Discover Dubai
General Information About Dubai
Dubai is one the seven sisters of the United Arab Emirates (and the second largest), the Sheikdom of Dubai combines the resort ambience of world-class beaches with modern, big-city bustle and technologically innovative architecture. The friendly desert paradise, located on the Gulf of Oman, has fast become a tourism favourite.
Traditionally called the "City of Merchants", Dubai has welcomed travellers into its heart for centuries. Today, the standards in hospitality live on, with a wide selection of luxurious, modern hotels offering superb accommodation, sporting facilities, international-standard dining and entertainment.
Year-round sunshine and deserted beaches, combined with state-of-the-art facilities, make this a world-class destination. There is a wide selection of top-quality luxury hotels, featuring superb health clubs, an extensive restaurant range and sporting facilities.
Dubai History
Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken over in about 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.
Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating dates, fishing and pearling, but the inhabitants built up trade too. By the turn of the century, Dubai was reputed to have the largest souks on the Gulf coast, with 350 shops in the Deira district alone.
Commercial success allied to the liberal attitudes of Dubai's rulers, made the emirate attractive to traders from India and Iran, who began to settle in the growing town. But, while trade developed, Dubai remained politically a protectorate of Britain as part of the Trucial States extending along the northern coast of the Arabian peninsula.
On the British withdrawal in 1971, Dubai came together with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates.
This was shortly after the discovery of oil in 1966, which was soon to transform the emirate and its way of life. Dubai's first oil exports in 1969 were followed by a period of rapid development that laid the foundations for today's modern society. Much of the credit for this development can be traced to the vision of the late Ruler, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ensured that Dubai's oil revenues, despite being relatively modest by the standards of the region, were deployed to maximum effect.
His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his brothers, Their Highnesses Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence. The result is that Dubai is constantly building up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society.
Dubai Climate
The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some 13 centimetres a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius to a high of 48 degrees Celsius. The mean daily maximum is 24 degrees in January rising to 41 degrees in July.
Languages
The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and ranks alongside Arabic as the language of commerce.
International Relations
The UAE became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. It is a member of the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), World Trade Organisation and other international and Arab organisations, including the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC), whose other members are Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. In its foreign relations, the UAE's stance is one of non-alignment but it is committed to the support of Arab unity.
Geography
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprises seven members: Abu Dhabi (the capital city), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
The total area of the country is about 83,600 square kilometres, much of it in Abu Dhabi emirate. Dubai, with an area of 3,885 square kilometres, is the second largest emirate. Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf, which divides the city into the Deira district to its north, and Bur Dubai on its south, the city ranks as the UAE's most important port and commercial centre.
The UAE has 700 kilometres of coastline, of which 100 kilometres are on the Gulf of Oman. Along the Arabian Gulf coast, there are offshore islands, coral reefs and sabkha, or salt marshes. Stretches of gravel plain and sandy desert characterise the inland region.
To the east, a range of mountains lies close to the Gulf of Oman and forms a backbone through the Mussandam Peninsula. The western interior of the country, most of it in Abu Dhabi, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oases.
Dubai Population
According to the Ministry of Planning, the population of the U.A.E. expanded from 2,411,041 (census results) in 1995 to 3,488,000 (estimated) in 2001. Dubai's population is approximately 1,029,000 in 2001.
Dubai Government
The Supreme Council of the UAE, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, is the highest federal authority. It is responsible for general policy matters involving communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and development, and for ratifying federal laws. The President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.
The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto.
While Abu Dhabi is the centre of federal government activities, most ministerial departments also maintain offices in Dubai.
Dubai Economic Policy
In matters unrelated to diplomacy and defence, each emirate enjoys considerable autonomy in managing its own affairs. In business, the government of Dubai is committed to liberal, free market policies and to the creation of a business environment conducive to commercial activity. This approach is well illustrated by the incentives available to investors in the Jebel Ali and Airport Free Zones and by the continuing high level of public sector investment in the infrastructure.
Related Articles & Resources:
Discover Dubai: General Information About Dubai
Dubai traditionally called the "City of Merchants", Dubai has welcomed travelers into its heart for centuries. Today, the standards in hospitality live on, with a wide selection of luxurious, modern hotels offering superb accommodation, sporting facilities, international-standard dining and entertainment.
Dubai City Guide
Comprehensive information on Dubai City, UAE. Dubai travel information, Dubai tourism, Dubai hotel information, outdoors adventures and entertainment, and latest information on accommodation, food, sightseeing, shopping, Dubai events.
About Dubai
As a leading regional commercial hub with a state-of-the-art infrastructure and a world-class business environment, Dubai provides investors with a unique and comprehensive value-added platform that make Dubai the logical place to do business.
Shopping in Dubai
One of Dubai’s greatest visitor attractions is its superb shopping facilities. The city draws large numbers of ‘ shopping tourists’ from countries within the region and from as far as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.
Dubai Dining & Entertainment
Dubai’s cosmopolitan flavour is matched by the city’s many restaurants and entertainment venues, which provide a truly international array of choices for the visitor.
Dubai Tourist Tips
Information regarding Dubai climate, clothing, car hire, currency, business hours, local time, banks ...
Visa Regulations for Visitors to Dubai
Find out about the different types of visas available for visitors to Dubai.
Dubai Attraction & Sights
Dubai embraces a wide variety of scenery in a very small area. In a single day, the tourist can experience everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts and from ancient houses with windtowers to ultra-modern shopping malls.
Why Choose Dubai As An Investment Location?
The Dubai economy enjoys a competitive combination of cost, market and environmental advantages that create an ideal and attractive investment climate for local and expatriate businesses alike. In fact, these advantages not only rank Dubai as the Arabian Gulf’s leading multi-purpose business center and regional hub city, but they place it at the forefront of the globe’s, dynamic and emerging market economies.
Why do business in Dubai?
Why do business in Dubai? Find out the reason why make Dubai your Base for investment and business expansion estimation.
Selection & Approval of Trade Names
Conditions for Selecting & Approval of Trade Names.
Terms & Conditions for Conducting Business in Dubai
Licensing Requirements: Terms & Conditions for conducting Business in the Emirate of Dubai.
Dubai Legal Forms of Business Structures
Dubai Legal Forms of Business Structures.
Steps Required to Set Up a Business in Dubai
Registering Businesses in Dubai. Steps Required to Set Up a Business Prior to operating any business in Dubai, the steps outlined below must be undertaken in order to meet the legal requirements of all concerned government authorities and to guarantee maximum commercial benefit for the business owner.
Selected Dubai Business Rules & Regulations
few selected Dubai Business Rules and Regulations
Dubai your Base for Business Expansion
Long recognised as the leading regional trading hub in the Middle East, Dubai has transformed itself in recent years into a truly international business centre of global significance.
Employment Regulations & Labour Law
Administered by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Labour Law in the UAE is loosely based on the International Labour Organisation's model. Learn more about UAE Employment Regulations & Labour Law.
Dubai Free Zones
Information about Setting Up and formation of a Free Zone Establishment in Dubai. Also find information about the different Free Zone establishments in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Trading with Dubai
Learn how international manufacturers and exporters can trade with Dubai.
Setting Up a Business in Dubai
In the UAE, economic activity is regulated by individual emirates as well as the Federal Government. In Dubai, the authorities have deliberately sought to create an environment which is well ordered without being unduly restrictive. As a result, Dubai offers businessmen operating conditions that are among the most liberal and attractive in the region.
Dubai Means Business
Dubai presents international business with a wide range of opportunities for different activities and operations.
Doing Business in the UAE
The UAE business environment can be very lucrative and even predictable if care is taken to understand the influences working on an individual market at any one time. Keeping an ear to the ground and maintaining a steady physical presence is invaluable.
Add us to Favorites 
Refer a Friend
