Dubai: An Overview

Introduction

Dubai is perhaps best known for its sandy beaches, world-class shopping and striking contemporary architecture, but there is much more to it than that. It is a place of contrasts, where east meets west, and past and present co-exist harmoniously.

The capital, Dubai City, offers outstanding quality of life. Because the vast majority of its inhabitants are expatriates from around the world, it has an overwhelmingly cosmopolitan feel. The environment is clean, the selection of goods is excellent and entertainment and sporting facilities are, in many cases, world class. Crime is low, and there is almost full employment.

On the downside, prostitution, though illegal, is rife, and the poorly regulated employment system has attracted the attention of human rights groups worldwide.

Geography

The emirate of Dubai lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, southwest of Sharjah and northeast of Abu Dhabi. It is the second largest of the seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Practically all of Dubai’s settled population is concentrated in Dubai City, the UAE’s chief port and trading centre, which is located on the central Persian Gulf coast. The city straddles Dubai Creek, a natural inlet that divides it into two districts, Deira in the north and Bur Dubai in the south.

Outside the city, the region is sparsely populated, with desert vegetation and landscapes that vary from rugged mountains to sand dunes.

Climate and weather

Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate with average temperatures ranging from 24 degrees Celsius in January to 41 degrees Celsius in July. In winter, there is an average of eight hours’ sunshine per day, while the summer average can be as high as 11 hours. Evenings and nights are cool.

From June to September, midday temperatures range from 35 to 42 degrees Celsius, occasionally exceeding 49 degrees. From December to March, the climate is considerably more temperate, with midday temperatures of between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.

Although Dubai has the reputation of being uncomfortably hot, it must be remembered not only that air conditioning is ubiquitous but also that for eight months of the year the climate is extremely pleasant.

History

Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai became a port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Little is known of its history, but it appears to have been a dependency of Abu Dhabi until 1833.

With the other emirates that now comprise the UAE, Dubai became a British protectorate in the 19th century. It grew to be the commercial capital of the emirates, then known as the Trucial States, and was an important port of call for British steamers en route to India.

Dubai was quickly transformed into an international business centre and tourist destination following the discovery of oil in the early 1960s. It became part of the UAE at its inception in 1971.

Cultural issues

Visitors should bear in mind that, despite Dubai’s cosmopolitan (and indeed in some ways very Western) atmosphere, the country is fundamentally Arab and Muslim. In general, it has a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but, as in other countries, local laws and customs should be respected.

Girls and women are expected to dress modestly. Longish skirts or trousers, worn with tops that cover the shoulders, are best, though shorts are permitted. During Ramadan (November–December), non-Muslims are not expected to fast, but eating, drinking, dancing and smoking in public are strictly forbidden.

Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behaviour are illegal in the UAE, as are public displays of affection. It is an offence to swear or make rude gestures.

Politics and government

Dubai is not a democracy. As part of the UAE, it is governed by a Supreme Council consisting of the rulers (emirs) of each of the seven emirates. The Council elects a president, vice-president and Council of Ministers.

Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s federal capital. All parliament buildings, ministries and foreign embassies are located there.

An appointed 40-member Federal National Council, drawn from all the emirates, reviews all proposed laws. Each emirate has both secular and Islamic law in its civil, criminal and high courts.

Each emirate retains considerable autonomy, including control over mineral rights (notably oil) and revenues. Individual rulers are largely responsible for dictating the rate at which local government evolves in their emirates.

Healthcare

For some years, the Dubai government has been investing large sums in healthcare provision. This has resulted in a first-class healthcare system that is accessible to all, including expatriates and visitors (for whom health insurance is essential).

The emirate’s many public and private hospitals and clinics provide state-of-the-art medical technology and the highest standards of training and care. All types of treatment are available, including the most advanced procedures.

Work has recently begun on Dubai Healthcare City, a major new government initiative that is envisaged as a regional centre of excellence for medical services, education and research. It will be the world’s first healthcare free zone.

No vaccinations are required for entry to Dubai or the other UAE states.

City sightseeing

Dubai City provides an enormous variety of attractions for all ages.

Families love the numerous amusement and theme parks. These include Wild Wadi, which features what are said to be the tallest and fastest water rides outside North America. Dubai Zoo is another favourite destination.

The more culturally inclined can visit the Dubai Museum, which offers a fascinating interactive glimpse into the past, while lovers of traditional arts and crafts will enjoy Dubai Heritage and Diving Village.

The usual open-topped bus tours are available, but those wanting a different perspective can try a helicopter tour or take one of the cable cars that run the 2.3 km length of Creekside Park. Both provide breathtaking views of the city.

Natural beauty

In a single day, visitors to Dubai can experience a wide variety of scenery, from rugged mountains and huge sand dunes to unspoiled beaches, fertile oases and the most verdant of parks and golf courses.

A highly effective irrigation system keeps Dubai City lush and green throughout the year, despite its desert setting. There are many beautifully maintained parks and gardens, a fact that surprises some visitors.

Half an hour’s drive from the city, camel trekking in the rolling sand dunes is a popular activity, as are full- or half-day four-wheel drive safaris, which can include an overnight stay in a Bedouin tent. Evening trips to the cool of the desert can provide the ideal way to relax after the heat of the day.

Shopping

Dubai City attracts shoppers from around the world, particularly during the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. Popular buys include designer fashions, gold jewellery, perfumes and Persian rugs, all at a fraction of UK high street prices.

As well as the traditional souks (outdoor markets), the city has more than 50 modern shopping malls, many of which include entertainment facilities. The recently opened Mall of the Emirates is one of the world’s largest, and boasts the Middle East’s first indoor ski slope.

For everyday needs, there are numerous supermarkets offering a range of local and imported goods. Fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and spices are available in many souks.

A licence (available only to holders of a residence visa) is required for the purchase of alcohol for private consumption.

Eating out

Eating out is a popular pastime in Dubai, with everything from fast food (including British and US chains) to haute cuisine on offer. All kinds of ethnic food are available, Arabic, Chinese, French, Indian and Lebanese being especially popular.

The local cuisine is of Persian derivation and usually centres on beef, lamb or poultry. Under Islamic law, pork is forbidden. A traditional Middle Eastern meal might consist of falafel (chick pea patties), salads and dips, barbecued kebabs and seafood, couscous, bulgar wheat and spiced meat or vegetable casseroles. To follow, try baklava, a traditional dessert consisting of layers of filo pastry saturated in butter, with spices and chopped nuts.

Alcohol is only sold in hotels and restaurants holding a licence.

Nightlife

Dubai City has a varied and dynamic entertainment scene, with many establishments catering for its large expatriate population. These range from sophisticated cocktail lounges, piano and jazz bars through traditional British- or Irish-style pubs to clubs and discos.

Concerts, plays and exhibitions are staged throughout the year. The city offers a very high standard of international-class entertainment, being on the circuit for many theatre and dance groups, bands, singers, comedians and other entertainers. Cinemas show the latest Hollywood films, though nudity and any perceived anti-Islamic content are censored.

Those seeking the authentic Middle Eastern experience can choose from a number of clubs featuring Arab singers, musicians and belly dancers.

Music and dancing are not permitted during the month of Ramadan.

Sport and leisure

In recent years, Dubai has become famous for hosting world-class sporting events, notably the Dubai Tennis Open, the Dubai Rugby Sevens, the Dubai Desert Golf Classic and the Dubai World Cup, the world\'s highest-stakes horse race. More traditional spectator sports include camel racing and boat racing in dhows, the classic Middle Eastern wooden vessels.

Private clubs, some within residential complexes, offer golf, swimming, tennis, squash and a host of other activities. Outdoor pursuits like camping, hiking, rock climbing, cycling and driving in the desert are all extremely popular during the cooler months, as is ‘wadi bashing’, a term used to describe exploring the wadis or dry beds of streams that flow from the Hajar Mountains after the winter rains.

National holidays

Because Dubai’s religious holidays are tied to the Islamic Hijra calendar, their precise dates vary from year to year. The main celebrations are:

• Eid al-Adha (Pilgrimage) – February
• Al Hijrah (Islamic New Year) – March
• The Prophet\'s Birthday – May
• Lailat al-Miraj (the Ascension of the Prophet) – September
• Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan) – November/December

Secular holidays include New Year\'s Day (1 January) and UAE National Day (2 December).

Getting there

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates Airlines and Royal Brunei Airlines offer direct flights between London Heathrow and Dubai International, the Middle East’s largest airport, located 4 km from the city centre. Emirates also flies direct from London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. Average direct flight time from London to Dubai is around seven hours 45 minutes.

Numerous other airlines offer flights to Dubai with one stop en route. For example, Air France flies via Paris, Gulf Air via Manama (Bahrain), KLM via Amsterdam and Qatar Airways via Doha. Special offers are frequently available.

To get the best deals, it is advisable to book in advance and to be flexible as to dates if possible.

© Copyright Buy Associates Limited 2006

All circumstances vary. BuyAssociation provides general advice for guidance purposes only. It is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice before making any purchase.