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Local advice on your doorstep at our Dubai representative officeKnowing where to buy your favourite items in the souq. Warming up your credit cards towards the end of March to take full advantage of the annual Dubai shopping festival. Becoming a regular at some of the most exotic hotel bars in the world.
Settling in to a different culture may seem a little daunting at first, but our Dubai team will help make you feel right at home. They'll offer appropriate financial planning advice to help you make the most of your time abroad; as well as offer independent advice from a range of reputable companies.
You're welcome to come in and meet one of our team at our offices in Jumeira Beach Road. They will be happy to discuss all your requirements, and to answer any questions you may have about offshore banking.
Air operators: Many airlines operate international services to and from the UAE
Buses tend to be slow and are rarely used by expats
Railways: No railways exist
Car hire: Avis, Europcar and Hertz
Shopping hours are 09:00 - 13:00 and 16:00 - 19:00 Saturdays to Thursdays. Most supermarkets stay open all day
Banking hours are 08:00 - 13:00 and 14:30 - 18:30 Saturdays to Wednesdays. 08:00 - 11:00 Thursdays.
Post office opening hours are generally from 08:00.– 13:00 and 16:00 – 19:00. Saturday to Wednesday. Closed Thursdays and Fridays. 08:00 –12:00 on Public Holidays, but closed on the first day of Eid holidays.
Electricity: 220 - 240 V AC 50 Hz
Plug type: Continental plugs and British 13 amp square pin
Light fittings: Bayonet and screw
Health and safety: Concern for malaria, rabies and hepatitis.
Vaccinations against typhoid, polio, tetanus and hepatitis A are recommended. Exposure to the sun should be minimised
Health care: The standard of care is excellent with modern equipment and well-trained staff
Schools: Many schools offer an American curriculum plus UK and/or international syllabi. Many schools require a uniform
Cuisine: Pork is forbidden under Islamic law. You'll find Chinese, Lebanese, Indian, British and French influences. Local cuisine is of Persian derivation and usually involves poultry, lamb or beef. Strict liquor laws apply
Specialities: 'Tabbouleh' and 'Ghuzzi'
Total population: 2.41 million
Capital city: Abu Dhabi
Languages: Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Farsi and English
Religion: Islam
Weights & measures: Metric
Composition: The country is bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia
Total land area 82 880 square km
Features: Shallow seas, offshore islands, coral reefs
Climate: Summers are extremely hot with high humidity near the coast. Temperatures often exceed 48ºC. Rainfall is generally low, although there are occasional short torrential storms towards the end of winter
Head of State: The President
Head of Government: Prime Minister
Political composition: Federated monarchy. The Supreme Council of Rulers comprises representatives from each Emirate. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971
Religious holidays are tied to the Islamic Hijra calendar, so dates vary from year to year. Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Pilgrimage), Lailat al-Mi'raj (the Ascension of the Prophet), the Prophet's Birthday and the Islamic New Year are the main celebrations. Secular holidays include New Year's Day (1 January) and National Day (2 December)
Currency: Dirham (AED)
GDP: US$42.882 billion
GDP per head: US$17,812
Annual growth: 3.43%
Major industries: Oil, gas, petrochemicals, fishing
VAT: There is no VAT in the UAE
Inflation: 3.2%
Fiscal year: Starts 1 January
Visas are required by all except:
- Nationals of United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
- British nationals for a stay of up to 30 days and holding onward/return travel tickets.
- Nationals of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States, for a stay of up to 30 days on a visit visa.
Visit visas for tourists and business travellers must be arranged via a sponsor (the tour operator, UAE resident or company concerned).
Get in touch
Address:
HSBC Bank International Limited
Dubai Representative Office
Jumeira Beach Road
PO Box 66
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 4 394 8252
Fax: +971 4 394 8747
Email: dubai.repoffice@hsbc.com
Office opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 8am - 4pm
