| November, Friday 21 2008 - 14:48:08 |
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The dubai we see today is the product of the last 20
years of intensive development. In days gone by, Dubai was a small
trading port, clustered around the mouth of the Creek. By the turn of
the 20th century, Dubai was a sufficiently prosperous port and attracted
settlers from Asia and The Gulf. The souk, situated on the other side of
the Creek, was also thought to be the largest on the coast, with an
array of about 350 shops. The international trade which flowed from
Dubai's cosmopolitan contracts was the basis of rapidly increasing
prosperity. This gave the city an early start in development before the
beginning of oil production in the late 1960s.
Dubai's growth therefore has depended partly on the inhabitants own entrepreneurial abilities and is unlike Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as it is only one substantial town. The Emirate of Dubai covers 3,900 square kilometres and the population (estimated at 889,518 in 1990) is largely concentrated in Dubai town. This has enhanced the popularity of a number of oases which provide a welcome break at weekends from the competitive commercial life of the city. The Emirate is mainly desert, with sand dunes ranging from near white along the coast to a deep orange inland near the mountains, and in places dotted with a scrub of desert bushes and even some large trees.
This pleasant green and cool valley is a small enclave in the dramatic, arid range of the Hajar Mountains and is completely surrounded by land belonging to Oman, Ajman and Ras al-Khaimah. Here, you will stumble across the charming Hatta Fort Hotel, secluded in its beautiful gardens and offering you a warm welcome. Alternatively much nearer to Dubai, and only about 20 kilometres inland are the twin oases of Khawanij and Awir. Reached in 25 minutes from the town centre and secluded in attractive wooded dune lands, these oases have been extensively developed over the past 20 years and boast fine country houses with superb gardens for some of Dubai's leading families. The districts' ample water supply has enabled local enthusiasts to create gardens and grounds so lush and colourful that you'll find it hard to believe that this is still Arabia
Food & Drink Specialities of Arab cuisine include hummus, tabbouleh , ghuzi, warak enab and koussa mashi. M akbous and seafood with spicy rice are also popular. Local fruit and vegetables are increasingly available and one can find excellent local fish. Hotels serve both International and Arab food and there's also a number of Chinese, Indian and other speciality restaurants. Frozen foods from all over the world are available in supermarkets, so it's safe to say you'll never be without!
Nightlife ::: There is a great choice of nightclubs and bars located in major centres and entertainment ranges from comedians straight off the circuit in London to Arabic singers and dancers and international pop stars and DJ's. Bars are found in all of the top hotels so if you're thirsty for a sophisticated cocktail in a 5 star lounge, or you're simply after a pint of your favourite in one of the English-style pubs, then look no further. Some hotels also have discos. Traditional dances are performed on public holidays. Most large towns have cinemas showing English-language films. Shopping ::: Customs duties are low and therefore luxury goods are cheaper than in most countries. The Dubai duty-free shop is one of the cheapest in the world. Souks sell traditional local leather goods, gold, brass and silverware. Shopping hours: Daily 0900-2100. Shops close for prayers Fri 1130-1330. Social Conventions ::: Muslim religious laws should be observed. Women are expected to dress modestly and men should dress formally for most occasions. Smoking rules are the same as in Europe and in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke, except during Ramadan when it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public. Tipping: Most hotels, restaurants and clubs add fairly high service charges to the bill, therefore, tipping is not necessary. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
There are many clubs and societies in Dubai. Freedom of worship is allowed to all religions, and Christian churches have existed in Dubai for many years. Foreign newspapers, magazines, films and videos are readily available. Alcohol may be consumed at home, in hotels, and on licensed club premises. Women can drive and move about unaccompanied.
Transport ::: It is virtually essential to have a car
- or two (for husband and wife) - as Dubai is a spacious city with
most residences situated some distance from shops, schools and the
office. Most Japanese, European and American models are readily
available and there is an active second-hand market. Vehicle third
party insurance is compulsory. Dubai has an excellent road system.
Driving is on the right hand side of the road.
Languages ::: Arabic Official, Persian, English, Urdu and Hindi. Ethnic Groups ::: Emiri 19%, Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, Other Expats 8% Age Structure ::: 0-14 years: 32%, 15-64 years: 66%, 65+ years: 2%
Dubai is full of choices. Spend your days with the hustle of Dubai's city life or you can enjoy your days enjoying the sights, playing golf, shopping, or just relaxing on pristine beaches.
Dubai's population is estimated to reach 850,000 by the middle of year 2004 according to Municipality figures. People from all parts of the world co-exist in Dubai creating an environment of mixed cultures. Enjoy the many festivals that are held in Dubai annually. Among them is the Dubai Shopping festival (DSF) held annually 15 Jan - 15 Feb. Venture to the Festival City (a.k.a Global Village) where multitudes of countries have their stalls set-up offering traditional goods and services. During DSF you will find that almost all of Dubai is offering sales and promotions Launched in 1998, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is a holiday festival geared to towards the family. The festival focuses on fun, knowledge, and entertainment for kids and families alike. If you want to shop ::: Dubai offers some of the best shopping anywhere in the world with competitive prices in almost every product. There are international brand name products available at world-class shopping malls. You can also shop at the souqs located on either side of the Dubai Creek if you like an authentic bargaining environment. If you like history ::: Choose from three main excavation sites: Al-Qusais, Al-Sufooh and Jumeirah. The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2000 years and the Jumeirah site reveals artifacts from the 7th to the 15th centuries. Al Fahdi fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, once guarded the city's landward approaches. Built in 1787 and renovated in 1970, the museum contains exhibits portraying old Arab houses, mosques, gardens and life before Oil was discovered.
Most sports have clubs and leagues available at various sports clubs.
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About
Dubai - the pearl of the Gulf
While this rapid development has been mainly facilitated by the
discovery of oil and its commercial production since the 1960s,
oil revenues in Dubai have always been a fraction of those in Abu
Dhabi. 
>
From timeless tranquil desert to the lively lanes of the souk,
Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for everyone. In a
single day, one can experience everything from rugged mountains
and smooth sand dunes to sandy beaches, blue sea and lush green
parks; from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts and
from ancient houses with traditional wind towers to ultra-modern
sky-scrapers and shopping malls.
Dubai is both a dynamic international business centre and a laid-back
tourist escape and a city where the modernity of the 21st century
walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era. It is these
contrasts that give Dubai its unique flavour and personality; a
cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle, yet with a
culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. 
All the Emirates, with the exception of Sharjah, permit the
consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims. It is illegal to drink
alcohol in the street or to buy it for a UAE citizen. Ayran and
strong black coffee are served on many occasions. 
Expatriates and foreign visitors - both male and female - can
enjoy a relaxed and pleasant lifestyle in Dubai. There is
virtually no crime, the city is clean, there are few traffic jams,
apartments and villas are modern and spacious and, surprisingly to
many, the climate is not only tolerable, but also extremely
pleasant for most of the year.
Dubai is the second largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates
(U.A.E). A country where the dust of the desert is being cleared
to reveal the potential for one of the most significant
international cities of this century. 
Dubai offers you a wide variety of sporting options, people can
try Archery, Canoeing, Climbing, Cricket, Diving, Fishing,
Football, Horse Riding, Martial Arts, Rally Driving, Squash,
Tennis and many more.