About Dubai  Dubai is a member state that makes up one of the seven member states of the United Arab Emirates, The UAE borders the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf and covers approximately 32,000 square miles. Dubai is on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf and is the second largest state of the UAE.
With a stable government led by the Al Maktoum family, Dubai’s recent past is based on oil revenues. The future strategy is to be a premier tourist and world business destination for the future and will offer some of the most glamorous real estate properties in the World.
The Dubai way of life did not always centre on oil and its profits. Records show that the the name of Dubai was mentioned as early as 1799, but not until the Al Maktoum family broke away and left Abu Dhabi and took over the town of Dubai and formed a new independent emirate. The al Maktoum family still rule today. Originally a fishing settlement, inhabitants lived by fishing, pearling, herding sheep and goats.
In the early years this was a troubling time when the newly formed emirate was at odds with the emirate of Abu Dhabi, because of the strategic position for shipping the British became involved and formed a maritime truce with the emirate and its near neighbours and peace reigned and by the turn of the century was an important trading port. By the early 1900s almost a quarter of the population was foreign. The population in the 1930s was 20,000, Today it is almost 1 million people . In 1954 the British established a political involvement in Dubai and was responsible for protecting Dubai.
In 1971, the British withdrew and Dubai joined with 6 other states Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Aiman, Umm Al Quwain, Fajairah and later Ras Al Khaimah to create what we call the federation of the United Arab Emirates UAE. In 1973 Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a single, uniform currency: the UAE dirham.
Oil was discovered in 1966 120 kilometres off the coast of Dubai and by 1969 Dubai exported its first shipment of oil. The success of this venture fueled the rapid development of the area and through the insight of the late ruler provided for the general welfare of the inhabitants. Dubai worked to build up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society. The journey continues today..
Dubai Today
Dubai is a bustling metropolis with a population of almost 1 million people, (UAE 4.4million people ) .Dubai covers an area of 1,510 square miles and is made up of two towns separated by Dubai Creek. To the north is Deira and to the south, Bur Dubai. Major Industries are Communications, Trade, Manufacturing, Government services with tourism developing
People and culture
As from its past Dubai population is as diverse and multi cultural as shown from the 2007 research and very youthful with the average of 30 years.
Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National's lifestyles. However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. Expatriates are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code is liberal. Women don't face discrimination. Courtesy and hospitality are one of the many virtues of Dubai. Rulers are keen to maintain their culture and do so through a number of practices, one is promoting sporting events that are representative of their past- Falconry, camel racing and dhow sailing are still popular in Dubai. The official language of the country is Arabic, however most people in and out of the workplace communicate in English. There are so many different nationalities in Dubai, English finds common ground with most people. The majority of road and shop signs, restaurant menus etc. are in both English and Arabic.
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and visitors can dress however they like. Still, a good amount of respect for local customs is appreciated. In deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea for visitors not to wear very short, tight clothing, at least until such time as they are comfortable with the city. UAE nationals usually wear their traditional dress- for men this is the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red checked headdress known as a gutra. In public women wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal clothes. They also wear a headscarf.
Climate Dubai offers an all year round climate Summer Months April through to September temperature ranges from 38—48 degrees and the so called winter months October through to march of 26 –30 degrees. |
