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Dubai

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.

Fact File
Area: 3885 sq km
Population: 997,000 (in 2003)
Country: United Arab Emirates
Language: Arabic, English & others
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +4 (Standard Time)


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 café or restaurant.

Major attractions :
Dubai Creek: The most beautiful and picturesque location in Dubai, Dubai Creek is a natural seawater inlet cutting in the heart of the city. The enchanting view of a large number of colorful and traditional Arab dhows, abras (motorized boat taxis) and sleek yachts with water birds splashing all over never fails to mesmerize its spectators. Walking along the Creek or enjoying an abra ride on the Creek is the best way to explore the beauty and charm of Dubai. The spectacular view of Dubai's skyline would surely make a spell bound effect on you.

Al Fahidi Fort - Dubai Museum: Located in the heart of the Dubai city, Al Fahidi Fort is one of the most important historical monuments in Dubai. Built in the year 1799, this magnificent Fort is believed to be the oldest architectural masterpiece in Dubai. The Fort was converted into a renowned museum famously known as 'Dubai Museum' in the year1970. The Museum is one of the greatest attractions for tourists visiting Dubai. It displays a rich collection of objects showcasing the cultural richness of the region in the past. You can witness almost everything of fascinating Arab ranging from Arabian sailing boats to old weapons and pearl-diving outfits to an impressive range of military artifacts. The museum houses colourful life size dioramas, sets of pearl, merchants' weights and scales and many more, provide a deep insight into the old Arabian lifestyle. The most impressing and amazing exhibit at the Museum is a 3,000- 4,000 years old complete grave from the Al-Qusais archaeological site.

Grand Mosque Dubai:The Grand Mosque Dubai is counted among one of the largest mosques (with a capacity to accommodate up to 1200 worshippers) in United Arab Emirates. Originally constructed in traditional Islamic architectural style and opened in 1900 A.D as a kuttab (Quranic school) where children learnt to recite the Quran from memory, the Grand Mosque of Dubai was rebuilt (maintaining the style of the original Grand Mosque) in 1998 and now boasts a 70 meters (231ft) high minaret- the tallest minaret in Dubai. Situated on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, near the Ruler's Court, the Grand Mosque consists of 45 small domes in addition to 9 large ones boasting stained glass panels, sand-colored walls and wooden shutters, making it a distinguished landmark and important place of worship.