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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
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