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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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