Geography

The second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. Outside the city itself, the Emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterized by desert vegetation, Oil provides the basis of a prosperous economy, but trading, manufacturing and other business activities are also highly developed.

Local Time

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.

Climate

Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some five days a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 50 degrees F to a high of 118 degrees. The mean daily maximum is 75 degrees F in January rising to 105 degrees F in July.