| |
Home | Dubai References | Contact |
Links To Photo Galleries
Updated: February 2009. Click on an image to see the FULL size with a caption.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed in the early 1970s when six sheikdoms in the region, including Dubai, joined forces, with a seventh joining shortly afterwards. Originally, nine sheikdoms attempted a union, but Bahrain and Qatar left the union and went on to become independent states. There are no political parties and leaders are not selected democratically. In late 2004, the UAE’s first and only president, Sheikh Zayed bins Sultan Al Nahyan, died. His eldest son Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan immediately succeeded him. The term ‘emirate’ is derived from the term ‘emir’, which means ruler, but a ruler in the UAE is generally known as a sheikh, pronounced ‘shake’. Abu Dhabi is the largest and wealthiest emirate and has the biggest population. It is the dominant member of the federation.
Dubai is the second-largest emirate by population and wealth. Dubai is perhaps the most westernized emirate in the UAE, itself one of the most liberal countries in the Persian Gulf. Although oil was only discovered in 1966, now less than 10% of Dubai’s income comes from oil. Currently Dubai welcomes well over 5 million tourists per year. About only a quarter of Dubai’s population of around one and a half million are Emirates. More than half the country’s working population is composed of foreign workers, mainly from India, who work menial jobs for low wages.
Dubai is a flashy, fun, often surreal, yet uniquely Arabian experience. With year-round sunshine, stunning five-star beach hotels, dazzling shopping, extensive nightlife, and world-class events and sporting facilities, coupled with Bedouin hospitality and history, Dubai’s cosmopolitan, yet easy-going, charm makes it the best introduction to the Middle East. The sound of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer confirms that Islam is still at the core of Dubai’s values and every neighbourhood has its mosque. Dhows that still trickle into Dubai’s Creek have been joined by flights from all over the world landing at Dubai’s award-wining airport. Shoppers can still walk the souqs or visit Dubai’s busy shopping centres. Dubai doesn’t dwell much on the past – it’s too busy working towards its future. – Lonely Planet.
Emerging from the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf some four kilometres off a coastline packed with expensive beach resorts is an archipelago of 300 man-made islands called The World, shaped like, eh, the world. Just north of The World, another man-made island chain is emerging from the sea called The Palm, shaped like, eh, a gigantic palm tree. Engraved on the gigantic breakwater constructed to protect the villas and luxury hotels are the Arabic words “It takes a man of vision to write on water.” Sheik Mohammed bin Rashad al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, is the poet who wrote the phrase. The words may sound arrogant, but it’s difficult to challenge their truthfulness. Dubai is Sheik Mohammed’s vision, and The Palm and The World are his ideas, as well as the Burj-al-Arab, the iconic sail-shaped seven-star hotel that dominates the stretch of beach between the artificial island chains. The Burj Dubai (Dubai Tower) is the tallest building in the world.