About U.A.E.

Established in 1971, the Federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprises seven sheikdoms, namely Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. The UAE is situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The UAE’s political and governmental structure is composed within a framework of a federal presidential elected monarchy. The Presidency of the UAE is hereditary to the Al Nahyan clan of Abu Dhabi and the Al Maktoum clan of Dubai. The President of the UAE and the head of state is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE is the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

About Emirate of Dubai

At the edge of the desert, Dubai’s dashing architecture blends with endless summer skies as tradition merges with contemporary. In Dubai you can discover the unexpected.

Few cities have undergone such a rapid transformation over a relatively short period of time and Dubai has become a prime tourist destination offering the visitor a host of attractions from five-star hospitality and stunning city landmarks to outstanding creations of cultural heritage.

On the beautiful sandy beaches you can sunbathe beneath palm trees or swim, snorkel, scuba or dive in the warm azure sea. Indulge in retail therapy from haggling for bargains in the souks or strolling down the shopping malls with their tax-free designer boutiques. Or you can tee off one of the 24 stunning golf courses, sand-board down a dune or even ski on snow. And when the days activities have tired you out, relax in one of Dubai’s exquisite luxury spas.

Dubai’s internationally famous hotels create a spectacular skyline. The emirate is home to a diverse range of excellent hotels and guest accommodation, all offering exceptional quality and gracious hospitality at competitive prices.

Dubai is not all about contemporary buildings and modern architecture. The social fabric of the city combines ethnicity with western flair and eastern colour. As the gateway between the East and West, Dubai is a melting pot of flavours from all corners of the globe. In the space of 24 hours, visitors to Dubai may take in the breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain ranges and majestic sand dunes, dip their toes in the waters of the Gulf or just take in the beat of the city. Dusty villages and ancient houses sit beside luxurious residential districts and ultra-modern shopping malls.

Geography

The modern emirate of Dubai was created with the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Bordering the eastern banks of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is the second largest emirate in the UAE with 60 kilometres of coastline and numerous newly developed Palm and offshore islands, extending the emirate’s shoreline by more than 1,500 kilometres. Situated at the longitude of 55 degrees east and 25 degrees north, the emirate of Dubai covers an area of 3,885 square kilometres.

Country Size

The Federation covers 82,820 square metres (31,976 square miles) and is bordered on the north by the Persian Gulf and Iran, on the east by Oman, and on the south and west by Saudi Arabia.

Flora and Fauna

-Flora

In Dubai’s parks indigenous tree species, such as the date palm and the neem, can be found in abundance. You will also find a large number of imported species such as eucalypts. The sandy dessert surrounding the city supports wild grasses and the occasional date-palm oasis.

Heading east towards the mountains flat topped acacia trees can be admired. The ghaf also grows in this area – the tree, which resembles the weeping willow, survives by tapping into deep water reserves by using its 80 metre length roots.

If you visit the salty scrublands along Dubai’s coast you may spot the desert hyacinth, emerging in all its glory after the rains. This hyacinth is impressive and distinctive with its bright-yellow and deep-red dappled flowers.

-Fauna

Arabian leopards and ibex are the indigenous fauna of Dubai. If you are lucky and passionate enough to go for an extensive desert adventure, you may catch a glance of these rare creatures. The desert is also home to various reptile species, including the desert monitor (which grows up to a metre long), the sand skink, the spiny tailed agama and several species of gecko. There are also two extraordinary species of toad which are capable of hibernating for years burrowed deep in wadis between floods. On the fringes of the city you may also see a desert fox, sand cat, falcon and desert hare. Other animals you are likely to see on your visit are camels, donkeys and goats.

Dubai also hosts a rich array of marine life including tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, jellyfish, dugong, whales, corals and sharks.

Over 320 migratory species pass through Dubai during the spring and autumn, and many settle in the city during the winter. Visitors have the opportunity to go on spectacular, customised bird-watching tours that range from one or two days to a week or more. These cover the full extent of Dubai’s natural bird habitats, including parks, golf courses, desert, mountains and flamingos at the famous Ras Al Khor Wildlife sanctuary, situated at the head of the Creek.

Population

The population of the UAE has grown dramatically over the last two decades and currently stands at more than four million. In addition to UAE nationals, the figures include the many expatriates who live and work in this cosmopolitan country. Dubai’s population hit 1,242,000 in 2006.

Language and Religion

-Language

The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood. Hindu, Urdu, Malayalam, Bengali and Filipino are also widely spoken.

-Religion

Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. However, other religions are also respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary’s (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (Church of England).

Culture and Heritage

Culture and Heritage:

In spite of Dubai’s rapid modernisation and stellar economic growth, the emirate is dedicated to preserving its traditions, culture and values.

The national dress generally worn in Dubai is adapted for the high temperatures and religious beliefs. Men wear an ankle-length, loose-fitting garment known as a kandoura or dishdasha which is usually made of white cotton. A small white crocheted skull-cap, the ghafia or taiga, is covered by the gutra, which is a long white cotton cloth. The gutra is kept in place by the igal, a double black braid worn around the crown of the head. Ladies of the region usually wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress, which is also called a kandoura and is often elaborately embroidered in gold, silver or coloured thread. The thobe is worn over trousers, sirwal and dress and covered entirely by a black abbaya. The hair is covered and the face may also be covered by a gishwa, a thin veil.

The sport of falconry is a traditional pastime still practised in Dubai and is a unique partnership between man and bird. The ancient sport of camel racing also attracts a sizeable following with substantial purses for champions. Traditional water sports are practised off the shores of the city including sea rowing, dhow sailing and the more recent wooden powerboat racing. Throughout history, Arabs have maintained a great love of horses. This tradition lives on in the rapid growth and development of horse racing. Every year in March, thousands of visitors attend the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup.

In a city resplendent with modern amenities, Dubai’s collection of historical sites and cultural attractions takes the visitor on a journey through time. With its narrow lanes and houses with tall chimney-like structures called wind towers, the Bastakiya district of Bur Dubai provides a tantalising glimpse of old Dubai. The district also includes a museum, cultural centre, restaurants and a heritage hotel with an art gallery.

The Dubai Museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort, an imposing building which is also a fascinating military museum. Built around 1787, it once guarded the city’s landward approaches and has served as a palace, garrison and prison. Colourful and evocative dioramas complete with life-size figures, sound and lighting effects vividly depict everyday life in Dubai during the pre-oil days. Galleries recreate several scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date gardens as well as desert and marine life. One of the museum’s most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl diving, accompanied by sets of pearl merchants’ weights, scales and sieves.

Located in the Creek, near the Shindagha tunnel, the Heritage and Diving Village site presents both a comprehensive insight into the emirate’s maritime past and a fine example of Gulf architecture. Local potters and weavers sell their handicrafts in a tented Bedouin village and camel rides are also available. During Eid holidays and the shopping festivals, traditional ceremonies such as sword dancing are performed.

You may also want to visit the Jumeirah Mosque, a prominent landmark of the city. Built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, it is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture and is particularly attractive at night. Visitors wishing to view the mosque may contact the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding on +971 4 353 6666.