Historically Irish pubs are renowned throughout the world for their vibrant and friendly atmosphere, full of character and characters and above all, a place where you immediately feel at home.

The Irish Village in Dubai is no exception. The traditional wooden pub is steeped in its own character and has its own story to tell. Whether you decide to sit inside the traditional wooden pub or out on the terrace overlooking gardens and lake, let the traditional Irish music entertain you while sampling authentic meals served with a warm and friendly Irish smile - what better way of experiencing Ireland in Dubai!

How it all started?

In 1994 Dubai Tennis Championships were taking place at The Aviation Club for the second consecutive year in a temporarily-built stadium. At that time, spectators would not exceed the few hundreds. At the end of the final match after handing out the prize to the winner, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that the following year Dubai Tennis Championships would be played in a real stadium with a capacity of 5000 people.

So in 1995 the current tennis stadium was ready to host the 3^rd Dubai Tennis Championships.

Acknowledging the great spaces created beneath the stadium terraces, Mr. Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of DDF, with the support of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, came up with the idea of building a permanent outlet that would cater to visitors on the different events held at the stadium.

The idea of The Irish Village was born.

The Village was designed using Irish craftsmanship and materials which were shipped to Dubai and reassembled on site, creating an authentic experience in the heart of the city. Even the paving stones came all the way from Liscannor in County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland. All props and décor items around The Village, from the telephone box down to the shop windows bric-a-brac, are genuine Irish pieces.

In the fall of 1996, The Irish Village opened its doors with a full complement of Irish staff; a tradition that has been kept to the current days!

With the ongoing success and the increasing demand, The Village terrace has been expanded over the years to satisfy Dubai patrons and can now accommodate up to 3500 people during special events and concerts.

Famous performers have played at The Village: Sir Bob Geldof, Finbar Fury, The Human League, The Pretenders and The Commitments, to name just a few.

Over the years, The Irish Village has celebrated its birthday with big parties and concerts featuring popular Irish bands. To commemorate the 10^th anniversary in 2007, a life-size bronze sculpture of three traditional Irish musicians, depicting the rural charm of the Emerald Isle has been installed in the center of The Village terrace. The sculpture, entitled “The Session” was commissioned In Ireland and created by Irish artist Austin McQuinn. It was then shipped to Dubai and unveiled in the presence of An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Ireland prime minister, to grace The Irish Village terrace.

United Arab Emirates

The capital of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. It is the headquarters for the president of the state, the cabinet, the ministries, the Federal institutions, foreign embassies, Broadcast TV, Mina (Port) Zayed, Abu Dhabi Airport and most of the oil companies, establishments and commercial markets.

Dubai

As known as The 'Pearl of the Arabian Gulf', Dubai spans 3885 km² - 5% of the total land area of The United Arab Emirates' excluding the islands.

The Emirate's population is estimated to be 695, 000.

A 10- kilometer water creek known as Khor-Dubai, divides the city in two: Bur-Dubai to the south, is the location of the Ruler's office, head offices of major companies, banks, customs and port. Its other major landmarks are the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Dubai Zoo and Jumeirah Coast Park.

The Northern part known as Deira, is the centre of business and tourism and comprises most shops, markets, schools, hotels, clubs as well as Dubai International Airport.

Maktoum and Garhoud Bridges and Al-Shindagah Tunnel passing under the creek, link the two parts of Dubai.

Jebel Ali area is considered one of the most significant industrial and commercial areas in the whole country. It has the largest free trade zone in the Middle East.

Due to its location, Dubai has become a connecting link between the West and the Indian subcontinent, the Far East and Africa since time immemorial. Traditional Arab hospitality complemented with a highly sophisticated infrastructure have contributed to a perfect atmosphere for the development of tourism.

Dubai is endowed with an extensive coastline, sandy beaches and varied landscape where a wide variety of activities can be indulged, ranging from powerboat races to sand skiing. Manicured golf courses provide ready enjoyment and for the less active, shopping opportunities abound.

In addition, the country's deep-rooted cultural heritage has been a powerful attraction for tourists. Dubai has also become a much sought-after venue for conferences, regional and international exhibitions as well as major sports events.

CLIMATE

Dubai has a subtropical arid climate. Sunny blue skies can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular and happens mainly during the winter months. Temperatures range from a minimum of 27°C (81°F) to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) from June to September. October to May is cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F).

LOCAL TIME

The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT.

LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic although English is widely spoken and understood.

RELIGION

Islam is the official religion of the UAE. Other religions are respected.

CURRENCY

The local currency is the UAE Dirham divided into 100 fils. It is US $ 1= 3,68 dhs.

 In addition to banks and hotels, there are many licensed moneychangers in the major shopping centres and souks.

CREDIT CARDS

Most retail outlets, hotels and car rental companies accept internationally recognized credit cards.

HOURS OF BUSINESS

Offices:
Saturday/Wednesday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. and 4pm. to 7:00 pm.
Thursday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Friday closed.
Banks:
Saturday/Thursday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

ELECTRICITY

The voltage in Dubai is 220v. Most sockets are three pin, although adapters for two pin plugs are available at most hotels.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Most hotels have in-house nurses or doctors on call and medical treatment is also available at private and government hospitals.

DRINKING WATER

Tap water is safe to use although bottled water, which is served in hotels and restaurants, is recommended for drinking.

DRESS CODE

Dubai is an Islamic country and clothing should be modest. During the winter months light sweaters are recommended. Beachwear is acceptable at beach clubs, hotels and public beaches only. During the daytime, the dress code is fairly casual although more exclusive restaurants may expect guests to dress more formally during the evening.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Metered taxis are recommended over private taxis whose rates are negotiable. There is a surcharge on taxis from Dubai airport.

SHOPPING

Dubai is known as a shopper's paradise. Many of the world's finest goods are available at prices well below what would be paid in other parts of the world.

VISAS

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Dubai. For US and British citizens, visas can be obtained on arrival in Dubai.

For Canadian citizens, visas need to be obtained prior to arriving at any entry into the UAE.

For accurate information, please visit your own country’s embassy website.

RAMADAN

During the Holy Month of Ramadan all Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset; eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during daylight hours is strictly prohibited. Alcohol will not be served during this time; however, alcohol is served in restaurants and bars after sunset for non-Muslims. Live entertainment, loud music and dancing are prohibited during this month. Most businesses and shops are open only for a few hours in the morning and re-open after sunset until well after midnight.