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Dubai City
History & Heritage
Dubai is one of the seven emirates, located on the Persian Gulf, southwest of Sharjah and northeast of Abu Dhabi.
The ruler of Dubai is Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Vice-President of the federation of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is the second largest emirate in the federation after Abu Dhabi.
The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen (chiefly Indians), who settled in the town. Until the 1930s, the town was known for its pearl exports. The international trade which flowed from Dubai’s cosmopolitan contracts gave the city an early start in development before the beginning of oil production in the late 1960s.
In 1971 when the British left the Persian Gulf, Dubai together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates. Later, the UAE dirham was adopted in 1973 as the uniform currency, by Dubai and the other emirates.
City Culture
Dubai's culture is rooted in Islam. Virtually every neighborhood has its own mosque, where the faithful congregate for prayer five times everyday. One of the largest and most beautiful- Jumeirah Mosque-is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. Built with stone in medieval Fatimid style, the mosque is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting showers splendour to its intricate artistry.
Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Holy Koran, is the Holy Month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to dusk. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people. |
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Yearly Temperatures: Low 10c, High 48c
Rainfall: Average of 13cm a year
Languages spoken: Arabic, Persian, English, Hindu, Urdu
Time Difference (GMT): +4 Hours
Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED)
Exchange Rate: £1 = 7.1 AED (Rounded Estimate)
Electricity: 220 or 240 volts AC 50HZ
Current Population: 1.67 million (approx)
Key Facts
- Strong service-driven economy
- Politically stable and almost crime free
- State of the art shopping malls
- No duty or taxes to pay
- Summer runs from October to March
- No prohibition on drinking alcohol
- Something for everyone
- Dubai International Airport has no separate airport departure tax
Ramadan
Ramadan, takes place at a different time each year, this is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE (it's illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset at this time).
Dubai Life
Dubai is becoming a cosmopolitan city having more than 30% of its population as expats who are making Dubai an amazing city of opportunity.
Dubai has the world class nightlife as the city is filled with cocktail bars, wine bars, themed bars and typical British or Irish pubs are available, many of which offer food and entertainment as well. International cuisine is available in almost all the restaurants of the city and there are numerous night clubs around the city. International DJs are attracted towards these world class clubs. Moreover Indian, Middle Eastern and Asian night clubs are in ample number. |
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