ABOUT DUBAI

Do you remember my previous post I gave a title "Dubai in my eye"? Well a sort of that, I just would like to add facts about Dubai which I had researched from books to web. Inquisitive I am...yes! that's for being new & one of hundreds of nationalities dwelling in this fascinating city of U.A.E... here's my researched.

DUBAI

History...

Dubai is unquestionably the commercial, leisure and sporting capital of the Gulf. The capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi, with Dubai being the second largest emirate. In 1830 Dubai was taken over by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis, led by the Maktoum family, who still rule the emirate today.

In 1894 Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum, exempted foreign traders from taxes. This caused a huge change around the turn of the century, with Dubai's modern development starting with the establishment by local merchants of an entrepôt trade, selling such things as pearls, fish, spices and dates. Traders from India and Persia were attracted to Dubai because of the liberal attitudes of the rulers and soon began to settle in the growing town, which developed a reputation as the leading commercial centre for the region.

Most trading was based on the safe, natural anchorage of the Creek. The Creek is both the visual and commercial heart of the city, with numerous dhows still sailing and trading to other countries.

Dubai is simultaneously a dynamic international business centre and a relaxing tourist destination. These features make Dubai a truly cosmopolitan place to live, but at the same time provide a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia.

Geography...

Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the UAE, which lies at the north-eastern part of the Arabian peninsular. The country is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the south and west and the Sultanate of Oman on the east and north. Dubai is situated on the south of the Arabian Gulf.

Dubai occupies around 3,900 square kilometres. The area outside the city is sparsely inhabited flat desert. To the east lie the Hajar Mountains, which are close to the Gulf of Oman.

Dubai’s Creek, a natural inlet from the sea, winds through the centre of the city, dividing the central business district into Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. Much of the trading activity for which old Dubai depended on to develop can still be seen on the Creek today.

Cultural Heritage...

Dubai's culture is firmly rooted in the traditions of Islam. Traditional dress is still worn among many local citizens and many Arabic cultural activities and sports are still practiced. Dubai is a very tolerant and welcoming place for foreigners, with visitors free to follow their own religions. Drinking alcohol in hotels and licensed health and sports clubs is permitted for non-Muslims.

The dress code is liberal for visitors to the emirate and women are allowed to drive and go out unescorted. Despite being a very relaxed place to visit and live, it is important for visitors to respect their hosts and abide by local regulations. Courtesy and hospitality are evident everywhere in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of its people.

Each year Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Holy Koran during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The timing is not in line with the Western calendar and moves by about 11 days. During Ramadan Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking between dawn and dusk. This is to appreciate the plight of the poor, so as to appreciate one's more fortunate situation. The fast is broken each day with the Iftar feast at sunset.

During Ramadan visitors also must not eat, drink or smoke in public places between dusk and dawn.

Climate...

Dubai has a sub-tropical and arid climate, with sunny blue skies most of the year. It rains infrequently, falling mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of about 10.5°C (50°F) to a high of 48°C (118°F). The mean daily maximum in January is 24°C/75.2°F rising to 41°C/105.8°F in July with high humidity levels. But this year I experienced the highest °C ever.. it ranges up to 55°C, it's really scorching!

Government...
The Supreme Council of the UAE is comprised of the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates and is the highest federal authority. It is responsible for general policy matters involving education, defence, foreign affairs, communications, development and the establishment federal laws.

The President of the UAE is HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who is also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The Vice President is HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. Both are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.

The Federal Council of Ministers is responsible to the Supreme Council. It has the executive authority to initiate and implement laws and is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policies, but has no power of veto.

Language...
Arabic is the national language, however, English, Urdu, Hindi and Farsi are spoken widely. Arabic and English are the main business languages.

These are some common Arabic words useful to visitors to Dubai:
Arabic word Translation
Marahaba Hi
Keef Halak How are you
Law semaht Excuse me
Ma salamah Good bye
Shokran Thank you
Afwan Glad to help you

Population...

The population of Dubai is estimated at around 1,204,000 people. Dubai is made up of more than 130 nationalities, bringing a richly cosmopolitan character to the city.

Religious Festivals, Holidays, and Public Holidays...

The dates of Islamic holidays are not fixed dates on the Hijri (Islamic) calendar as they are based on the sighting of the moon. Holidays are frequently announced less than 24-hours in advance, although some non-Muslim holidays are fixed according to the Gregorian calendar. Below is a list of some of the main festivals and holy days. Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

- Eid-al-Fitr is a celebration marking the end of Ramadan and lasts for three days.

- Eid-al-Adha is 70 days later, after the Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca. This lasts four days.

-Lailat-al-Qader
The 'night of power of determination' falls on one of the odd-numbered nights during the last 10 days of Ramadan (usually the night of the 27th) and commemorates the night on which the first divine revelations of the Koran were given to the Prophet Mohammed.

- Lailat-al-Miraj
The 'night journey to heaven' falls on 27 Rajab (7th month) and commemorates Prophet Mohammed's journey to Jerusalem and then to heaven.

- Mawlid-al-Nabi
The 'Prophet's birthday' falls on 12 Rabi' al-Awwal (5th month), but its observance is traditional, rather than Islamic, as Islam does not centre on any human being.

- Ras as-Sana (New Year)
The Islamic new year falls on 1 Muharram (1st month) and marks the Prophet Mohammed's migration from Makkah to Medina.

Wooo... I knew those are just few against all facts about Dubai, but it help though. Dubai is not that "so-heared" (new word,hehehe) unlike those big lands in the world. So those people to doesn't know how modern and open Dubai is... you better read my post. To Emirates group shokran for my research has come quite satisfying.

THREE THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME

I was tagged by Tess, my cyber friend in the U.S. of A! I had read her “Three Things” and t’was really a very interesting perusal of facts about her, I salute you my dear!
Well here’s mine….

1.MY PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I graduated as Electronics and Communication Engineer. My two years in college was then as a Civil Engineering stud at Cor Jesu College Digos City where my cousin Jane graduated. 1997 summer, I transferred to Manila to be my sisters’ companion who by then was a high risk preggy. I decided not go back home since I got hooked and fancied the things and places I glanced in a big city like Manila, yah know… a provinciana thing! So, I shifted to a new school and shifted as well my course from BSCE-BSECE. At first, I didn’t like my new environment. I am a serious student who finds schoolmates who were reverse as far as I observed. Well… care about them?! After college, I took a licensure examination and unfortunately failed! It hurts a lot because I really thought I would pass… what can I do? Life must go on, plus factor about me is that I am an optimistic person and very determined, so I am not losing hope to make a try again.
2.BEING ME IN THE WORLD: I like events that are challenging. They said I’m a lil bit boyish. I drive sports bikes: the highest, fastest range and biggest bike that I tried to drive was the Honda XR 200 CC only, it was already huge for a lady like me. I am dreaming to make a try with what Trinity had in Matrix Reloaded, the “Ducati”, I believed it is awesome to drive with. And I read yesterday a magazine which contents Angielina Jolies’ bike, wohoo.. I envied her a lot! That bike came out with a very good body case style and very sporty look! I am really dying to have one like that someday. Don’t you know that I raced with 2 guys along Zapote road Muntinlupa? It was already pass 11:00 pm so police were not on eye. It was good though, I pissed off those two guys who underestimate ladies like me but sssshhhh my sistah doesn’t knew it!

I am very organized with my things at home and in the office. I hate seeing things messing around. I don’t like the laundry, washing dishes – which both I can’t help to escape because I hate much seeing them dirty than hating doing them, get me? I love working alone especially when I am cooking (ehem). Cleaning the house and putting stuff in proper places are my habits. I love decorating my house, as in I am a frustrated interior designer! I mean I always wanted my house tidy (which I am confused why I cannot do it here in Dubai). I am fond collecting arts and crafts, native crafts and plants. I am always dreaming to shop a dozen of branded clothes, shoes, bags and accessories but I don’t want them drill a hole on my pocket! For jewelries, I am preferred with white gold and silver, pearl and diamond because I love the radiance of white.

I am a person who’s sympathetic with bums and those who live in the mountains like the native B’laan we have in Davao. I cried in secret if I saw an old fellow selling along the streets – they were one of my weaknesses because they can use that to fool me. Along with my scoffer and persecutor, I rather cry than to yell them back and fight!

3.MY CHRISTIAN LIFE: I love God above all, he is my everything! God is so beautiful beyond description. I was blessed with so many things including my job. I love reading books that thought about living Godly in a Godless world. I was involved as one of the “Kids Praise” a singing and dancing troop of kids in our local church- of course when I was once a cutie!
I always consulted God about my plans. I sometimes do wrong but right away bend my knees down and humbly admit before him; after all I am not perfect! I depend on him and cannot imagine without him on my side. He has thousands of words to describe with and all I can say is… HE IS MY LORD. MY REDEEMER, MY KING,MY FATHER and MY BESTFRIEND!

And because I already had submitted this, I will ask Jane, Betty, and Ate Rhebs to share their “Three”… Hi All! it’s your turn! I will wait because I knew the three of you have incredible events. SMILE 

RAMADAN

Ram'dan Kareem!

So... it started today. Muslims will fast for 1 month. No food, no water and even spitting out the liquids produced by glands in the mouth. A sacrifice as called for their beliefs, we indeed respect that. Fasting will start from the break of the dawn untill sun sets down.

As laborer in their land, we as well abide the rules during the latter said. We cannot eat and drink in public or even chew a gum. Here in the office runs the same. In fact, while writing this, my throat dried up and I feel thirsty, but what can I do- it's prohibited. So I better produced myself a liquid out from my glands hahaha. Shall I not show them that I did swallow my saliva? A perfect diet man!

The good thing during ramadan is this "HALF DAY DUTY" at work. So, I'll be out in the office after 2 p.m, and that runs for 1 month. Relaxing huh?! I'm looking for some job I could work part time inorder to utilize my time. It's a great privilege though! Welcoming dirhams on your pocket, great? I wish I could find one.

Oh! I am hungry now... I cannot lurk even a crumb of biscuits. A lil patient then I will be home for my food.

JUST PLAYING WITH NEW HTML

Let's have a joke... Nwei, all of this entry are courtesy of HOTBAR.

A Mother-in law wanted to check with her son in laws about their love for her. She took one son in law to a lake and accidentally fell in the water. The son in law saved her from drowning. Next day the son in law found a Honda with a card attached to it from the mother in law. After a week she did the same with the second son in law with the same result, and he too got a Honda. Next week she repeated the scene with the third son in law but he did not save her and she drowned. The following day the third son in law saw a Mercedese car near his house given to him by his father in law.

A BLESSING

I am overwhelmed with joy today. Since my visa status here in U.A.E's still on visit, I can still shift to another company on my choosing. I grab that apportunity to find a better one before a company will take on hold specially when a person is under their sponsorship. I guess everybody wants the best for them, right? With regards to that, I applied a couple of months back to a company almost related to where I am presently in. The difference is, I am presently joined with a local owned firm, while that company's britishs'. So, I am obviously emphasizing here the compensation difference of both sides. But before I get long, I just want to post here the answer I patiently and diligently waited.

Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 19:18:48 +0400
From: *******
Subject: Update on Company Start-Up
To: Kate Hefervez
CC: ********


Kate,

I hope this finds all well with you. I just want to let you know that we are finally approaching our start up date for the company. We are looking at 1 October 2005 and the office will be based in Dubai Business Park, which is close to Jebel Ali. It has taken a bit longer than we expected, but now it is moving forward very well.

We are still interested in you, are you still interested in joining our team? If so, then we will meet in the very near future to set down all the terms and conditions, salary, position (complete with job description) and any other items of interest.

Please advise us to your intentions and if you will be joining our company? We await your response.

Sincerely,

********
Managing Director

This company is Abu Dhabi based and is putting up a branch here in Dubai.

A SAD THING!

I rather write this in my own native dialect to protect myself if anyone from here happens to open my blog. I don't wanna even use my national language, basta! I just felt that it is not safe. So, my apology to those who cannot understand.

Samtang nag-ilis ko karong buntag, ate sa akong best friend, manager sya sa pinaka dako nga grocery shop diri sa Dubai sulti nga naa isa daw sa ilang staff, cashier, gi-rape atong isang gabii. Makalagot ba kay ana nang mga "A" diri. Hmmn.. unsa man ako itawag nila ha... thinking...ah... mga "iro" ky bastos mga iro, uwagon kung worst word gamiton. Wala silay absent mo simba, ampo 3x kada-adlaw, holy panan-aw sa kaugalingon apan baboy diay ang katinuuran! Hinuon dili tanan, pero gamay ra gyud ang tarong, maihap ra! Kadtong niadto ko a Iran, naa ko naka-uban nga pinay nga nagpa-convert pagka "muklo", ask nako sya why? She said, "for security reason". Nag-undergo sya ug seminars and lectures about sa ilang religion, nahibal-an nuon nako from her nga mao diay tabunan buhok sa mga babae ky panan-aw diay sa mga lalake "P.H" sya,dili lang ang pagka holy ug submission, so ana sila ka bastos no?grabe! Sex slave nila ang mga babae mao kung mangasawa ka nila, balay lang ka, dili pwede simba. Labi na kung mga "iro" nga dili jud puro nga taga diri like taga iraq or saudi. Ang lumad nga taga diri medyo buotan, apan dili pud ta palabi ug salig ky parehas rang lutoa kulang lang vitcin! Ang Law diri okay unta ky ginasunod nila pero kung kalahi nila,ma-absuelto man. Ila ginatago ang mga bad reports diri labi na kung mga lokal ang involve kay unsaon nalang ilang tourism nga mao ray gabuhi sa ilang nasud. Ampingan nila ang dungog to attract tourists. Dili lang pud mga iro ang maniac, mga uban lahi pud like lebanese, pakistans... Basta parehas ra silang iro..german shepherd, dalmatian etc.. nindot ug barog pero mga iro gihapon! Ang makaluoy lang ky perme pilipina ang mabiktima, kanang mga nanarbaho diri ha?! Labi na kung imo trabaho medyo baba sa ila pan-aw. Grabe sila mag-prejudice, taas kaayo ug garbo. Mga kwartahan nuon sila, they live a luxurious life but not all. Mao pasalamat ko naa ko degree ky dili ka mabasta-basta diri kung degree holder ka. Ug dili man hinuon ingon ana ka hadlok basta magpuyo lang. Kadtong na- rape,all I know niuban pud makipag-date. Haayy...

As for me, I don't fear anyone. If there is... it is he who's greater than he that is in the world! Nobody can harm me here, I am under God's mighty wings. He will direct my path to safety places and people. Fear of the Lord is the beggining of wisdom... (Prov.1:7) He will give me wisdom where to go and what to do, if you fear to do evils. Everyday, I am under his care and I can attest that no evil can touch even the edge of my hair! But I have to be cautious as well, you can discern it if you pray. Prayer is the best!

DUBAI IN MY EYE

I dunno how to start this. But I was tagged by my cousin to write a word describing Dubai.

I arrived here last March 3 of present year and fortunately able to join in an engineering firm after a couple of weeks from arrival. Dubai is not that difficult to visit in. Among the lands of the arab's, U.A.E is different when it comes to Laws and rules. U.A.E is divided into 7 city's (not so sure)and one of it is Dubai. The capital city is Abu Dhabi and I don't know how long to get there because I haven't been there yet, but I am planning to go by next month. All government offices mostly are located in A.D., and they have their own rules to be followed as each citys' having their own. Dubai varied from other cities. Here is modern, you can wear whatever you wanted to unless it doesn't show off your upper bumps, a little conservative as I observed. But for Arab ladies, under muslim law they have to wear their national dress called "Abaya", otherwise, they will wear a very lose clothes that won't project the body shape specially the butt. Plus the cover of their hair which considered by them as holy ,and symbolizes submission to the husband/men. Also some husbands want their maiden cover their face when going out. I barely saw them in the malls, where nothing of their wholeness can be seen only that black cloth that covers the entire from head to foot.

Dubai is a counter part of Makati where all socialites dwells and hang around, the structure of the buildings were of by the hands of american and british architects. The former is the center of tourists' attractions. You know what? U.A.E only depends on tourism and banking because they dont have their own product to export to gain an income. They are not that rich in oil as I supposed, thought that arab countrys' were. Okay they have lots of dates...the only thing uprooted from the grains of desert soil, hihihi. So the income of the nation difinitely came from tourism and banking. And mind you real estate is one of the fastest growing businesses here in Dubai. Dubai is trying to put in, the world breaking points like building an artificial island in the form of Palm. I was able to view the island on top of the aircraft when I went to Iran. Gosh! I really wonder how they piled it in the middle of the gulf sea. And also the 300 artificial island in the form of globe, they called it THE WORLD which when seen sky will form a planisphere. I had photos but I will ask my cousin how to clip it here since it was formatted in acrobat, I cannot save it in JPEG. To the rescue Jane, hahaha. And another world breaking is the half completed tallest building in the world called BURJ DUBAI, the phenomenal tower from which construction began last January and will end up on 2008, should reach 800 meters in height and will count 160 stages. Eiii.. one more as well is the underwater hotel that will comprise 220 continuations whose panoramic windows will give on sea-beds, and will be completed next year!!! Adorable!

75% of the population here were Indians, so only few numbers of arab people are dwelling here. You can find here all nationalities, British, Americans, Egyptians, Moroccans, Palestinians, Pakistans, Australians etc. So, you would really deal with different types of people including attitudes- about this?! let me just zip my mouth or halt my finger!

So that's it... some of things I want to share are still stock in my mind and let's just see next time.