Discover Dubai
About UAE
Established in 1971, the Federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprises seven sheikdoms, namely Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. The UAE is situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The President of the UAE and the head of state is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE is the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
About Emirate of Dubai
At the edge of the desert, Dubai’s dashing architecture blends with endless summer skies as tradition merges with contemporary. In Dubai you can discover the unexpected.
Few cities have undergone such a rapid transformation over a relatively short period of time and Dubai has become a prime tourist destination offering the visitor a host of attractions. But, Dubai is not all about contemporary buildings and modern architecture. On the beautiful sandy beaches you can sunbathe beneath palm trees or swim in the warm azure sea. Indulge in retail therapy from haggling for bargains in the souks or strolling down the shopping malls with their tax-free designer boutiques.
The social fabric of the city combines ethnicity with western flair and eastern colour. As the gateway between the East and West, Dubai is a melting pot of flavours from all corners of the globe.
Population
The population of the UAE has grown dramatically over the last two decades and currently stands at more than four million. In addition to UAE nationals, the figures include the many expatriates who live and work in this cosmopolitan country. Dubai’s population hit 1,242,000 in 2006.
Geography
The modern emirate of Dubai was created with the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Bordering the eastern banks of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is the second largest emirate in the UAE with 60 kilometres of coastline and numerous newly developed Palm and offshore islands, extending the emirate’s shoreline by more than 1,500 kilometres. Situated at the longitude of 55 degrees east and 25 degrees north, the emirate of Dubai covers an area of 3,885 square kilometres.
Language and Religion
Language: The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood. Hindu, Urdu, Malayalam, Bengali and Filipino are also widely spoken.
Religion: Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. However, other religions are also respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary’s (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (Church of England).
Flora and Fauna
Flora: In Dubai’s parks indigenous tree species, such as the date palm and the neem, can be found in abundance. You will also find a large number of imported species such as eucalypts. The sandy dessert surrounding the city supports wild grasses and the occasional date-palm oasis.
If you visit the salty scrublands along Dubai’s coast you may spot the desert hyacinth, emerging in all its glory after the rains. This hyacinth is impressive and distinctive with its bright-yellow and deep-red dappled flowers.
Fauna: Arabian leopards and ibex are the indigenous fauna of Dubai. If you are lucky and passionate enough to go for an extensive desert adventure, you may catch a glance of these rare creatures. The desert is also home to various reptile species, including the desert monitor the sand skink, the spiny tailed agama and several species of gecko. On the fringes of the city you may also see a desert fox, sand cat, falcon and desert hare. Other animals you are likely to see on your visit are camels, donkeys and goats. Dubai also hosts a rich array of marine life including tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, jellyfish, dugong, whales, corals and sharks.
Culture and Heritage
In spite of Dubai’s rapid modernisation and stellar economic growth, the emirate is dedicated to preserving its traditions, culture and values.
The national dress generally worn in Dubai is adapted for the high temperatures and religious beliefs. Men wear an ankle-length, loose-fitting garment known as a kandoura or dishdasha which is usually made of white cotton. A small white crocheted skull-cap, the ghafia or taiga, is covered by the gutra, which is a long white cotton cloth. The gutra is kept in place by the igal, a double black braid worn around the crown of the head. Ladies of the region usually wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress, which is also called a kandoura and is often elaborately embroidered in gold, silver or coloured thread. The thobe is worn over trousers, sirwal and dress and covered entirely by a black abbaya. The hair is covered and the face may also be covered by a gishwa, a thin veil.
The sport of falconry is a traditional pastime still practised in Dubai and is a unique partnership between man and bird. The ancient sport of camel racing also attracts a sizeable following with substantial purses for champions. Traditional water sports are practised off the shores of the city including sea rowing, dhow sailing and the more recent wooden powerboat racing. Throughout history, Arabs have maintained a great love of horses. This tradition lives on in the rapid growth and development of horse racing. Every year in March, thousands of visitors attend the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup.
In a city resplendent with modern amenities, Dubai’s collection of historical sites and cultural attractions takes the visitor on a journey through time. With its narrow lanes and houses with tall chimney-like structures called wind towers, the Bastakiya district of Bur Dubai provides a tantalising glimpse of old Dubai. The district also includes a museum, cultural centre, restaurants and a heritage hotel with an art gallery.
