|  Currency
The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh / AED ) which
is divided into 100 fils. The Dirham is linked to
the Special Drawing Right of the International Monetary
Fund.
It has been held constant against the US Dollar since
the end of 1980 at a mid-rate of approximately US$
1 = Dh 3.67.
Banks
Both the local banks and the many international banks
represented by branches in Dubai, provide usual commercial
banking services.
Transfers can be made without difficulty as there
is no exchange control and the Dirham is freely convertible.
Bank hours are 8am to 1pm, Saturday through Wednesday,
although some also open from 4.30 to 6.30pm. On Thursdays
banks operate only from 8am to noon.
Exchange houses are open from 8.30am to 1pm and 4.30
to 8.30pm.
See the Bank Indexfor a list of banks available in
Dubai.
Credit
Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard etc
are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger
shops but some retailers offer better bargains for
cash.
Tipping
Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the
world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise
10 per cent is adequate.
Weights
and Measures
Officially the metric system is followed, although
British and American standard weights and measures
are understood by most merchants. Local weights and
measures are also used occasionally, but seldom for
international trade.
Business
Hours
The weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon
and Friday, but some organisations now close on Friday
and Saturday, working through Thursday afternoon instead.
Government offices are open from 7.30am to 1.30pm
(7.30am to 12 noon on Thursday).
Private sector office hours vary, but are generally
from 8am to 1pm, reopening at either 3pm or 4pm and
closing at 6pm or 7pm.
Shop hours are similar in their opening times, but
remain open until 9-10pm. Department stores, boutiques,
the souks and many food shops remain open on a Friday,
apart from Prayer Times (11.30-1.30), while larger
shops re-open on a Friday afternoon around 4pm - 5pm.
Embassies and consulates are generally open from 8.45am
to 12.30pm and are closed on Fridays and in most cases
on Saturdays, but will leave an emergency number on
their answering machines.
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