham (AED) is made up of 100 fils. It has been held constant against the US dollar since the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$1= Dh3.67.

Many international banks have branches in Dubai. Bank hours are 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, Sunday to Wednesday, 8:00 am to 12:00 noon Thursday. Some are also open from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. They are closed on Fridays.

Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, etc are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops.

ATMs: Automatic Transaction (or Teller) Machines are common throughout the UAE and are tied into one or more of the global ATM systems. However, it is advisable to make sure that your card is compatible by checking with your bank or credit card company before leaving home.

Bargaining / Shopping and Working hours

Bargaining is expected in the souk where vendors will often drop the price quite substantially, particularly for a cash sale.

Private sector office hours vary, It is advisable to check the timings in advance.

Shops generally open at 10.00 am, closing at 9.00-10.00pm. Department stores, boutiques and souks are generally closed on Friday mornings, opening later in the afternoon for a few hours. Many of the larger food shops remain open on a Friday. Government offices close on Friday and Saturday for the weekend, whilst private sector enterprises vary, with some closed Thursday and Friday, Friday and Saturday, or just Friday.

Medical Care

Medical services in Dubai are of an international standard, with numerous excellent choices of doctors and hospitals.

Clothing

Lightweight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year, but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter. At the pool or on the beaches, trunks, swimsuits, shorts or bikinis are quite acceptable. When in the city, particularly in the old parts of town, care should be taken not to wear clothing that is too revealing. Modest attire should be worn during the month of Ramadan when in public places.

Visa

Entry visa on arrival

If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you no longer need to apply for a visa in advance of travel - a visit visa is now stamped directly in your passport by immigration officials at the port of entry and is valid for 60 days:

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, the Vatican, Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United States of America and Canada.

GCC residents can also visit Dubai without applying in advance for a visa. Holders of British overseas passports issued in Hong Kong or China can obtain a visa on arrival at Dubai International Airport.

All other nationalities require a visa prior to arrival, and should contact their travel agent for current information and procedures before their travel date.

Visa regulations may change, we recommend contacting the nearest UAE embassy prior to travel.

Nearby Points of Interest

Attractions

The Palm Jumeirah

"Live the Eighth Wonder of the World". Man-made island for housing and recreation, built in the shape of the date palm.

The World

A collection of 300 man-made islands in the shape of the world off the coast of Jumeirah, for residential and recreation.

Burj Al Arab

Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai coastline. A spectacular venue for afternoon tea or a sumptuous meal.

Festival City

A waterfront city offering shopping, living, leisure & working opportunities. To open in 2006.

Dubai Land

Divided into 6 themed worlds, Dubai Land will feature theme parks, resorts, spas, recreational facilities, museums, galleries and shopping malls. Opening 2006.

Dubai Marina

A planned community for 40,000 people with shopping, swimming pools, and marina facilities. Al fresco dining on the boardwalk offers a pleasant end to the day. Just 5 minutes from Bavaria Executive Suites.

Dubai World Trade Centre

The Dubai World Trade Centre was one of the first buildings ever constructed on the Sheikh Zayed Road. As well as office buildings, the complex boasts a modern conference centre and seven exhibition halls hosting an active programme of international trade fairs that attract exhibitors and visitors from all over the world.

Dubai Creek

Lined by dhows, the Creek offers a picturesque glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage. It can be crossed by abra (water taxi) and day or night cruises are organized by tour operators.

Dubai Museum

This fort was built last century and renovated in 1970 to house a museum where 4000-year-old archaeological finds and dioramas of traditional life are among the many displays.
The museum is opened from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, except on Friday where it opens from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Heritage and Diving Villages

Along the Creek, the Heritage and Diving Villages provide a glimpse of Dubai's traditional culture and lifestyle. Exhibits focus on Dubai's maritime past, pearl diving traditions and architecture. Several shops also sell handicrafts.

Gold Souk

Dubai boasts one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling at bargain prices everything from ingots to intricately worked jewellery. Behind the street-front stores are many alleys of smaller shops with glittering show windows.

Spice Souk

The narrow lanes of the spice souk are redolent with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, incense, nuts and dried fruit Imported from all over the Middle East. The spices are sold straight out of open sacks that surround the shopkeepers.

Camel Races

Camel racing is a popular sport in the Emirates and takes place on weekends (Thursday and Friday) throughout the winter. It is an exhilarating and truly Arabian experience.

Nad Al Sheba Club (horse races)

Horse racing is a much loved sport in the emirate. Meetings are held regularly during the cooler months.

Desert Safaris

To experience a taste of Bedouin life, a trip to the desert is a must. Experienced safari drivers take you on a thrilling roller-coaster ride through the magnificent red sand dunes, reaching a traditional campsite just before sunset. Take a camel ride up and down the dunes, before relaxing by the bonfire. Delicious barbecue dinner is served under the starlit night accompanied by traditional Arabian music and dance entertainment.

Jumeira Mosque

Just 10 minutes from the Bavaria Executive Suites, The Jumeira Mosque is one of the most photographed buildings in the city and an impressive modern Islamic architecture.
It is the only mosque of the UAE open to non-Muslims, with guided visits every Sunday at 10 am.

Dubai by Sea

Enjoy a different view of Dubai with a small cruise along the Jumeirah coastline. Many operators organize daily cruises.

Family Activities

Recreational Parks

For a nominal entry fee, Dubai offers a number of attractive and well maintained public parks and gardens. Particularly popular with families, they offer shaded picnic spots and children's play areas, many with a variety of entertainment facilities.

Close to the hotel are the Jumeirah Beach Park and Safa Park, two superb and very large parks.

Wild Wadi

5 minutes from the hotel, Wild Wadi Water Park is 12 acres of pure fun for the whole family with 23 adrenalin-pumping rides and attractions that leave you gasping for more.

Wonderland

Located just off the Garhoud Bridge in Bur Dubai, Wonderland is a family fun park that caters to all ages. This park features attractions such as numerous water rides and slides, roller coasters, a log flume, bumper boats, games of skill and a nightly water mist show.

Sports

A wide variety of sports is available in Dubai, such as:

• Polo, which might be practiced at the Arabian Ranches or the Guantoot Polo Club.
• Mountain biking: many tour operators offer tracking through the mountains.
• Shooting: at the Jebel Ali Shooting Club
• Skydiving

Golf

Dubai is the pioneer of golf in the Middle East with championship-standard day and night play grass courses to challenge the skills of even the most experienced players.

• Emirates Golf Club

  Only 500 meters away from the Bavaria Executive Suites Dubai.

  The first grass course in the Middle East, with three lakes and undulating fairways. Home of the annual "Desert Classic" championship, the course is highly regarded by many of the world's top golfers.

• Montgomerie Golf Club

  Only 5 minutes away from the hotel, the Montgomerie Dubai is the new jewel of golf courses in the United Arab Emirates.

• Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

  Close to the heart of the city on the banks of the Creek are 200 acres of championship-standard golf course. The complex includes a marina, and the spectacular main clubhouse is a Dubai landmark.

• Nad Al Sheba Golf Club

  Trips to the racetrack at Nad Al Sheba, Stable Visits, or a game on the 18-hole links golf course, can be organised by the hotel.

Skiing!!!

Only 500 meters away from the hotel, the Mall of the Emirates includes the first Indoor Ski slope of the Middle East.

The Ski Dubai snow resort features a 400 meter long ski slope with varying terrain, a snow area the size of three football fields, over 6,000 tons of real snow at any given time and a full capacity of 1500 guests.

Water Sports

The Bavaria Executive Suites Dubai is located within easy reach of the Jumeirah Beaches, where our guests will enjoy all kinds of water sports:

• Waterskiing
• Sailing
• Jet skiing
• Windsurfing
• Wakeboarding

Automobile Sports

• Karting: at "Emirates Kart Centre" or "Formula One Dubai"
• Desert Driving: courses are offered by many tour operators
• Dune Buggies and Quad Biking: available with guided tours in the desert

Shopping

Dubai is truly a shopper's paradise, with many world-class shopping malls and local markets..

Mall of the Emirates 500 meters away from the Bavaria Executive Suites

The largest shopping mall outside of North America features the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, offering an authentic snow mountain environment and a myriad of leisure and sports activities. All major department stores, international brands and local boutiques are to be found in this brand new mall.

Ibn Battuta Mall 5 minutes away from the hotel

The architectural inspiration behind the unique design of the mall comes from the travels of the legendary Arab explorer Ibn Battuta, through Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. Complete with the UAE's first IMAX cinema and a 20-screen Grand Cinema megaplex.

Mercato

On Jumeirah Beach Road, within easy reach of the hotel, Mercato brings together the choicest lifestyle offerings from the Mediterranean, in addition to many exclusive international brands. Based on a distinctive Renaissance architectural concept, it predominantly captures Italian, French and Spanish flavours and artistic characteristics.

Wafi City

Wafi City is a shopping complex on the theme of Egypt, hosting a variety of designer shops, boutiques and other entertainment facilities.

Deira City Centre

One of the largest shopping malls in Dubai, with over 250 shops and restaurants, it boasts an extensive variety of popular shops for fashion, electronics, cosmetics, furniture and more.

Burjuman Centre

One of the first shopping malls in Dubai, Burjuman is a large but more intimate shopping complex.

Chinamex Mart

On the road from Dubai to Hatta, Chinamex Mart also called the "Dragon Mart", spreads across 50 hectares. This stunning shopping mall was designed in the form of a colourful dragon with a 1.4 kilometre long Central Spine.