The monetary unit is the Dirham (Dh) 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.

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.

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 practices are similar to most parts of the world. Some restaurants include service; otherwise 10 per cent is adequate.

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.

Bargaining is expected in the souk and is quite usual elsewhere. Vendors will usually drop the price - and often quite substantially - particularly for a cash sale. In the case of certain electronics' products, the margins are very low and therefore bartering is minimal.

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.