DUBAI

Dubai is one of the seven emirates and the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. The city of Dubai is sometimes called "Dubai city" to distinguish it from the emirate. Written accounts document the continued existence of the city for 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 major population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates to possess veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country's legislature. Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum dynasty since 1833. Dubai's current ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is also the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE. The emirate's revenues are from trade, real estate and financial services. Revenues from petroleum and natural gas contribute less than 6% (2006) of Dubai's US$ 37 billion economy (2005). Real estate and construction, on the other hand, contributed 22.6% to the economy in 2005, before the current large-scale construction boom. Dubai has attracted worldwide attention through innovative real estate projects and sports events. This increased attention, coinciding with its emergence as a world business hub, has also highlighted human rights issues concerning its largely foreign workforce.

Very little is known about pre-Islamic culture in the south-east Arabian peninsula, except that many ancient towns in the area were trading centers between the Eastern and Western worlds. The loose ends of an ancient mangrove swamp, dated at 7,000 years, were discovered during the construction of sewer lines near Dubai Internet City. The area had been covered with sand about 5,000 years ago as the coastline retreated inland, becoming a part of the city's present coastline. Prior to Islam, the people in this region worshiped Bajir. The Byzantine and Sassanian empires constituted the great powers of the period, with the Sassanians controlling much of the region. After the spread of Islam in the region, the Umayyad Caliph, of the eastern Islamic world, invaded south-east Arabia and drove out the Sassanians. Excavations undertaken by the Dubai Museum in the region of Jumeirah indicate the existence of several artifacts from the Umayyad period. The earliest recorded mention of Dubai is in 1095, in the "Book of Geography" by the Andalusian-Arab geographer Abu Abdullah al-Bakri. The Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi visited the area in 1580 and mentioned Dubai for its pearling industry. Documented records of the of Dubai exist only after 1799. In the early 19th century, the Al Abu Falasa clan of Bani Yas clan established Dubai, which remained a needy of Abu Dhabi until 1833. On 8 January 1820, the sheikh of Dubai and other sheikhs in the region signed the "General Maritime Peace Treaty" with the British government. However, in 1833, the Al Maktoum dynasty of the Bani Yas tribe left the settlement of Abu Dhabi and took over Dubai from the Abu Fasala clan without resistance. Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom by the "Exclusive Agreement" of 1892, with the final agreeing to protect Dubai against any attacks from the Ottoman Empire. Two catastrophes struck the town during the mid 1800s. First, in 1841, a smallpox epidemic broke out in the Bur Dubai locality, forcing residents to relocate east to Deira. Then, in 1894, fire swept through Deira, flaming down most homes. However, the town's geographical location continued to attract traders and merchants from around the region. The emir of Dubai was keen to attract foreign traders and lowered trade tax brackets, which lured traders away from Sharjah and Bandar Lengeh, which were the region's main trade hubs at the time.

Dubai's geographical propinquity to India made it an important location. The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen, chiefly those from India, many of whom eventually settled in the town. Dubai was known for its pearl exports until the 1930s. However, Dubai's pearling industry was damaged irreparably by the events of World War I, and later on by the Great Depression in the late 1920s. Consequently, the city witnessed a mass migration of people to other parts of the Persian Gulf. Since its inception, Dubai was constantly at odds with Abu Dhabi. In 1947, a border dispute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on the northern sector of their mutual border, escalated into war between the two states. Arbitration by the British and the creation of a buffer frontier running south eastwards from the coast at Ras Hasian resulted in a temporary cessation of hostilities. However, border disputes stuck between the emirates continued even after the formation of the UAE; it was only in 1979 that a formal compromise was reached that ended hostilities and border disputes between the two states. Electricity, telephone services and an airport were conventional in Dubai in the 1950s, when the British moved their local administrative offices from Sharjah to Dubai. In 1966 the town joined the newly independent country of Qatar to set up a new monetary unit, the Qatar/Dubai Riyal, after the devaluation of the Gulf rupee.

Oil was discovered in Dubai the same year, after which the town granted concessions to international oil companies. The discovery of oil led to a massive influx of foreign workers, mainly Indians and Pakistanis. As a result, the inhabitants of the city from 1968 to 1975 grew by over 300%, by some estimates. On 2 December 1971 Dubai, together with Abu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates after former protector Britain left the Persian Gulf in 1971. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a uniform currency: the UAE dirham. In the 1970s, Dubai continued to grow from revenues generated from oil and trade, even as the city saw an influx of Lebanese immigrants fleeing the civil war in Lebanon. The Jebel Ali Free Zone, comprising the Jebel Ali port (reputedly the world's largest man made port) was established in 1979, which provided foreign companies unrestricted import of labour and export capital.

The Persian Gulf War of 1990 had a huge impact on the city. Economically, Dubai banks experienced a massive withdrawal of funds due to uncertain political conditions in the region. During the course of the 1990s, however, many foreign trading communities — first from Kuwait, during the Persian Gulf War, and later from Bahrain, during the Shia unrest, moved their businesses to Dubai. Dubai provided refueling bases to allied forces at the Jebel Ali free zone during the Persian Gulf war, and again, during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. Large increases in oil prices after the Persian Gulf war encouraged Dubai to continue to focus on free trade and tourism. The success of the Jebel Ali free zone allowed the city to replicate its model to develop clusters of new free zones, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Maritime City. The construction of Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest freestanding hotel, as well as the creation of new residential developments, were used to market Dubai for purposes of tourism. Since 2002, the city has seen an increase in private real estate investment in recreating Dubai's skyline. with such projects as The Palm Islands, The World Islands and Burj Dubai. However, robust economic growth in recent years has been accompanied by rising inflation rates (at 11.2% as of 2007 when measured against Consumer Price Index) which is attributed in part due to the near doubling of commercial and residential rental costs, resulting in a substantial increase in the cost of living for residents.

The Burj Al Arab

This s perhaps one of the most iconic hotels in the world, designed in a billowing sail-shaped structure that dominates the skyline in the beautiful city of Dubai. The Burj Al Arab symbolises the hospitality and riches of the Arab nations, and provides one of the most glamorous and opulent hotel experiences in the world. All suites and rooms are of the highest quality, with the latest in sophisticated technology at your disposal such as satellite TV, personal laptop computers, fax machines and printers. You can choose from magnificent views over the Arabic sea or the wonderful city of Dubai itself, and also there are 6 restaurants that all provide fine dining, and pools, Jacuzzis, spa treatments and fitness studios so that you can workout and relax in comfort.

Shopping

Dubai is labeled the "shopping capital of the Middle East". With so many shopping malls and souks, there's no better place to find products at matchless prices. It is truly a duty free shopper's delight that gives you more for your money. Dubai's numerous shopping malls cater to every consumer need. Cars, haute couture clothing, jewelery, electronics, furnishing, sporting equipment, and any other goods will likely all be under the same roof. Shopping centers and malls are scattered around Dubai so you're never far away from a shopping experience. Some of the luxury malls include the Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre. Always remember to barter with the salesman - they expect you to. Also, if you are traveling to Dubai in January, be sure to stop by one of the most famous Dubai shopping festivals of the year.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Dubai's geography and atmosphere are ideal for ballooning - they provide a unique situation where passengers can experience the desert as only a few have seen it - from a gently floating hot air balloon. Feel the cool dawn air as you float only a few meters above the red dunes, and then be fascinated as the interesting landscape unfolds below you. View the giant dunes, the moon-like landscape of the rugged Hajj Mountains to the east, and the "21st century" skyline of Dubai to the west as you raise high into the enormous blue of the desert sky. Whether you are on holiday in Dubai or a local, the views on offer from our hot air balloon rides will take you to new levels of appreciation and awe of the desert and its unique landscape. Balloon Adventures/Rides Dubai provides courtesy transfers from any major hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Seeing Dubai at street level is impressive. However, seeing it from hundreds of feet in the air is totally breathtaking! Enjoy a hot air balloon ride and see how this tropical landscape quickly disintegrates into the neighboring desert. In Dubai the weather is usually perfect to see and take photographs from these magnificent machines. You must be equipped for an early morning start. The balloon companies will collect you from your room and drive you to the launch site in an air conditioned vehicle. After your breakfast your balloon flight will commence and will last around 1 hour. You will receive a tailored certificate signed by the pilot. There is a minimum age requirement of 5 years. Please remember to dress consequently. The balloon trips do not operate between June and October due to the very hot weather. Various companies offer this amazing experience. You will be able to marvel at the shifting colors of the desert landscape and view Dubai rising from the desert in the distance. The trips are all appropriate for individuals as well as groups. We highly recommend this trip if you have the time in Dubai.

Golf

You would never expect grass this lush and green to grow in the desert! Tee off on a world-class golf course, or try your hand at the crazy game of sand golf. t may sound odd, but golf and Dubai have become identical of late. Typical of the city’s intent to become a capital for the entire world’s most popular recreation, clubs and courses in Dubai are first-class. It really is quite an experience to tee it up in this desert oasis. Night golf has become huge here, with floodlights all along the fairways and greens. The city hosts the best golfers in the world, Tiger Woods chief among them, every February at the Dubai Desert Classic. It came as no shock when Woods made the announcement that his foundational course design would debut in Dubai, with a private residential community built around it.

Wild Wadi Park

Dubai's very own Water Park and it's done in traditional Dubai style - extravagant! This wet and wild thrill park features many water rides and water surfing. The kids will never want to leave! It's wet! It's wild! It's Wild Wadi - the wildest water park ever! It’s 12 acres of pure fun with 30 adrenalin-pumping rides and attractions that leave you gasping for more. Located between Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, it's just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Get there and go wild!

This is probably the biggest and best water park outside of Europe or America. Here the water flows uphill taking you with it. This is absolutely crazy. They use little jets that blast the water in the rides uphill and you float in a ring with it. When you reach the top it goes down like most rides you know. To chill out there are two big rivers where you peacefully float in a circle through tunnels and gardens. Go body boarding or stand under a thick curtain of water. The main beach has a wave machine. You may wear tight fitting clothes, which have no metal bits or jewelry on them. Long T-shirts and leggings are fine. Baggy clothes and loose fitting clothes, like the Arabian traditional clothes, are not allowed as they might come off on the rides, get damaged or cause danger. They make these allowances to allow for religiously modest people and those who wish to protect their skin from sunburn.

Camel Racing

The most traditional and widely practiced sport in Dubai, camel racing is an integral part of the culture of Dubai. A big allure for tourists from world over, camel racing in Dubai has witnessed numerous positive changes in terms of communications and participation. Considered to be the lifeline of desert, camels encompass had an indispensable role to play in the history of Dubai. Camel races take place here all through the year during different occasions. Camel racing in Dubai has now become a popular pastime. It has acquire a more professional form, and involves focused services like breeding and training programs, etc. all over the winters, camel racing is held in Dubai on Thursdays to Saturdays. The city has numerous high-class racing tracks built specially for this function. Race distance are somewhere among five and ten kilometers. Some camel races in Dubai witness participation of more than 70 camels at a time. Entry is usually free at the racetracks of Dubai. However, there are certain conventions that have to be observed by visitors - for example, the non-allowance of cameras at racetracks. The popular camel races in Dubai are broadcast on radio, and duly find mention in print media. A sports involving the who's who of society, camel races are open to all and sundry. Often, victorious camels are bought by wealthy sheikhs. Many of the affluent ministers and sheikhs in Dubai own 10,000 camels or more. Camel racing is nothing less than a exhibition for tourists on tours of Dubai, especially people coming in from countries where camels are infrequent sights.