DUBAI

The United Arab Emirates consists of 7 emirates that came together on the 2nd December 1971 to form the UAE. The capital city is Abu Dhabi. The 7 emirates are: 1. Abu Dhabi 2. Dubai 3. Sharjah 4. Umm Al Quwain 5. Ajman 6. Fujairah 7. Ras Al Khaimah Dubai started as one of the seven Trucial States, a federation of separate states, all which featured their own rulers or emirs. Becoming a key destination for those on their way to the key Islamic area of Iraq, Dubai evolved into a pearl diving and fishing hub in around the 5th and 6th century. Dubai's location has long been a driving force in its prosperity. Such a location offers many key benefits, something that didnt go unnoticed by the superpower at that time, Great Britain. With other powerful nations such as France and Russia showing interest in Dubai, Britain agreed a deal with Dubai. It would offer Dubai protection and would not interfere with local politics if the Trucial States agreed to ignore the advances of all other nations. It is as far back as 1833 that the current family ruling Dubai took initial control. The Maktoum Family still to this day preside over Dubai in the form of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. And it is from this time on that Dubai really began to take off. Aware of the superior military muscle of surrounding neighbors, an agreement was signed with the British which brought increased stability which in turn increased trade, which was for the most part focused around the Dubai Creek. Here is where the Dubai pearl diving industry was started and it continued to grow at an impressive rate with exports to India, Persia and as far as Europe. This lucrative business lead many traders to relocate to the city, most of them staying, to form a diverse population, something that is very much a part of modern day Dubai. Dubai's increased prosperity at this time was due to many factors, but perhaps the most significant of which was the lack of taxes for a large proportion of its workers, along with the positive business initiatives introduced by then ruler Sheikh Maktoum, that further enhanced trade. However it was the start of the century that saw Dubai's population increase rapidly to 20,000 people, almost twice its previous size. The main catalyst for this was certainly the removal of commercial taxes. However the pearl trade began to slow after the Japanese discovered cultured peals and the general slow down in trade around the globe in the 1930's clearly played a massive role. Although not the scene of any fighting during Word War, the Trucial states were but both by the lack of trade and food shortages. Things were kick started again with the discovery of oil within the region. Dubai was quick to see the potential of this opportunity, with the large equipment needed by oil companies and the large man power required giving rise to the prospect of a large amount potential trade. As a result the creek was expanded, allowing large vessel access, meaning business boomed and as a result so did Dubai's population. Towards the end of the 1970's, almost 250,000 people lived in Dubai. Britain had ended its influence in the area by 1971, and as a result the leaders of the Trucial States came together to form what is known today as the United Arab Emirates. And it was during the 1970's that Dubai began to witness large scale industrial investment to build upon the wealth generated by the oil, and it 1979 the World Trade Centre was opened. This started off the trend of large foreign companies coming to Dubai, something which gathered pase throughout the 1980's. However it was during the late 90's that Dubai began to turns its focus to tourism and the Dubai most people know today began to emerge. Today sees Dubai with a large white collar workforce, and with the internet and media cities specialized service related business clusters, and of course a booming tourism industry. Dubai has continuously built upon its roots as a 6th century trading post and as a result is now enjoying the benefits. Language Whilst the official language in the UAE is Arabic, English is widely spoken in all walks of life. Both languages are used in business and commerce, with English often being the preferred choice due to the large numbers of expatriates working in Dubai. Signs and information are written in both English and Arabic. You can also expect to hear a good deal of Urdu and Farsi as well. Dubai is an Islamic country and as a result Islamic culture plays a large role in the general lifestyle of the UAE, with most of the local population being Sunni Muslims. Nonetheless, the UAE in general is very tolerant of the many beliefs that abound amongst the large expatriate population, whom make up around 80% of the population. And whilst the predominant and official religion of the region is Islam, other religions are free to openly practice their faith, and there are even a number of churches. The UAE has long enjoyed a reputation for its hospitable, kind and friendly attitude that exists in both business and social situations. Foreigners will find they are treated with respect and kindness, and they too are in turn are asked to respond to their hosts kindness by respecting the religious beliefs, local laws and customs of the UAE.

There are records of the town of Dubai from 1799. Earlier in the 18th century the Al Abu Falasa lineage of Bani Yas clan established itself in Dubai which was a dependent of the settlement of Abu Dhabi until 1833. On 8 January 1820, the then sheikh of Dubai was a signatory to the British sponsored "General Treaty of Peace" (the General Maritime Treaty). In 1833, the Al Maktoum dynasty of the Bani Yas tribe left the settlement of Abu Dhabi and took over the town of Dubai, "without resistance". From that point on, Dubai, a newly independent emirate, was constantly at odds with the emirate of Abu Dhabi. An attempt by the Qawasim pirates to take over Dubai was thwarted. In 1835, Dubai and the rest of the Trucial States signed a maritime truce with Britain and a "Perpetual Maritime Truce" about two decades later. Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom (keeping out the Ottoman Turks) by the Exclusive Agreement of 1892. Like four of its neighbours, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route to India made it an important location. In March 1892, the Trucial States (or Trucial Oman) were created. The rulers of Dubai fostered trade and commerce, unlike the town's neighbors. The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen (chiefly Indians), who settled in the town. Until the 1930s, the town was known for its pearl exports. After the devaluation of the Gulf Rupee in 1966, Dubai joined the newly independent state of Qatar to set up a new monetary unit, the Qatar/Dubai riyal. Oil was discovered 120 kilometres off the coast of Dubai, after which the town granted oil concessions. On 2 December 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates after former protector Britain left the Persian Gulf in 1971. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a single, uniform currency: the UAE dirham.

Dubai culture
Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National's lifestyles. However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. Expatriates are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code is liberal. Women don't face discrimination. Courtesy and hospitality are one of the many virtues of Dubai. Rulers are keen to maintain their culture and do so through a number of practices. One is promoting sporting events that are representative of their past. Falconry, camel racing and dhow sailing are still popular in Dubai. The official language of the country is Arabic, however most people in and out of the workplace communicate in English. There are so many different nationalities in Dubai, English finds common ground with most people. The majority of road and shop signs, restaurant menus etc. are in both English and Arabic. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and visitors can dress however they like. Still, a good amount of

respect for local customs is appreciated. In deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea for visitors not to wear very short, tight clothing, at least until such time as they are comfortable with the city. UAE nationals usually wear their traditional dress. For men this is the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red checked headdress known as a gutra. In public women wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal clothes. They also wear a headscarf. Normally tourist photography is acceptable and expected with all the beautiful things to photograph in Dubai. In general, photographs of government buildings, military installations, ports and airports should not be taken. Like anywhere, it is polite to ask permission before photographing people. It is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. Arabic cuisine comprises many types of cooking from countries like Morocco, Egypt, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and more. Throughout the city, vendors sell shawarma, a hot sandwich with lamb or chicken, carved from a rotating spit and served in pita bread with vegetables. A variety of juices from pineapple, banana, mango, or a mixed cocktail can be ordered from fresh juice vendors. Alcohol is served in licensed premises like restaurants and bars. It is also served in a few recreational clubs. Shisha pipes are smoked at most establishments. They are traditional water pipes that use flavored tobaccos like strawberry or apple. Shisha is usually enjoyed while sitting at a caf or restaurant.

United Arab Emirates

Facts & Figures

Map of United Arab Emirates

President: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed alNahyan (2004) Prime Minister: Sheikh Muhammad ibn Rashid al-Maktoum (2006) Total area: 32,278 sq mi (83,600 sq km) Population (2009 est.): 4,798,491 (growth rate: 3.7%); birth rate: 16.0/1000; infant mortality rate: 12.7/1000; life expectancy: 76.1; density per sq mi: 82 Capital (2003 est.): Abu Dhabi, 539,800 Largest city: Dubai, 1,511,700 (metro. area), 906,100 (city proper) Monetary unit: U.A.E. dirham More Facts & Figures

Geography
The United Arab Emirates, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, extends along part of the Gulf of Oman and the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. The nation is the size of Maine. Its neighbors are Saudi Arabia to the west and south, Qatar to the north, and Oman to the east. Most of the land is barren and sandy.

Government
Federation formed in 1971 by seven emirates known as the Trucial StatesAbu Dhabi (the largest), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain. In addition to a federal president and prime minister, each emirate has a separate ruler who oversees the local government.

History

Originally the area was inhabited by a seafaring people who were converted to Islam in the 7th century. Later, a dissident sect, the Carmathians, established a powerful sheikdom, and its army conquered Mecca. After the sheikdom disintegrated, its people became pirates. Threatening the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman early in the 19th century, the pirates provoked the intervention of the British, who in 1820 enforced a partial truce and in 1853 a permanent truce. Thus what had been called the Pirate Coast was renamed the Trucial Coast. The British provided the nine Trucial states with protection but did not formally administer them as a colony.

The British withdrew from the Persian Gulf in 1971, and the Trucial states became a federation called the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Two of the Trucial states, Bahrain and Oman , chose not to join the federation, reducing the number of states to seven. The country signed a military defense agreement with the U.S. in 1994 and one with France in 1995. After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S., the UAE was identified as a major financial center used by al-Qaeda in transferring money to the hijackers (two of the 9/11 hijackers were UAE citizens). The nation immediately cooperated with the U.S., freezing accounts tied to suspected terrorists and strongly clamping down on money laundering. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE and ruler of the federation since 1971, died in Nov. 2004. His son succeeded him. In Jan. 2006, Sheik Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister of the UAE and the emir of Dubai, died. Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad ibn Rashid alMaktoum assumed both roles. In March 2006, the U.S. Congress objected to and thwarted the takeover of six American seaports by Dubai Ports World, owned by the UAE's government, citing national security concerns.

Dubai Culture & Heritage...

United Arab Emirates

Gya
Dawlat al-Imrt al-Arabyah al-Muttaidah

A Brief history of Dubai A trip to Dubai transports you on a journey through time. Archaeological discoveries suggest that, as long as four thousand years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai. It is also believed that the natural sheltered harbour afforded by the Dubai Creek was a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. In recent years, archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of artifacts, including pottery, weapons and coinage, that point to civilised settlements dating back to the third millennium B.C. These historic finds have been carefully preserved and are now permanently housed in the Archaeological Section of Dubai Museum. Modern Dubai, however, traces its origins to the 1830s. At that time, the small fishing village on the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was settled by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today. By the late 1870s, Dubai was often referred to as the principal port on the Gulf coast and, by the turn of the century, was reputed to have had the largest souks in Arabia. Pearling, which was the mainstay of the citys prosperity for many years, succumbed to the development of the cultured pearl in the 1940s. But Dubais enterprising merchants bounced back, developing a thriving trade in gold and other commodities. Much of this history is carefully preserved in myriad forts, mosques, palaces and other historic monuments, which are on the itineraries of many organised tours. Traditional Culture And Lifestyle

Dubais culture is rooted in Islam, providing a strength and inspiration that touches all aspects of everyday life. Virtually every neighborhood has its own mosque, where the faithful congregate for prayer five times every day. One of the largest and most beautiful - Jumeirah Mosque - is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. Built of stone in medieval Fatimid style, the mosque is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into sharp relief. Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Holy Koran, is the Holy Month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to dusk. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people. Clothing and Jewellry The Arab national dress worn in Dubai is well adapted to the high temperatures of the region. The white ankle- length, loose-fitting garment worn by men is known as the kandoura or dishdasha. The head is covered for protection from sand and the midday sun. Women wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress, also called a kandoura, which is embroidered in gold, silver or coloured thread and covered entirely by a black abayah. The hair is covered by a shayla, a thin black veil. Like women everywhere, the women of Dubai too have a fondness for jewellery and have customarily adorned themselves with gold and silver necklaces, forehead decorations, earrings, bracelets, anklets, and rings for fingers, noses and even toes. Henna - a reddish dye obtained from powdered leaves - is widely used to stain the palms and soles of the feet for weddings and other special occasions. Occupations of the past Life in Dubai was harsh in the old days. Nomadic Bedouin with their camel herds roamed the desert. Sheep and goat herders eked out a living on the arid mountainsides. And cultivators carefully tended date palms wherever a trace of water could be found. Along the coast, traditional occupations included dhow building, fishing and pearl diving, the latter a major factor in Dubais rise to prominence as a trading centre. Popular Sports

Among the many traditional pastimes still practised, is the sport of falconry, a unique partnership between man and bird. The ancient sport of camel racing also attracts a sizeable following and substantial purses for the champions. Throughout history, the Arab has maintained a great love of horses. This tradition lives on in the rapid growth and development of horse racing in Dubai, and visitors are welcome to attend race meetings that take place throughout

the cooler months.

Dubai National Day Festival

The National Day of the UAE is celebrated on 2nd December every year. This article will attempt to trace the background and significance of this glorious day in the annals of the history of the emirates. UAE The United Arab Emirates is a federation of 7 emirates, namely, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman. From a desert land of yore, the UAE has emerged as a glittering metropolitan with the spirit of globalization permeating its very veins. Lets taste a slice of history The UAE was formed in the year 1971 under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In the beginning the UAE was a federation of six emirates to which the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah was added a year later. The national assembly has representatives from each one of the emirates while the Ruler of each emirate has to vote in the Supreme Council of Rulers. National Day With its 38th National Day on its way, UAE has already pulled up its socks to celebrate its National Day on 2nd December. The hearts of every emerati are filled with the overwhelming memories of 2nd December 1971 when UAE made a history by acquiring independence from the British Colonial Rule. The Al-Eid Al Watani (in Arabic) is celebrated with great zeal all over UAE with splendid aura of triumph. UAE has trampled long strides since its birth 38 years ago. With the proud maturity in its infrastructures, trade, economy or tourism, UAE has been an object of wonder. Since the day it

attained independence in the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE has never looked behind in any of its developing areas. The country proudly rests in the list of most relished tourist places of the world. The day is a national holiday but the major monuments are open to the public. UAE National Day 2009 took pleasure in comprising 61 events in all by the ministry of culture in union with other state bodies under the chairmanship of Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, minister of culture, youth and community development. According to him the logo will act as an official element for all the communication across the seven emirates which is a pleasant brush stroke this year. With its concrete social, cultural and religious values in addition to the vision and wisdom of its leaders, the country promises to exercise harmonious environment in this cosmopolitan society in future as well.