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Das Emirat Dubai liegt auf der Arabischen Halbinsel am Persischen Golf und ist nach Abu Dhabi die zweite big Stadt der VAE. Das Emirat erstreckt sich von dort ins Landesinnere aber der größte Teil des Emirats, besteht aus Wüste.

1833 begann die Herrschaft der Al Maktum, als diese sich, mit Unterstützung von Schardscha, von Abu Dhabi lossagte. 1853 schloss Dubai mit Großbritannien einen Vertrag, der diesem die Verteidigung und Außenpolitik überließ und wurde damit ein Teil der Trucial-Coast, wie die späteren VAE damals genannt wurden. Im 19. Jahrhundert entwickelte sich der Hafen Dubai zu einem wichtigen Handelszentrum in der Golfregion.

Zwar brach auch in Dubai 1930 die Perlenfischerei zusammen, doch waren die wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen, wegen der Einnahmen durch den Seehandel, nicht so verheerend wie in den benachbarten Emiraten am Persischen Golf. Mit den ersten Erdölfunden begann sich seit 1966 auch die Erdölindustrie zu entwickeln.

Am 2.Dezember 1971 entläßt Großbritannien die ehemaligen Trucial States zu denen auch Dubai gehört in die Unabhängigkeit. Unter Führung von Abu Dhabi, werden die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate aus den ehemaligen Trucial States, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Schardscha, Adschman, Umm al-Qaiwain und Fudschaira gegründet. Am 10. Februar 1972 tritt dann auch Ra‘s al-Chaima als siebter und letzter ehemaliger Trucial State der Föderation bei. Die Herrscherfamilie von Dubai stellt dabei traditionell mit dem Premierminister, dem Finanz- und Industrieminister sowie dem Verteidigungsminister wichtige Regierungsämter der VAE. 

Dubais außerordentliches Wachstum während der letzten Jahrzehnte ist vor allem der sehr liberalen Wirtschaftspolitik zu verdanken. Es gibt nur wenige Vorschriften, die den Wirtschaftsverkehr beschränken. Die Umweltschutzauflagen sind gering, eine Kontrolle der Finanzen und des Geschäftsverkehrs findet kaum statt. Zudem gilt Dubai als Steuerparadies: Es werden keine direkten Steuern, insbesondere keine Einkommensteuer und mit Ausnahme der Geldinstitute und der Erdölindustrie keine Unternehmenssteuern erhoben.

In den Freihandelszonen (z. B. Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Healthcare City) erhalten Investoren eine für 50 Jahre garantierte Steuerfreiheit. Seinen Haushalt bestreitet das Emirat aus den Einnahmen durch Erdöl, von Zöllen und wenigen indirekten Steuern: eine Steuer auf Luxusgüter von 10 %, eine Tabaksteuer von 100%, eine Umsatzsteuer für die Gastronomie von 5% und eine Mietsteuer von 5% oder 10%. Die Erdölvorkommen haben den Boom Dubais begründet und haben die gewaltigen Infrastruktur - Investitionen der letzten Jahrzehnte trotz niedriger Steuern erlaubt. Doch die Ölvorkommen des Emirats sind begrenzt; man schätzt, dass sie zwischen 2015 und 2030 erschöpft sein werden. Daher versucht Dubai bereits seit längerem, vom Erdöl unabhängig zu werden und stattdessen in den Bereichen Handel, Finanzen und Tourismus zu wachsen. Dieser Plan hat bislang funktioniert: Nur noch etwa 7% des Bruttoinlandsproduktes stammen aus der Erdölindustrie.

Den Tourismus bringt Dubai ca.26,2% seiner Gesamteinnahmen ein. Dubai gilt als eines der größten Handelszentren Asiens. Dazu trägt die günstige geographische Lage entlang des See- und Luftweges von Asien nach Europa, die großzügigen und modernen Hafenanlagen Mina Rashid und Jebel Ali, der große und moderne Flughafen Dubai International Airport und die drei Freihandelszonen Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Internet City und Dubai International Financial Centre bei.

Zur Zeit plant Dubai den weltgrößten Flughafen zu bauen, der die Passagierkapazitäten bis zum Jahr 2050 abfertigen kann. Der bereits im Bau befindliche Dubai World Central International Airport soll jährlich 120 Millionen Menschen abfertigen können. 2005 kamen ca. 6 Mio. Touristen in das Emirat Dubai, für 2010 werden ca. 15 Mio. erwartet.

Nakheel - Plan Dubai, March 2007 (Copyright Nakheel) - www.nakheel.com -

GO THERE FOR

The Architecture - From the sublime to the outrageous, Dubai has it all. With hotels, shopping centres and even residential islands springing up around the city, you'll be amazed by the buildings.

The Food - The cities is teeming with restaurants serving food from around the world, but for a real treat you should try some traditional dishes like shawarma (lamb/chicken sliced cooked on a spit and served in pita bread)

The Nightlife - Ranging from Arabic to international, there's something for everyone: the nightlife here is nothing if not diverse.

The Shopping - The duty-free shopping is a bargain here. Bring an empty suitcase with you!

The sheer contrast - Dubai is a city in the desert and on the ocean. The thriving energy of the rapidly expanding metropolis is set against a spectacular wilderness of red dunes and stark mountains.

DON’T MISS

The Souks & Markets - Dubai Souks are a striking contrast to the modern shopping malls. Also called the 'Heart of Urban Arabia', shopping in Dubai is not complete without a browse through Dubai's famous souks. Dubai souks are swarmed with people busy negotiating with the shopkeepers in traditional style of doing business. Dubai souks are located at Deira and sells gold jewelry, traditional spices, perfumes and fishes.

Ski Dubai - A first for the Middle East, with 40 degree temperatures outside, the amazing -5 degree temperatures of the ski slope in the Mall of the Emirates are a refreshing respite.

Burj Khalifa - Burj Khalifa lifts the world's head proudly skywards, surpassing limits and expectations. Rising gracefully from the desert and honoring Dubai with a new glow. Burj Khalifa is at the heart of Dubai and its people; the centre for the world's finest shopping, dining and entertainment and home for the world's elite.

Atlantis The Palm - For years, The Atlantis Bahamas has been a unique mega-resort, with its giant "waterscape" (lagoons, waterfalls, extreme waterslides, and subterranean aquariums), fantasy architecture, and mix of families, high rollers at the casino, and high-end yachting set. But this "one of a kind" place has a sister now. Welcome to Atlantis the Palm, Dubai, Dubai being that middle-east pinnacle of shopping, entertainment, and luxury.

Golf - Dubai is known to have one of the best golf courses in the Middle East. The courses are not only appealing for the golfers, but they are a must visit for all the tourists coming to Dubai. The scenery is beautiful and the clubhouses have spectacular designs. Dubai golf lovers should consider a visit to Dubai's most known golf event, the Desert Classic Tournament.

Desert Safari’s - A must for everyone who is visiting UAE. A memory to share with your family and friends back home, This is one safari you cant do back home. We recommend it highly and it will be worth every penny spent. This tour departs in the afternoon across the desert of Dubai with several photo-stops during an exciting dune drive to the first destination a camel farm. The drive continues across the desert. We stop to watch the beautiful sunset before reaching our campsite where you have the opportunity to do a camel ride, sand boarding and try out a henna design on hand or feet.

Dubai Fountain - The water, music and light spectacle on the Burj Dubai Lake in Downtown Burj Dubai is called ‘Dubai Fountain.’ Billed to be of the world’s finest water features integrating musical and attractive visual elements, Dubai Fountain is over 275m in length – equivalent to that of over two football fields. Designed by California-based WET, a worldwide leader that specializes in the design of water features and also the designers of The Fountains at Bellagio in Las Vegas, Dubai Fountain will be about 25 per cent larger in area than The Fountain at Bellagio.

THINGS TO DO

After passing the outstanding Dubai Marina you are treated to a birds eye view of the world-famous ‘The Palm Jumeirah™’, then onto the ‘seven star’ Burj Al Arab hotel, before moving inland to Downtown Dubai and past the Burj Dubai the world’s tallest building, followed by views of ‘The World™’ islands, before heading back along the coastline for a second pass and a gentle splash back down to earth.

Coastal Gold

The Coastal Gold tour is designed, like Dubai’s thriving Gold trade, for those of you looking for that special treat. This private flight (for up to seven people) provides you with some exceptional extras: an extended 40 minute tour, a door-to-door limousine pick-up and drop-off service and in-transit refreshments. You’ll enjoy all of the sights and thrills of the “Coastal Pearl” tour plus an additional 10 minutes of flight, to take in the historic sights of the Dubai Creek. 

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

If you are planning a visit during June to September, be wary of the engulfing summer heat and humidity. Take care when photographing in Dubai. Avoid taking snaps of government buildings, military installations, the police and Arab women. Shaking hands is an important social custom and a sign of friendship. Bear in mind that some Muslim women do not shake hands with men. A good rule of thumb is to let the other party initiate. Always carry cash. Although credit cards are widely accepted, cash will get you out of sticky situations. While Dubai is renowned for being an open and liberal country, always remember it is a Muslim culture. Acquiring knowledge of basic religious beliefs, customs and traditions is a good idea. When it comes to taxis in Dubai always be prepared with a few street names. The rule of thumb is to remember landmarks, pay with cash and have your mobile phone at the ready. Remember Ramadan when it's illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public. Social and business hours are very Mediterranean in style, so don't get frustrated if things don't happen on time - Inshallah (God's will) prevails!

BASICS 

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. The leaders of Dubai have long focused on attracting visitors for both business and tourism and it is now one of the most 'international' cities to be found in this part of the world.

Liquor Laws

As a visitor to Dubai, you will notice that alcohol is only served in hotels or licensed clubs. The Pyramids at the Wafi are an exception you will find thirteen well-known establishments here, including a couple of the city's favourite restaurants, two great bars and a nightclub. Madinat Jumeirah also has many restaurants, bars and a nightclub that serve alcohol. Non-Muslim residents of Dubai are able to purchase alcohol with a liquor license awarded by the Dubai Police (with a monthly spend limit) from two chains: African & Eastern (A&E) and Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI). The selection available in these stores is limited so if you are visiting friends who live in Dubai, a splurge in Duty Free, especially for fine wines and Champagne, is always gladly received.A note of caution: it is illegal to offer a Muslim alcohol, so if you are entertaining, be sensitive and ensure that you have a variety of soft drinks, fresh juices, teas and coffee to offer.

Dress Code

Dubai is fairly liberal as far as dress is concerned. If you wander around the shopping malls, you'll find a rich variety of people from all over the world, clad in whatever makes them comfortable: from shorts and t-shirts to saris or business wear. For the local ladies it's Abayas and for the men, Kundura.  You are free to wear whatever you like, although take care on the beaches as topless bathing is not permitted and g-strings will invite more attention than you bargained for unless you are on one of the private hotel beaches. 

GETTING AROUND

Metro - A rapidly expanding population, plus increasing numbers of tourists (the target is 15 million annually by 2010) has placed great strain on Dubai’s transport infrastructure. The Dubai Metro system aims to ease this congestion and reduce passenger travelling time. The trains are driverless and include first class, and women and children only sections. Extensive window panels offer great views of the city. Fares are cheap compared to similar systems around the world. The Dubai Metro runs 7 days a week. Operating times are 6 am until 11 pm, Saturday to Thursday, and 2 pm until midnight on Fridays. Trains are frequent, so timetables aren’t needed.

Taxis - Taxis are relatively cheap (base charge Dhs 3.50 and then Dhs 1.60 per km) If the meter is broken, your trip is free. Base charge from the airport is 25AED. Dubai Taxi Corporation provides an around the clock direct booking service for taxis on phone number (+971 4) 2080808. You can expect to be answered promptly and on most occasions the taxi will arrive within "15 minutes", subject to traffic conditions.

Buses - The public bus service of Dubai is run by Dubai Municipality. Dubai Bus service operates in more than sixty-tow routs. Nearly on every working day Dubai bus services accommodates around 240,000 passengers. Dubai bus route covers around 3,885 square kilometers area of the total Emirates. Dubai bus services are of unique kinds and custom-built. The high-tech buses of Dubai are outfitted with Comfortable seats, Air-conditioning, Computerized fare equipment and electronically operated destination display system. Most of the Dubai buses are big and spacious that can accommodate almost 51 seating and 10 standing passengers, but recently lots of mini or midi type small bus services are also operating in Dubai.

Car/limo Service - The five-star hotels all operate a complimentary shuttle service (limousines for business class passengers) from the airport, although this needs to be arranged at the time of reservation.

Car Rental - A valid International Driving Permit, passport and credit card are required for one to hire a car in Dubai. Visitors from many European, North American and many Asian countries can obtain a temporary local driving license if they do not have an international license. A valid national license, passport and two passport-sized photographs are required in order to do this.

Limo Service - Your private airport transfer service for Dubai. Budget proposes and exclusive chauffeur-driven car rental service for those that want the best service available, and is designed for every person that values aspects such as comfort, safety, agility and efficiency when planning trips for business as well as pleasure.

Tours and Trips - Sometimes it is difficult for Dubai tourists to know exactly how to get the best out of their time here. The better-known Dubai attractions are Desert Safari’s, Helicopter tour, Water sports, Shooting Club & Skiing.

Dubai is a hotel haven. With over 23,000 rooms and growing, you'll be spoilt for choice. Visitors at the top end of the market can expect excellent service and facilities.