|
The
second largest of the seven emirates
that form the United Arab Emirates,
Dubai is a superb example of a New
Economy business hub that has evolved
on the solid foundations of a rich
cultural heritage. Once a city of
seafarers and merchants, Dubai is
today recognized as an international
trading port. While rapid sophistication
of the 21st century has changed the
face of Dubai from timeless deserts
to a thriving economy with strengths
in trade, services, manufacturing
and technology, Dubai maintains a
fine balance of cultural legacy and
a modern metropolis.
The
city offers a lively experience for
visitors with a wide variety of preferences.
Hi tech gadget shopping in Mega Malls
or shopping for the spices & incenses
in the narrow Souk, crossing the creek
in a rickety old wooden Abra (water
taxi) or doing adrenalin flips in
power boats or jet skis. Cutting across
the sands in a 4x4 or concurring the
dunes on a camel back, savoring the
fine dining cuisine from around the
world or experiencing Bedouin hospitality
in an encampment. Dancing the night
away in a high energy night-club or
sitting back and enjoying the shivers
of an exotic belly dancer. Getting
a toasty tan on an unspoiled beach
or practicing your golf swing in the
Tiger's path .. you name it, we've
got it.
Dubai
is to the Middle East what Hong Kong
is to Asia; a capitalist jewel buzzing
with activity. Most visitors to the
region stop here for at least a day
to browse the shops, eat in the restaurants
and soak up the atmosphere of a city
oozing wealth and a general air of
self-satisfied confidence. Split into
two by a long creek, a water taxi
is an ideal starting point for orientation
purposes and an opportunity to admire
the modern palatial architecture,
the hallmark of a successful Arab
state. There isn't much here that
isn't glistening new. Even the traditional
souks that attract thousands of visitors
each year are packed with up to the
minute gadgets and the latest designer
wear.
Dubai
City Facts
Dubai
Population – 265,702 (Source:
UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
United
Arab Emitrates Population –
2,444,000 (Source: UN Population
Division 2000 estimate)
Currency
– UAE Dirham (AED)
Time
Zone – GMT + 4 (9 hours from
Eastern Standard Time)
Language
– Arabic
|
