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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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