What can I eat in the Middle East?

There is a wide variety of wonderful restaurants to choose from and you can choose from a variety of international cuisine. Evolution Golf Dubai has vast local knowledge and can therefore advise you on local caterers as Arabic Cuisine is something the visitor should try. Should you require, lunches and snacks can be arranged in advance with EGD. Restaurants can be recommended by us and reservations can be made on your behalf.

Restaurant Reservations

We will make restaurant reservations for you on request but we will require a credit card to secure the table. In the Middle East some restaurants will charge a substantial cancellation fee as a protective measure for late cancellation or no show bookings.

Smoking Policy

It is very easy to smoke in many parts of the Middle East. However, many companies, malls, resturants are now becoming more health conscious and are prohibiting smoking indoors. Nevertheless due to great weather all year round smoking outside will be a pleasure to many

What are my baggage allowances / baggage restrictions?

Be aware of the changing baggage restrictions and follow the guidelines. Know your baggage allowance and understand you may be subject to additional charges if you exceed the allowance. Your flight provider will be able to provide this information.

Hand luggage when travelling?

From time to time our clients have the misfortune of arriving in the Middle East before their luggage / Golf clubs. This is normally due to luggage not making connecting flights in time. Although the Airline normally will aim to deliver delayed luggage by Courier to your hotel on the same day of arrival, it is certainly worth playing safe and having a change of clothing in your hand luggage. If you are scheduled to play golf on your arrival, your Airline will normally compensate you for any cost incurred in hiring golf clubs although it is worth checking the small print.

New Security Regulations For Passengers

Since November 2006, only containers of 100mls or less of liquids, gels, pastes, lotions and cosmetics may be brought through the passenger security screening points at all EU airports. These items must be presented at the passenger security screening point in a transparent Ziploc bag no more than one litre capacity, 20cm x 20cm. The only exceptions to this rule are for baby food and medicines needed during the flight. Hand luggage has also been restricted at airports. Please note that hand luggage is limited. For further information, please refer to your airline's travel advice information.

Checking out of your Hotels

Official check out times at hotels vary in the Region but it rarely stretches beyond Noon. Most Hotels will be happy to store your luggage after vacating your room until you leave the Hotel. Hotel guests are expected to settle any Room Charges you authorised at Reception prior to departure.

Can I use my electrical equipment in Dubai/AbuDhabi?

Most establishments in the Region have square pin sockets for 3, 5 and 13amp fuses. Adaptors can be purchased at airports and many hotels will have adapters, it is however advisable to travel with at least one.

How much do I tip in Dubai?

There are no definite rules for tipping. If you feel that you have received good service then you may wish to leave a tip. This is most common in restaurants, where the tip can be up to 10% of the bill, but you should check to see if a service charge has already been included. Tipping in hotels is also at your discretion. It is not normal to tip bar staff, although they may be offered a drink. Taxi drivers are often given a tip, particularly on longer journeys and if they carry your luggage.

Tipping the Driver / Guide

This remains wholly at your discretion, after all you have paid in full for his services prior to arrival, however our Drivers do tend to go the 'extra mile' for our Clients and any tip is gratefully received for a job well done.

What happens if I become ill on holiday?

We always strongly recommend that travellers do take holiday insurance to cover them for illness or injury. However, if youdo not, then the following options are:

• The Rashid Hospital does offer free assistance for emergency treatment.
• All other hospitals (which are of a very high standard) then they would have to pay for any treatment, as well as a consultation. There is no national health service in the UAE, it is all private, which is why we always strongly recommend that holiday insurance is taken out prior to arrival.

What is the weather like in Dubai?

For visitors coming in from colder climates, the best time to come to Dubai is between November and March, when it is the so called "winter" season here. During this season, the days are sunny and warm. In fact, most people end up falling absolutely in love with the Dubai weather during this season - there's plenty of sunlight, ample sand, and it seldom becomes unbearably hot. In terms of absolute temperature, it hovers around 23-25 degrees Celsius during this time - a quite agreeable temperature for most people. The nights, however, are much cooler, bordering on chilly.

What side of the road do I drive on in Dubai?

Remember to drive on the right hand side of the road. Remember to give way to the left on roundabouts. Driving on them demands a slow speed and awareness of cars coming the other way. By law it is compulsory to wear seatbelts in the front of any car, and in the back if you have them.

Will my mobile phone work in Dubai?

As a rule you should expect your mobile phone to work. There will be occasions that you can not get a signal due to the desert nature of Dubai. If you use a pay as you go service it is advisable to top up before you travel. Be aware it its against the law to use your mobile phone while driving without a hands free device and penalties are incurred.

Security of your belongings?

No country is immune to the problems of theft and Dubai is no exception. Clients are advised to keep a close eye on their luggage at all times. We strongly advise that you do not leave your Golf Clubs or any other luggage overnight in your vehicle and once again would recommend that you arrange travel insurance prior to travelling to Dubai.

Spa Treatments

If you are staying in accommodation which provides spa facilities, it is advisable to pre book any treatments before arrival. EGD can make these reservations on your behalf, however if you would like to discuss treatments in detail, we suggest you deal directly with the respective spa.

What clothing should I take?

Dubai summers are exceptionally hot and humid. Therefore it is beneficial to pack summer clothes. In the winter, although cooler, it is still relatively warm. A summer jacket would be adequate to keep you warm in the cooler evenings. The buildings in the U.A.E can be cold due to air conditioning, it is advisable to pack a couple of jumpers/pullovers when going shopping or going out to dine in restaurants.