Dubai

Overview

Dubai’s population is estimated at 1.5 million, a huge difference from 183,200 in 1975. Dubai is one of the most multicultural cities in the world with the expatriate community covering most of the population, with less than 10% of the total being national Emiratis.

The state of Dubai is commonly referred to as a city because it has been distinguished as the most modern and cosmopolitan environments in the Emirates, especially due to its rapid technological transformation over the past few decades.

Dubai is a landmark for innovation; some might even compare it to the computer game Sin-city where expansion has no limit. The city boasts remarkable skyscrapers, such as the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, (known as the Burj Dubai during construction), and is also in the process of developing one of the most technologically advanced buildings in the world – The Pad. This is based on the idea of an iPod; this residential tower is set to be embedded with the latest gadgets that will have the power to change interior design and window views to almost anything imaginable.

Most recently, on the 4th January 2010, the world's tallest skyscraper has been opened in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, known as the Burj Dubai during construction.

Sheikh Mohammed is the ruler of Dubai. It is said that he is primarily responsible for making Dubai what it is today; a modern high flying city thriving from commercial investments. Sheikh Mohammed’s most significant business proposal was the introduction of Dubai’s world class airline, the Emirates.

Geography

Dubai is situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates and is roughly at sea level (16 m/52 ft above). The emirate of Dubai shares borders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the northeast, and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast. Hatta, a minor exclave of the emirate, is surrounded on three sides by Oman and by the emirates of Ajman (in the west) and Ras Al Khaimah (in the north). The Persian Gulf borders the western coast of the emirate.

Climate

Dubai has a hot arid climate. Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, windy and dry, with an average high around 40 °C (104 °F) and overnight lows around 30 °C (86 °F). Most days are sunny throughout the year. Winters are cool and short with an average high of 23 °C (73 °F) and overnight lows of 14 °C (57 °F). Precipitation, however, has been increasing in the last few decades with accumulated rain reaching 150 mm (5.91 in) per year.

Currency

Arab Emirates Dirhams (AED or Dh)

Local time

Dubai Time is + 4 Hours GMT

Language

The official language is Arabic, Arabic and English are commonly used in business and commerce. Hindi and Urdu are also widely used.

Population

1.5 million (2008)

Flying Time

UK to Dubai - 7 hours

VISA to Dubai

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