|
||
If you're seriously interested in knowing about Dubai, you need to think beyond the basics.This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Dubai.
The rich culture of the desert city of Dubai draws on its ancient Arabian heritage,vast modern technology and cosmopolitan luxuries. For centuries a land devoted mainly toherding and trade, Dubaiwas rocketed into modern times by the discovery of oil just off of its coast in1966. Enormous riches funded by oilproduction have produced a native population which, in the main, is welleducated, healthy, highly paid and liberal minded. Tourism is actively courtedin Dubai, particularly in the impressive Palm Islandsdevelopment.
Touted as the eighth world wonder, Palm Island is a an incredible tribute toengineering, design, and absolute opulence. PalmIsland ? Deira is the largest of thethree Palm Islands. A unique man-made phenomenon, the Palm Islandscan be seen from space by the naked eye. A trunk, a 41- frond crown, and a water- breaking crescent island form Palm Island? Deira. Nearly eight thousand villasand apartment homes, private and public beaches, shopping, recreation andsports facilities are included in the plans for this incredible development.Fantastic resorts and attractions are also available for those looking for the ultimate upscale vacationexperience.
Sport is a huge part of the culture of Dubai, and is reflected in the manyentertainment options open to visitors of the city. Polo fields and golfcourses abound. The richest horse racing event in the world, The Dubai WorldCup, is run on a Dubaitrack and attracts visitors from around the world. Water sports from the most adventurous to themost tranquil are available in the warm waters off of Dubai's white sand beaches. Viewing some of the region's more traditionalsporting events such as camel racing, dhow sailing and falconry should also notbe missed.
Sophistication is one of the hallmarks of the Dubai ? and larger United Arab Emerates ?culture. World- class cosmopolitan restaurants sit next to local establishmentsserving the best in local cuisine and fresh juices. Indian, Lebanese, and Thai flavors are oftenfeatured in the most popular restaurants. Many of Dubai's best restaurants are inside of, orwithin easy walking distance of, the city's hotels, which are allowed to servealcohol despite the city's Islamic roots. Prices range from very affordable toastronomically high, depending on one's tastes, and menus and service are mostoften available in English as well as the native Arabic.
So far, we've uncovered some interesting facts about Dubai. You may decidethat the following information is even more interesting.
Shopping in Dubaiis amongst the best in the world, with designer boutiques offering the mostexclusive fashions and products to savvy shoppers. Jewelery, vehicles, electronics,d'cor items and sports equipment are also common purchases, often offered atlow prices. There are no local taxes on purchases, and for those skillful atbartering, the souks (markets) offer vast opportunities for bargains onindigenous goods. Must-see sightseeing sites in Dubaiinclude the Gold Souk, the Deira Covered Souk, the Spice Souk, the Palm Islanddevelopment, Al Boom Tourist Village, Bedouin Village,the Dubai World Trade Centre, and the Jumeirah Mosque. Archaeologicalenthusiasts will enjoy the Al Ghusals, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah excavation sitesfeaturing graveyards and artifacts more than 1,000 yearsold.
Dubai'sultra- contemporary architecture, panoramic ocean vistas, beautiful beaches,and historical sites are all fetching subjects for photography buffs, but it iswise to refrain from taking photos of government facilities, sea- and airports, and military installations. Permission should also be asked and grantedbefore photographing the local population, particularly Muslim women, who maybe offended at having their photo taken.
Highly accessible to international traffic, Dubai is served by 90 airlines. MajorEuropean centers such as London are only seven hours away by plane with regularin- and out- going flights.
Arabic is the official language of Dubai, but written and spoken English isheavily used in the business and commercial sectors as well as in the tourismand entertainment industries. Dubai is a progressiveIslamic country. Respect for local customs and religious traditions is expectedand appreciated, but not to the extremes of some Islamic- ruled areas. In return, the Dubai people offer tolerance for differinglifestyles. Women are not discriminatedagainst and may travel freely unescorted. Western visitors are able to dress as they like, however modesty inclothing is recommended. Limit very short, tight, or revealing items ofclothing. The local population has adopted some styles of western dress, but itis most common to see men wearing the traditional white dishdasha or khandurarobe and gutra (headdress), and women wearing modest black abaya robes and ahead scarf over their regular clothing. These styles of dress suit thereligious requirements of the Islamic population and offer protection from thehot desert sun.
Dubai's weather is picture perfect for most ofthe year, combining the best features of a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rain isvery infrequent, falling an average of only five days each year (mostly duringthe winter season), but the temperature can vary by nearly 40 degrees Celsiusbetween 10 degrees and 48 degrees Celsius.
Demand for property in Dubai has surged in recent years, drivenby a burgeoning population of nearly four million people and the recent abilityof foreigners to hold real- estate. Dubai's safe lifestyle,positive tourism investment potential, favorable tax rates and perceived highproperty value have all contributed to the current interest in buying propertyin the city. In addition to the variety of hotels, resorts and other standardtourist accommodation options, private accommodations from apartments to luxuryvillas located on secluded beaches are available for sale and rent inDubai.
If you learned anything new about Dubai in this article, you should file thearticle where you can find it again.