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Dubai can either refer to one of the seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, or that emirate's main city, sometimes called "Dubai city" to distinguish it from the emirate.
The modern emirate of Dubai was created with the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. However, written accounts documenting the existence of the city have
existed at least 150 years prior to the formation of the
UAE. Dubai shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civic law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu
Dhabi.With Abu Dhabi, it is one of only two emirates to possess veto power over critical matters of national importance in the
UAE. Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum dynasty since 1833. The emirates' current ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, is also the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE.
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The modern emirate of Dubai was created with the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. However, written accounts documenting the existence of the city have existed at least 150 years prior to the formation of the
UAE. Dubai shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civic law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu
Dhabi. With Abu Dhabi, it is one of only two emirates to possess veto power over critical matters of national importance in the
UAE. Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum dynasty since 1833. The emirates' current ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, is also the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE.
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History
Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken over in about 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today. Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating dates, fishing and pearling, but the inhabitants built up trade too. By the turn of the century, Dubai was reputed to have the largest souks on the Gulf coast, with 350 shops in the Deira district alone. |
Climate
The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some 13
centimeters a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius to a high of 48 degrees Celsius. The mean daily maximum is 24 degrees in January rising to 41 degrees in July. |
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Languages The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and ranks alongside Arabic as the language of commerce.
Local Time
The UAE time is four hours ahead of GMT.
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Arabian Experiences
- Desert Safaris, dune driving and wadi-bashing.
- Moonlight Arabian barbecues in the street complete with traditional
entertainment.
- Camel Racing and falconry.
- Cruises exotic of traditional wooden dhow or modern cabin cruiser on the
Dubai Creek and into the Gulf.
- The exotic sights and sounds of traditional commerce in the bustling souks
and on the Quays of the Creek.
- Photographic opportunities galore- elegant mosques, sumptuous palaces,
brightly dressed children, majestic camels, ancient wind towers, dusty
villages and dramatic sunsets.
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Shopping in Dubai
One of Dubai’s greatest visitor attractions is its superb shopping. The city draws large numbers of ‘ shopping tourists’ from countries within the region and from as far afield as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.
As an open port with low import duties, Dubai’s retail prices are reasonable and the variety of products available is virtually unrivalled.
Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in the countries of their origin.
Whatever the visitor’s tastes — be it couture from Paris or Milan, hi-tech electronics from Japan, or a piece of silver Bedouin jewellery — he or she will find it at the right price in Dubai.
In addition to the souk districts and shopping malls , there are many top-class department stores and boutiques throughout the city. |
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