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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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