The hosts for these Championships, the City of Dubai represented by Dubai Sport Council and the U.A.E Swimming Association, have established an Organising Committee, which shall be in charge of the preparation and organisation of the competitions under the control and supervision of FINA.
The events will be held in Dubai (UAE) with the following schedule:
| Opening Ceremony | December 15 |
| Dates of Competition | December 15-19 |
| Closing Ceremony | December 19 |
Useful Information
Money – The unit of currency is the Dirham which is made up of 100 Fils. The exchange rate is approximately 1 US$ = Dhs 3.67. All major credit cards are accepted at most hotels and malls.
Time zone – GMT/UTC +4
Electricity – 220/240V 50Hz – three-pronged square plugs (the same as those used in Britain and Ireland)
Language – Arabic (official) and English (widely used)
Country telephone code – +971
Religion – Islam (although other faiths are freely practised)
Water – tap water in Dubai is desalinated but generally safe to drink. Bottled water is usually very reasonable to buy though (around Dh 1 a bottle) and probably your best bet.
Official supporters – Big thanks to the Forex trading site forexbrokersreviews.com for their valuable help and support in financing this great event.
UAE Culture
For older women the home remains the sphere of activity while younger women, benefiting from their access to modern education, are playing an ever-wider role in the society. An estimated 13 per cent of the UAE’s labour force is female, and women are increasingly represented in government posts.
Reflecting the mix of modern and traditional influences, clothing styles in the UAE are both Western and indigenous. Most Emirati men wear the dishdasha, a white, loose-fitting garment that is comfortable in hot weather. Most women wear the enveloping black abaya and a face mask called the burka, although this tradition is beginning to be abandoned by younger, educated women.
Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people in UAE.
Visa Regulations
There are several types of visas for visitors to Dubai. Some visitors need to obtain a visa prior to traveling to the UAE while others can obtain a visit visa, valid for 30 days, upon arrival.
Nationals of the following countries can obtain a visit visa on arrival in the UAE:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican.
AGCC country passport and certain visa holders also do not need to obtain a visa prior to travelling to the UAE. These countries include: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Entertainment
Dubai boasts an incredible array of restaurants with cuisine from across the globe. Your best bet is to pick up a copy of one of the city’s weekly entertainment magazines which have extensive lists of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and clubs to choose from.
Another of many visitors’ priorities is to fit in some shopping while in Dubai and again there are plenty of malls to choose from (see below).
Most of the malls also offer entertainment areas, which include cinemas and other attractions.
For the more adventurous shoppers, there are the traditional souks (markets) along the creek where you can go bargain-hunting (see Tourist Attractions section for more info). The Karama district also offers plenty of bargains, and a plethora of brand-name knock-offs.
What you should know about Dubai if you’re only visiting
Dubai offers something for every visitor whether they are traveling for business or leisure. There’s sunshine all year round, and the beautiful beaches will never stop intriguing. And then there are luxurious hotels and shopping malls that make what the world knows as Dubai. The city is a fascinating heritage, thus it will never stop attracting visitors of all walks of life.
The climate in general
The city has a warm sunny climate which is also very ideal for the tourism industry. There are mild temperatures for most parts of the year. Rainfall is generally low.
Those who visit during summer arrive between the months of July and August where temperatures can soar to about 45 degrees Celsius. During this time, the atmosphere is very humid, thus making it the most unsuitable time of the year to visit the city.
However, this condition still doesn’t deter it from attracting visitors. Hotels and other facilities have equally geared up for the warm weather by installing air conditioners everywhere. You will never feel this heat unless you’re out, probably on a desert tour where it can get really sweaty.
Language spoken and getting around
Before you visit any country, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the main languages spoken there. Thankfully, Dubai also accommodates visitors who speak English – even though it’s an Arabic destination.
Hotels, restaurants, menus, road signs etc are all labeled in English language. If you are a visitor here, you will probably realize that road signs are both in English and Arabic, thus you should not struggle getting around.
Also, many travel professionals or tour operators will speak languages such as French, German, and even Russian to accommodate the needs of their visitors.
Currency
Dirham is the main local currency used in Dubai. Accessing your cash is made easier with a wide range of banking networks, foreign exchange facilities, and ATMs all around you.
Culture and religion
This is a cosmopolitan city which is also tolerant to all people irrespective of their cultures or religious backgrounds. However, it should be noted that Islam is the most widely practiced religion here. Because of this, visitors are expected to adopt a certain level of cultural and religious sensitivity for the period of time they will stay in the city.
In terms of dress code, visitors should expect a liberal form of dressing. Beach wear should only be worn when swimming or when around a swimming area. Otherwise, visitors are expected to dress up decently when visiting malls, shopping centers or when walking along the streets.
Also, it should be noted that certain religious sites will require both men and women to dress on clothes that cover their shoulders, arms, and probably legs. These sites will also expect women to wear headscarves for that matter.
Other leisure activities
Dubai is governed by Islamic law. However, despite this, alcohol is made available to anyone who would like to drink.
Liquor is available in licensed premises. Nearly all 5-star hotels will offer fine liquor for their visitors. However, taking alcohol in public places is prohibited. This also applies to drinking and being disorderly afterwards. It may result in hefty penalties for the offender.
Conclusion
Dubai is the most preferred destination for those who are on a romantic vacation, or simply in pursuit of leisure. It is also a good destination for those who want to mix business with some leisure. After all, the city has all it takes to immerse you into the experience. A trip to Dubai will always ease off pressure which comes from your daily work routine.