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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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