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Some call Dubai the Hong Kong of the Middle East. It's a city of juxtapositions, where East meets West. His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, leads the emirate with energy and freedom. Not only is it a 21st century financial centre but also a popular holiday destination. Socially and culturally, life is liberal – alcohol is allowed, Western women can pretty much dress as they please and business is booming as companies can now open according to international law. Dubai one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf, or * that emirate‘s main city, sometimes called "Dubai City" to distinguish it from the emirate. Dubai is the most populous and second largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi. 

The earliest recorded mention of Dubai is in 1095 AD, in the Arabic book "Mojam Ma Ostojam men Asmae Al belaad wal Mawadhea" by Abdullah Bin Abdu Aziz Al Bakri Al Andalasi. He refers to ‘Dubai‘ as a vast place. Later, in 1587 AD, the Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi mentions the name of Dubai as one of the places where Venetians worked, diving for pearls. In 1833, the Al Maktoum dynasty of the Bani Yas tribe left the settlement of Abu Dhabi and took over the town of Dubai, "without resistance". From that point on, Dubai, a newly independent emirate was constantly at odds with the emirate of Abu Dhabi. An attempt by the Qawasim to take over Dubai was thwarted. In 1835, Dubai and the rest of the Trucial States signed a maritime truce with Britain and a "Perpetual Maritime Truce" about two decades later. Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom (keeping out the Ottoman Turks) by the Exclusive Agreement of 1892. Like four of its neighbors, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route to India made it an important location. 

The rulers of Dubai fostered trade and commerce, unlike the town‘s neighbors. The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen (chiefly Indians), who settled in the town. Until the 1930s, the town was known for its pearl exports. After the devaluation of the Gulf Rupee in 1966, Dubai joined the newly independent state of Qatar to set up a new monetary unit, the Qatar/Dubai riyal. Oil was discovered 120 kilometers off the coast of Dubai, after which the town granted oil concessions. On 2 December 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates after former protector Britain left the Persian Gulf in 1971. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a single, uniform currency: the UAE dirham. The current ruler of Dubai is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Like the preceding ruler, his older brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he is also the Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE. Dubai is unusual in that its population comprises mainly expatriates, with UAE nationals (Emiratis) constituting the minority. The majority of these expatriates come from South Asia and South East Asia.

There is an increasing number of "freehold" villas and apartments on artificial islands such as the Palm Islands and in many other parts of Dubai (such as The Greens, Dubai Marina,

and International City). Ownership is either permanent or on a 99-year lease, depending on the area. Oil reserves in Dubai are less than one-twentieth those of Abu Dhabi, and oil income represents a small proportion of the emirate‘s income. Dubai and its twin across the Dubai creek, Deira (independent at that time), became important ports of call for Western manufacturers. Most of the new city‘s banking and financial centres were headquartered in the port area.

Dubai maintained its importance as a trade route through the 1970s and 1980s. The city of Dubai has a free trade in gold and until the 1990s was the hub of a "brisk smuggling trade" of gold ingots to India, where gold import was restricted. Today, Dubai is an important tourist destination and port (Jebel Ali, constructed in the 1970s, has the largest man-made harbour in the world), but also increasingly developing as a hub for service industries such as IT and finance, with the new Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Transport links are bolstered by its rapidly - expanding Emirates Airline, founded by the government in 1985 and still state-owned; based at Dubai International Airport, it carried over 24 million passengers in fiscal year 2005. The government has set up industry-specific free zones throughout the city.

Dubai Internet City, now combined with Dubai Media City as part of TECOM (Dubai Technology, Electronic Commerce and Media Free Zone Authority) is one such enclave whose members include IT firms such as EMC Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Microsoft, and IBM, and media organisations such as MBC, CNN, Reuters, ARY and AP. Dubai Knowledge Village (KV),an education and training hub, is also set up to complement the Free Zone‘s other two clusters, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, by providing the facilities to train the clusters‘ future knowledge workers. Internet access is restricted in most areas of Dubai with a proxy server filtering out sites deemed to be against cultural and religious values of the UAE. Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenues from oil account for only 6% of its gross domestic product.

A majority of the emirate‘s revenues are from the Jebel Ali Free Zone and increasingly, from tourism. With enormous construction and development in various industries, Dubai has attracted world-wide attention through innovative real estate projects, sports events, conferences and Guinness records. However, this increased attention, coinciding with its emergence as a world business hub, has also highlighted potential human rights issues concerning its largely immigrant workforce.

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.