Marhaba Your Dubai Guide: Visitors, Tourists, Jobseekers, New to Dubai Expatiates, Business Professionals

By Sks Singarum and Vinod Kumar

The Guide without Which Seeing or Living in Dubai is Incomplete

Dubai is a wonderful metropolitan city in the Middle East that shines like a pearl for the entire region. It is a large city inside UAE that is also one of the 7 emirates making up the country. Dubai is a global city visited by millions of tourists from around the world. There are a lot of things to see and do in Dubai and many people consider it as the best place to live in the world. Whether you are arriving in Dubai as a tourist or coming here to live and work, you need to have some basic knowledge about the people and the city. This book written in simple English is a wonderful guide that contains all the useful information about the city and its people. In fact, with this book buy your side, you will not need to hire a local guide to do anything or visit attractions inside Dubai.

Written by S K S Singarum, this book is nothing less than a bible for all those who are coming to Dubai for the first time. Its name is Marhaba, your Dubai Guide. Marhaba is an Arabic word that means welcome when translated into English. If you are from the Asian subcontinent, it is a little easier for you to understand and appreciate the local dress and other cultural traditions. But you need not worry if you are from a western country as this ultimate guide on Dubai will make you feel at home with all the information provided in this book. The book contains lots of Illustrations to make it easier for the readers.

Marhaba Your Dubai Guide is a book that has been designed to help all outsiders when they come to this marvelous city of the Middle East. You will find it invaluable whether you are a tourist, a professional coming to Dubai to work, or a businessman seeking lucrative deals with local companies. In fact, this guide has helped thousands of individuals who have set up their businesses in Dubai and running it successfully.

Marhaba your Dubai Guide really works like a guide for all people new to this cosmopolitan city. It is a small investment that you must make to reap the rewards.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483558028

Book preview

9781483558028

COPYRIGHT © SKS SINGARUM & VINOD KUMAR, 2015

All rights reserved

Email: [e-mail]

Web: www.madubai.com

Information in this book is indicative knowledge purpose only which are subjected to change without notice as per government requirement. While every effort and care has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this book, the author/ publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommissions it may contain.

No Part of this book may be reproduced ,stored in a retrieval system , or transmitted ,in any form or buy means, electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording or otherwise ,without the prior permission in writing of the publisher.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT UAE AND DUBAI

UAE AND ITS SEVEN EMIRATES

TRADITION & CULTURE

LEARN BASIC ARABIC

NOTARISING & DOCUMENT ATTESTATION

UAE VISA

ENTRY PERMIT OR VISA

UAE VISIT VISA

TOURIST VISA

TRANSIT VISA

DO’S AND DONT’S WHILE ENTERING UAE

RESIDENTS VISA

UAE EMPLOYENT VISA

FAMILY RESIDENCE VISA UAE

PROPERTY RESIDENCE VISA

MAID RESIDENCE VISA UAE

STUDENT RESIDENCE VISA UAE

EMIRATES ID & VISA STAMPING

MEDICAL TEST

EMIRATES ID

VISA STAMPING

ID AND VISA RENEWAL

RELOCATE TO DUBAI

KNOW THE LAW OF LAND

SELECTING ACCOMMODATION IN DUBAI

PLANNING YOUR HOME SERVICES

Opening a bank account

ENROLLING FOR A SCHOOL PLACE

APPLYING FOR A HEALTH CARD

HAVING A BABY

GETTING MARRIED IN DUBAI

APPLYING FOR DIVORCE

APPLYING FOR A DEATH CERTIFICATE

TRANSPORTATION IN DUBAI

ROADS & TRANSPORT AUTHORITY

NOL CARDS

METRO IN DUBAI

BUS TRAVEL IN DUBAI

WATER BUSES

DUBAI TRAM

TAXIS

TRANSPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

DRIVING IN DUBAI

OBTAINING A DRIVING LICENSE

VEHICLES

SALIK

ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

PAYING RTA FINES

WORKING IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ADVANTAGE OF WORKING IN DUBAI

BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS, BENEFITS AND SALARY

DUBAI JOB SEARCH TOOLS

LABOR ISSUES

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

METHODS OF DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS BY EMPLOYER

CHANGING OF JOBS and EMPLOYMENT BAN

SETTING UP BUSINESS IN UAE

OWNERSHIP RULES FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS

LEGAL FORM REQUIREMENTS

LEGAL BUSINESS STRUCTURES

STARTING BUSINESS IN MAINLAND

FREE ZONES

SETTING UP AN OFFSHORE COMPANY

FREELANCE

UAE TOURISM

LEAVING DUBAI

CANCELLING A RESIDENCE VISA

CANCELLING EMPLOYMENT VISA

SELLING A VEHICLE

CANCELLING A SALIK ACCOUNT

DIRECTORY EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS & OFFICES

RESIDENCE PERMIT

EMPLOYMENT ENTRY PERMIT - LLC COMPANY

EMIRATES ID

UAE DRIVER’S LICENCE

EMPLOYMENT ENTRY PERMIT - FREEZONE

VISIT VISA

ABOUT UAE AND DUBAI

The UAE’s rich history is rooted in trade and tied to Islam, which came to the region in AD 630. Its location between Europe and the Far East attracted merchants from India and China and was prized by Europeans, in particular the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. While Europeans sought control of the coasts, inland, the ancestors of the Bedouin made the sandy deserts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai their home. The town of Abu Dhabi became an important centre.

In the beginning of 1968, when the British announced their intention to withdraw from the Arabian Gulf, Sheikh Zayed acted rapidly to establish closer ties with the emirates. Agreement was reached between the rulers of six of the Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman), and the Federation to be known as the United Arab Emirates was formally established on December 2, 1971. The seventh Emirate, Ra’s Al-Khaimah, acceded to the new Federation the following year. The UAE is located in the Middle East along the southern most part of the Arabian Peninsula. The UAE spans 83,600 kilometres and is comprised of seven sheikhdoms. Four-fifths of the UAE is desert but has contrasting landscapes — from the towering red dunes of the Liwa to the rich palm-filled oases of Al Ain, from the precipitous Hajar Mountains to the more fertile stretches of its coastal plains.

The federal capital is Abu Dhabi. A large percentage of the population is foreign. The local population, known as Emiratis, account for approximately 20% of the entire population. Europeans, Arab Nationals, Asians and Americans make up the balance of the population. English is the country’s business language and Arabic is the country’s official language.

The two main cities in the UAE, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are 160 kilometers apart (100 miles). Abu Dhabi is the country’s administrative center and key hub for oil and gas operations. Dubai with its slightly faster pace of life has acquired international acclaim for its trade related achievements, world class shopping, real estate developments and international sporting events. Though small in size (comparable to the state of Maine), the UAE has become an important player in regional and international affairs.

The individual rulers of each of the seven emirates comprise of the Federal Supreme Council (FSC), which is the highest federal authority. Decisions made by the Council must have the agreement of at least five of its members, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The President and Vice-President (Prime Minister) are elected by the Council every five years, but unofficially the President will be a member of the Al Nahyan clan of Abu Dhabi and the Vice-President will be a member of the Al Maktoum clan of Dubai.

The Vice-President, with consultation of the President, chooses the executive arm of the government known as the Council of Ministers. The Federal National Council (FNC), which is considered the parliament, is a 40-member council drawn from each of the seven emirates that governs all federal laws. In August 2006, the UAE National Election Committee (NEC) was established to appoint half of members of the Federal National Council, which will allow women to be members of the FNC. The judicial structure is headed by the FSC, but each emirate has its own local government.

His highness Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is the President of the United Arab Emirates, the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the commander of the Union Defence Force. He succeeded to the position of the Emir of Abu Dhabi on November 2004 after the death of his father Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, thereby becoming the President of the federation next day. Although as Crown Prince, he had effectively been acting president earlier since the late 1990s as his father was in ill health. His highness Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is also chairman of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which manages over $600 billion in assets. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa has brought his long experience at senior levels of leadership to bear in charting the modernisation of the seven-emirate Federation and ensuring its continued relevance within the region and beyond. Sheikh Khalifa’s inclusion on the Forbes list of the world’s 50 most influential figures underlines the significance of the UAE on the global stage and the success of Sheikh Khalifa’s personal efforts in consolidating the achievements of his father.

His highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates in 2006, and is responsible for Dubai’s transformation into a lavish business destination. In his mission to help transform Dubai into a lush and desired business location, he helped develop the Palm Islands, the Burj Al-Arab hotel, the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, the Dubai World Cup and the Godolphin Stables. The year 2007 witnessed unique achievements both locally and regionally, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, which aims to bolster Dubai’s leading position in the region and boost its role as an international economic and financial hub. The strategy will be used as a road map for development over the coming years.

Globalized and Open

In less than four decades, the nation has transformed from a tribal culture reliant on agriculture and fishing to an entrepreneurial success story with world-class infrastructure. The leadership has improved education (effectively eliminating illiteracy), advanced health care and embraced change as the UAE modernizes, consistent with its history and cultural values.

The UAE is also strengthening institutions of government to ensure a transparent legal system with full regard for the quality of life of all citizens and residents. Four members of the Federal Cabinet are women. Today the UAE is a strong, vibrant and modern nation that is open to the world. Dubai has emerged as a global city and business hub of the Middle East and South Asia. It is also a major transport hub for passengers and cargo. It has changed dramatically in the last Fifty Years.

UAE AND ITS SEVEN EMIRATES

The United Arab Emirates is comprised of seven emirates, which occupy the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Each emirate, unique and rich in tradition, is an essential component necessary for making up the whole.

ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and is the largest Emirate in the UAE is ruled by the Al Nahyan family. It occupies 67,340 square kilometers or 86.7% of the total area of the country. The emirate is primarily a vast desert area with about two dozen islands in the coastal waters, including the island where the city of Abu Dhabi is located, plus six sizeable islands further out in the Arabian Gulf. The population of the emirate is concentrated in three areas: the capital city, Abu Dhabi; Al Ain, an oasis city located near the Hajar Mountains; and the villages of the Liwa oases.

Traditionally, the population along the coast relied on fishing and pearling for their livelihood, whilst those in the hinterland relied on date plantations and camel herding. Through remarkable leadership and personal commitment, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan developed Abu Dhabi into an influential, fully modernised state. Upon Sheikh Zayed’s death in November 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

DUBAI

Dubai, the second largest of the seven emirates, is ruled by the Al Maktoum family. It occupies an area of approximately 3,900 kilometers, which includes a small enclave called Hatta, situated close to Oman, amongst the Hajar Mountains. Dubai, the capital city, is located along the creek, a natural harbour, which traditionally provided the basis of the trading industry. Pearling and fishing were the main sources of income for the people of Dubai. Under the wise leadership of its rulers, Dubai’s focus on trade and industry transformed it into the leading trading port along the southern Gulf. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the current ruler of Dubai.

Dubai has built a reputation for being open to new ideas and ways of doing things. This has enabled Dubai to become a global center for innovation, tourism and business. In line with Islam’s tradition of tolerance and openness, freedom of faith and practice is a reality in Dubai. This has allowed other belief systems to flourish in Dubai, a demonstration of Dubai’s respect for diversity.

With over 150 nationalities, Dubai is a rich melting pot that provides opportunities for people to meet, discuss ideas, innovate and forge new business relationships. Dubai’s streets and shopping malls are alive with numerous languages, customs and cultures. Dubai has always played a pioneering role in encouraging its people to excel in an environment where the impossible is possible. The wisdom and perseverance of Dubai’s leadership and people have transformed what was once a small fishing community into a world-class commercial capital at the heart of the Arabian Gulf.

SHARJAH

Sharjah, which shares its southern border with Dubai, is ruled by the Al Qasimi family. It is approximately 2,600 square kilometers and is the only emirate to have coastlines on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. In the nineteenth century the town of Sharjah was the leading port in the lower Gulf. Produce from the interior of Oman, India and Persia arrived there. Sharjah’s salt mines meant that salt constituted an important part of its export business, along with pearls. In the 1930s when the pearling industry declined and trade decreased due to the creek silting up, Imperial Airways’ flying boats set up a staging post for flights en route to India, which benefited the residents of Sharjah. Today, under the leadership of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Sharjah is the cultural and educational centre of the UAE and takes pride in preserving the country’s cultural heritage as well as promoting Arab culture and traditions.

AJMAN

Ajman is the smallest emirate, comprising only 260 square kilometers. It is ruled by the Al Nuami family. Surrounded mostly by the emirate of Sharjah, Ajman also possesses the small enclaves of Manama and Musfut in the Hajar Mountains. Along the creek dhow building was the specialised trade. Fishing and date-trees provided the local population with their primary means of sustenance. Ajman benefited greatly from the union of the emirates, a fact that is reflected today in their stately buildings and infrastructure. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuami has been the ruler since 1981.

UMM AL QAIWAIN

Umm Al Qaiwain is ruled by the Al Mualla family. It is the second smallest emirate, with a total area of around 770 square kilometers. Positioned between the emirates of Sharjah and Ajman to the south and Ras Al Khaimah to the north, Umm Al Qaiwain has the smallest population. Fishing is the local population’s primary means of income. Date farming also plays a significant role in the economy. After the union of the emirates in 1971 Umm Al Qaiwain developed into a modern state, and continues to progress under its present ruler, Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla.

RAS AL KHAIMAH

Ras Al Khaimah, the most northerly emirate, is ruled by another branch of the Al Qasimi family. It covers an area of 1,700 square kilometers. Thanks to the run-off water from the Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah has a unique abundance of flora, so it is no surprise that agriculture is important to the local economy. The emirate also benefits from its stone quarries, and fishing, which is plentiful in the rich waters of the Gulf. The city of Ras Al Khaimah, situated on an inlet, has a rich history. It was renowned for its prosperous port and for its exquisite pearls, which were famous as being the whitest and roundest available anywhere. Ras Al Khaimah’s current ruler is Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.

FUJAIRAH

The only emirate without a coastline on the Arabian Gulf is Fujairah, which is ruled by the Al Sharqi family. Situated along the coast of the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah covers about 1,300 square kilometers. Unlike other emirates, where the desert forms a large part of the terrain, mountains and plains are its predominant features. Fujairah’s economy is based on fishing and agriculture. Like Ras Al Khaimah, the land in Fujairah is irrigated by rainwater from the Hajar Mountains, making it ideal for farming. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi is the present ruler.

TRADITION & CULTURE

Dubai’s culture is rooted in Arabic and Islamic tradition. Dubai is built on foundations that are rich in history and tradition. Dubai is a forward-looking society that is equally bound to its culture and heritage. Its religion is Islam, the timeless values of which lie at the heart of Dubai’s living heritage, providing strength and inspiration that touch all aspects of everyday life.

The national dress for men is the Dish-dasha or Khandura, an ankle length robe, usually white. Dish-dash are usually worn with a white or red checkered head cloth Gutrah and a twisted black rope coil called Ogal which holds the Gutrah in place. Under the headdress is a skull cap Gahfya. In public, many Arabic women wear a black Abaya, a long loose black robe that covers their normal clothes, plus a head scarf, called a shaylah.

Some women also wear a thin black veil covering their face, while some older women wear a small mask made of fabric known as a Burgaa, which covers the nose, brow and cheekbones. It is important to note that more conservative Emirati men will not shake hands with a woman (and vice versa) so please keep this in mind in social