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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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