Dubai: The new city in the Middle East

Hello all,

I have been living in Dubai for the past 2 years and 27 days. Its been a fantastic ride so far. Watching the birth of this new city the following pages will be a diary of events, news and information for all you people who are planning to move here soon or just got bitten by the dubai travel bug. I will also be posting photos of this growing city as long as this post is alive. Let me have your comments, suggestions and tips to make this site as informative as you would like.

Cheers
Eric Silvester


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About Dubai
A bustling metropolis, Dubai is the commercial nerve-center of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), an Arabian Gulf country and federation of seven emirates - Abu Dhabi , the capital city, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Ajman.

The second largest emirate in the UAE, Dubai is located in the northern part of the country and stretches over 115 km (72 miles) on the Gulf coast. With an area of 3,885 sq km (2,428 sq miles) and a population of 1.3 million (2004 estimate), Dubai is an amazing meeting place of the East and West, and fascinating the world with its famed four S's - the Sun, Sand, Sea and Shopping.

The tallest tower in the world. Watch the latest video on how the Burj Dubai is being built.

Visas and Accommodation

If you are planning to enter the UAE for visit or for other purposes there are a few things you should know before you plan your trip. Visa and accommodation information is covered here. If there is any other information you need please feel free to add your comments.

For Visitors
For visiting the UAE travelers have the following visa options;
Visit Visa; The tourist visa, which must be sponsored by hotels and tour operators, entitles its holder to a 30-day stay and is non-renewable. The fee is Dh100, with an additional Dh10 for delivery.

Besides this a traveler can also avail of the following Visas; Entry Service Permit, Transit Visa and Multiple Entry Visa.
For a detailed information and any new updates related to all these Visas please visit; http://www.government.ae/gov/en/visitors/uae/visas.jsp

Immigration Departments in UAE

Abu Dhabi
Saeed bin Tahnoon St. Abu Dhabi
Tel: 02 4462244

Al Ain
Aditaba Road, near Dubai Islamic Bank, opposite Carrefour supermarket.
Tel: 03 7625555

Dubai
Department of Naturalization and Residency, Trade Centre Road, near Bur Dubai Police Station
Tel: 04 3980000

Sharjah
Department for Naturalization and Residence, near General Post Office
Tel: 06 5726777

Umm al-Qaiwain
Tel: 06 7666419

Ajman
Tel: 06 7422255

Ra's as-Khaimah
Tel: 07 2273333

Accommodation in Dubai
If you are planning to stay here for a short while or need information on some of the best hotels in town here are a few of them;

5 stars hotels
1. Le Meridien Dubai
Airport Road, PO Box 10001
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tel. +971(4) 217 0000

2. Dusit Thani Dubai
Airport Road, PO Box 10001
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tel. +971(4) 217 0000

3. Coral Deira Dubai
Al Muraqabbat Street, Deira
P.O Box 82999
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tel. +971 4 2248587

4 stars hotels
1. Grand Moov Hotel
Al Riqqa Road, P.O. Box 14441
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tel. +971 4 606 2222

2. Towers Rotana Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Road
P.O. Box 30430
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tel. +971 (4) 343 8000

3. Chelsea Hotel
Behind New Gold Souk
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tel.: +971 4 3988840

3 stars hotels
1. Orchid Hotel
Al Riqa Road, DUBAI
Tel. +971 4 2956999

2. Vendome Plaza Hotel
Maktoum Street, DUBAI
Tel. +971 4 2222333

3. Comfort Inn Al Rigga Road
Po Box 56352, DUBAI
Tel. +971 4 2227393

2 star hotels
1. President Hotel
Po Box 28756, DUBAI
Tel. +971 4 3346565

2. Versailles Hotel
Po Box 33382, DUBAI
Tel. +971 4 2277880

3. Pacific Hotel
Po Box 21423, DUBAI
Tel. +971 4 2276700

1 star hotels
1. Piccadilly Hotel
Po Box 30252
DUBAI
Tel. +971 4 2222113