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.