What currency is used in Dubai and where is the best place to exchange money?

The Emirates are known for their hospitality and friendliness. Despite being a minority in their own city, they retain a strong sense of national pride and culture. I remember once being invited to a traditional majlis meeting where news is discussed and stories are shared over a cup of Arabic coffee. The locals appreciate respect for their customs and religion. If you show interest in their culture, they will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. This open and friendly attitude makes your stay in Dubai especially enjoyable.

Dubai, located on the coast of the United Arab Emirates, is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf, which is part of the Indian Ocean. The Persian Gulf is located to the east of Dubai and stretches along its coast, giving the city access to warm sea waters that play an important role in the life and economy of this region.

Approximate prices: • Small motorboat (up to 6 passengers) per hour: from 500 AED (about 135 USD) • Medium motor yacht (up to 10 passengers) for 3 hours: from 2000 AED (about 545 USD) • Luxury yacht (more than 10 passengers) per day: from 10,000 AED (about 2725 USD) The cost of renting a yacht in Dubai can greatly depend on many factors. Here are the main ones: • Yacht size and type: Small motorboats are cheaper than large luxury yachts or catamarans. • Rental duration: The longer the rental period, the higher the total cost. Renting for an hour or several hours will be significantly cheaper than for a day or several days. • Season: In October-April, yacht rental prices are usually higher than out of season (May-September). • Additional services: Captain and crew, catering (food and drinks), entertainment (water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, etc.) increase the rental price. • The lessor company: prices may vary from company to company. The Council: • Determine your budget and desired yacht parameters in advance. • Compare prices from different companies and read reviews. • Specify what expenses are included in the rental price.

The main difference between a motor yacht and a sailing yacht is the method of transportation: - Motor yachts use the engine to move. They are usually faster and require less physical effort to control. - Sailing yachts use wind and sails. They may be slower, but they provide a more traditional and environmentally friendly way of getting around. In addition, motor yachts usually have more room for equipment and can be more luxurious, while sailing yachts offer a unique experience and are often preferred for sports yachting.

Dubai is a true foodie paradise, where culinary traditions from around the world converge in one place. One of the most memorable places for me was "Al Mahara" restaurant in the Burj Al Arab hotel. Getting there is an adventure in itself: you walk through an "underwater" tunnel, surrounded by a huge aquarium with exotic fish. I was captivated not only by the exquisite seafood cuisine but also by the fairytale atmosphere straight out of "One Thousand and One Nights." If you are looking for something more authentic, "Al Fanar" offers traditional Emirati cuisine in an old Dubai atmosphere. I tried there "hari", a tender dish of wheat and meat cooked over a slow fire, and it was a revelation for my taste buds. For lovers of panoramic views, you should visit "At.mosphere" on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, where dinner is accompanied by a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the city.

The best beaches in Dubai include: - Jumeirah Beach: A popular public beach overlooking Burj Al Arab. - La Mer Beach: A modern beach with entertainment areas and restaurants. - Kite Beach: Famous for its kitesurfing facilities. - Sunset Beach: An ideal place for evening walks and sunset photography.

The main ports and marinas in Dubai include: - Dubai Marina: A large and modern marina with many services and amenities. - Mina Rashid: One of the oldest ports in Dubai, providing services for yachts and cruise ships. - Jumeirah Beach Hotel Marina: A luxury marina with access to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. - Al Seef Marina: A new marina in the historic Dubai Creek area.

The real estate market in Dubai has gone through various stages but remains attractive to investors. The city is constantly growing, with new projects emerging, such as Dubai Creek Harbour, which will feature the tallest tower in the world—Dubai Creek Tower. I visited District One, an elite area with villas around an artificial lagoon, where the crystal-clear water and white sand create a tropical paradise atmosphere. Investments in real estate in Dubai are appealing due to the absence of property taxes and the opportunity for rental income. The government is implementing measures to regulate the market to ensure stability and protect buyers' rights. I spoke with agents and property owners, and many noted the promising nature of long-term investments.

The official language is Arabic, but English has actually become a second language and is widely used in all spheres of life — from business to everyday communication. I found that almost everyone I interacted with—in hotels, restaurants, shops— spoke English fluently. In addition, due to the large number of foreign workers, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Russian and many other languages are often heard here. This language mosaic gives the city a special flavor, and you feel like you are part of a global world.

The best places to observe marine life from a yacht in Dubai include: - Persian Gulf Coast: Dolphins, sea turtles and a variety of fish can be seen in the morning hours at a distance of about 15 miles from the coast. - Mangrove forests off the coast of Ras al Khaimah: A great place to observe birds and marine animals. - World Islands: An area with rich marine life and coral reefs.