Dubai
Souks, skyscrapers, shopping festivals, glitz, dhow, and creeks characterise the beautiful city of Dubai. A blend of both cosmopolitan and traditional, this 'Pearl of the Persian Gulf' is located to the south of the Persian Gulf, on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai is home to Burj Dubai, the tallest building in the world now. With hosts of technologically advanced buildings, Dubai is a prominent landmark of innovation. An impressive array of historical buildings also graces the landscape of Dubai.
Sights
On a scholarly note, the tourists can begin sightseeing by visiting Al Ahmadiya School built in 1912. Dubai's first school has a wonderful display of exhibits from the school's history. The Dubai Museum, a prominent highlight showcases the history of Dubai. Jumeirah Mosque, a splendid place of worship offers a spiritual experience for the tourists.
Shindagha District houses a gamut of open museums and is well known for being erstwhile Sheikh Rashid Al-Maktoum's home. Bastakiya District has traditional style buildings in galore. The archaeological sites in dubai situated in Jumeirah, Al Sufooh and Al Ghusals rank among the major landmarks of the city.
Al Mamzar Park, Al Wasl Park, Creekside Park, the Jumeriah beach and Al Mamzar Park beach feature among the highlights of the marvellous city. Al Boom Tourist village, Bait Al Wakeel, Bedouin village, Burj Nahar, Dubai Creek, Dubai World Trade Centre, Gold Souk, Hatta Mountains, Spice Souk, Dubai Zoo and Burj Dubai are the major attractions of Dubai.
Activities
Dubai offers a gamut of activities. Travellers can enjoy fishing, cruising, hot air ballooning, sky diving, flying, bird watching, archery, shooting, karting, polo, mountaineering, mini golf, camel racing, sand skiing, dune driving, horse riding, fishing, desert safaris, aerial tours, creek tours, skiing and various kinds of water sports like paragliding, diving, etc. in the city.
Cuisine
The city of Dubai hosts a wide spectrum of delectable fare for its travellers. They can try the specialities from the Moroccan, Iranian, Lebanese and other international cuisines, or the local speciality 'Matchbouse' (made of lamb, rice and a wide variety of spices) and Hareis (slow cooked lamb, wheat and rice dish) which is a must try during a visit to Dubai. The Seafood delicacies from the Dubai cuisine are delicious. The delectable desserts like the Arabian bread pudding and Mehalabiya complete a scrumptious Dubai dinner.
Shopping
Dubai is a shopper's haven and the city offers plenty of choices for the tourists to shop till they drop. Top labels come at cheap prices in Dubai, owing to duty free shopping. The huge shopping malls, department stores and boutiques sell electronic goods, craft items, spices, perfumes, jewellery, clothing, accessories and an array of products. The annual shopping festival draws multitudes of tourists from different parts of the world to Dubai.
Events
Dubai Desert Classic is a popular golf tournament in the world. Emirates World Series - Dubai World Cup hailed as the richest horse racing competition, The Bride Show, Dubai Summer Surprises, Dubai Rugby Sevens, National Day Festival, Motexha Textile Show and Dubai International Film Festival are the prominent events that the travellers can plan their holiday around.
Nightlife
Though alcohol is restricted in Dubai, the nightlife scene in the city is beautifully vibrant. Alcohol is served only in a select few hotels in Dubai. A good selection of bars and nightclubs like Atlantis, Alamo, Carter's, Hard Rock Café, Kasbaa, the Irish Village, Long's Bar, etc. contribute to the thriving nightlife of Dubai.
Facts
| Country |
United Arab Emirates |
| Emirate |
Dubai |
| Incorporated (town) |
9 June 1833 |
| Incorporated (emirate) |
2 December 1971 |
| Founder |
Maktoum bin Bati bin Suhail (1833) |
| Seat |
Dubai |
| Subdivisions |
Towns and villages
Jebel Ali
Hatta
Al Hunaiwah
Al Aweer
Al Hajarain
Al Lusayli
Al Marqab
Al Faq
Hail
Al Sufari
Ud al-Bayda
Al Malaiha
Al Madam
Margham
Urqub Juwayza
Al Qima |
| Government |
| - Type |
Constitutional monarchy[1] |
| - Emir |
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
| - Crown Prince |
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
| Area [2] |
| - Emirate |
4,114 km2 (1,588.4 sq mi) |
| - Metro |
1,287.4 km2 (497.1 sq mi) |
| Population (2008)[3] |
| - Emirate |
2,262,000 |
| - Density |
408.18/km2 (1,057.2/sq mi) |
| - Metro |
2,262,000 |
| - Nationality [4] |
42.3% Indian
17% Emirati
13.3% Pakistani
7.5% Bangladeshi
9.1% Other Arab
10.8% Western |
| Time zone |
UAE standard time (UTC+4) |
| Website |
Dubai Emirate
Dubai Municipality |

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