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DUBAI The United Arab Emirates consists of 7 emirates that came together on the 2nd December 1971 to form the UAE. The capital city is Abu Dhabi. The 7 emirates are: 1. Abu Dhabi 2. Dubai 3. Sharjah 4. Umm Al Quwain 5. Ajman 6. Fujairah 7. Ras Al Khaimah Dubai started as one of the seven Trucial States, a federation of separate states, all which featured their own rulers or emirs. Becoming a key destination for those on their way to the key Islamic area of Iraq, Dubai evolved into a pearl diving and fishing hub in around the 5th and 6th century. Dubai's location has long been a driving force in its prosperity. Such a location offers many key benefits, something that didn’t go unnoticed by the superpower at that time, Great Britain. With other power ful nations such as France and Russia showing interest in Dubai, Britain a greed a deal with Dubai. It would offer Dubai protection and would not interfere with local politics if the Trucial States agreed to ignore the advances of all other nations. It is as far back as 1833 that the current family ruling Dubai took initial control. The Maktoum Family still to this day preside over Dubai in the form of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. And it is from this time on that Dubai really began to take off. Aware of the superior military muscle of surrounding neighbors, an agreement was signed with the British which brought increased stability which in turn increased trade, which was for the most part focused around the Dubai Creek. Here is where the Dubai pearl diving industry was started and it continued to grow at an impressive rate with exports to India, Persia and as far as Europe. This lucrative business lead many traders to relocate to the city, most of them staying, to form a diverse population, something that is very much a part of modern day Dubai. Dubai's increased prosperity at this time was due to many factors, but perhaps the most significant of which was the lack of taxes for a large proportion of its workers, along with the positive business initiatives introduced by then ruler Sheikh Maktoum, that further enhanced trade. However it was the start of the century that saw Dubai's population increase rapidly to 20,000 people, almost twice its previous size. The main catalyst for this was certainly the removal of commercial taxes. However the pearl trade began to slow after the Ja panese discovered cultured peals and the general slow down in trade around the globe in the 1930's clearly played a massive role. Although not the scene of any fighting during Word War, the Trucial states were but both by the lack of trade and food shortages. Things were kick started again with the discovery of oil within the region. Dubai was quick to see the potential of this opportunity, with the large equipment needed by oil companies and the large man power required giving rise to the prospect of a large amount potential trade. As a result the creek was expanded, allowing large vessel access, meaning business boomed and as a result so did Dubai's population. Towards the end of the 1970's, almost 250,000 people lived in Dubai. Britain had ended its influence in the area by 1971, and as a result the leaders of the Trucial States came together to form what is known today as the United Arab Emirates. And it was during the 1970's that Dubai began to witness large scale industrial investment to build upon the wealth generated by the oil, and it 1979 the World Trade Centre was opened. This started off the trend of large foreign companies coming to Dubai, something which gathered pase throughout the 1980's. However it was during the late 90's that Dubai began to turns its fo cus to tourism and the Dubai most people know today began to emerge. Today sees Dubai with a large white collar workforce, and with the internet and media cities specialized service related business clusters, and of course a booming tourism industry. Dubai has continuously built upon its roots a s a 6th century trading post and as a result is now enjoy ing the benefits. Language Whilst the official language in the UAE is Arabic, English is widely spoken in all walks of life. Both languages are used in business and commerce, with English often being the preferred choice due to the large numbers of expatriates working in Dubai. Signs and information are written in both English and Arabic. You can also expect to hear a good deal of Urdu and Farsi as well. Dubai is an Islamic country and as a result Islamic culture plays a large role in the general lifestyle of the UAE, with most of the local population being Sunni Muslims. Nonetheless, the UAE in general is very to lerant of the many beliefs that abound amongst the large expatriate population, whom make up around 80% of the population. And whilst the predominant and official religion of the region is Islam, other religions are free to openly practice their fa ith, and there are even a number of c hurches. The UAE has long enjoyed a reputation for its hospitable, kind and friendly attitude that exists in both business and social situations. Foreigners will find they are treated with respect and k indness, and they too are in t urn are asked to respond to the ir host’s kindness by respecting the religious beliefs, local laws and custo ms of the UAE.

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DUBAI

The United Arab Emirates consists of 7 emirates that came together on the 2nd December 1971 to form the UAE. The capital city is

Abu Dhabi. The 7 emirates are:

1. Abu Dhabi

2. Dubai3. Sharjah

4. Umm Al Quwain

5. Ajman

6. Fujairah

7. Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai started as one of the seven Trucial States, a federation of separate states, all which featured their own rulers or emirs.

Becoming a key destination for those on their way to the key Islamic area of Iraq, Dubai evolved into a pearl diving and fishing hub

in around the 5th and 6th century. Dubai's location has long been a driving force in its prosperity. Such a location offers many key

benefits, something that didn’t go unnoticed by the superpower at that time, Great Britain. With other powerful nations such asFrance and Russia showing interest in Dubai, Britain agreed a deal with Dubai. It would offer Dubai protection and would not

interfere with local politics if the Trucial States agreed to ignore the advances of all other nations.

It is as far back as 1833 that the current family ruling Dubai took initial control. The Maktoum Family still to this day preside over

Dubai in the form of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. And it is from this time on that Dubai really began to take off.

Aware of the superior military muscle of surrounding neighbors, an agreement was signed with the British which brought increasedstability which in turn increased trade, which was for the most part focused around the Dubai Creek. Here is where the Dubai pearl

diving industry was started and it continued to grow at an impressive rate with exports to India, Persia and as far as Europe. This

lucrative business lead many traders to relocate to the city, most of them staying, to form a diverse population, something that is

very much a part of modern day Dubai.

Dubai's increased prosperity at this time was due to many factors, but perhaps the most significant of which was the lack of taxes

for a large proportion of its workers, along with the positive business initiatives introduced by then ruler Sheikh Maktoum, that

further enhanced trade. However it was the start of the century that saw Dubai's population increase rapidly to 20,000 people,

almost twice its previous size. The main catalyst for this was certainly the removal of commercial taxes. However the pearl trade

began to slow after the Japanese discovered cultured peals and the general slow down in trade around the globe in the 1930'sclearly played a massive role. Although not the scene of any fighting during Word War, the Trucial states were but both by the lack

of trade and food shortages. Things were kick started again with the discovery of oil within the region. Dubai was quick to see the

potential of this opportunity, with the large equipment needed by oil companies and the large man power required giving rise to theprospect of a large amount potential trade. As a result the creek was expanded, allowing large vessel access, meaning business

boomed and as a result so did Dubai's population. Towards the end of the 1970's, almost 250,000 people lived in Dubai. Britain had

ended its influence in the area by 1971, and as a result the leaders of the Trucial States came together to form what is knowntoday as the United Arab Emirates.

And it was during the 1970's that Dubai began to witness large scale industrial investment to build upon the wealth generated by

the oil, and it 1979 the World Trade Centre was opened. This started off the trend of large foreign companies coming to Dubai,something which gathered pase throughout the 1980's. However it was during the late 90's that Dubai began to turns its focus to

tourism and the Dubai most people know today began to emerge. Today sees Dubai with a large white collar workforce, and with

the internet and media cities specialized service related business clusters, and of course a booming tourism industry. Dubai hascontinuously built upon its roots as a 6th century trading post and as a result is now enjoying the benefits.

Language

Whilst the official language in the UAE is Arabic, English is widely spoken in all walks of life. Both languages are used in business

and commerce, with English often being the preferred choice due to the large numbers of expatriates working in Dubai. Signs and

information are written in both English and Arabic. You can also expect to hear a good deal of Urdu and Farsi as well.

Dubai is an Islamic country and as a result Islamic culture plays a large role in the general lifestyle of the UAE, with most of thelocal population being Sunni Muslims. Nonetheless, the UAE in general is very tolerant of the many beliefs that abound amongst the

large expatriate population, whom make up around 80% of the population. And whilst the predominant and official religion of the

region is Islam, other religions are free to openly practice their fa ith, and there are even a number of churches. The UAE has long

enjoyed a reputation for its hospitable, kind and friendly attitude that exists in both business and social situations. Foreigners willfind they are treated with respect and kindness, and they too are in turn are asked to respond to their host’s kindness by respecting

the religious beliefs, local laws and customs of the UAE.

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There are records of the town of Dubai from 1799. Earlier in the 18th century the Al Abu Falasa

lineage of Bani Yas clan established itself in Dubai which was a dependent of the settlement of 

Abu Dhabi until 1833.

On 8 January 1820, the then sheikh of Dubai was a signatory to the British sponsored "General

Treaty of Peace" (the General Maritime Treaty).

In 1833, the Al Maktoum dynasty of the Bani Yas tribe left the settlement of Abu Dhabi and

took over the town of Dubai, "without resistance". From that point on, Dubai, a newlyindependent emirate, was constantly at odds with the emirate of Abu Dhabi. An attempt by the

Qawasim pirates to take over Dubai was thwarted. In 1835, Dubai and the rest of the Trucial

States signed a maritime truce with Britain and a "Perpetual Maritime Truce" about two decadeslater. Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom (keeping out the Ottoman Turks)

 by the Exclusive Agreement of 1892. Like four of its neighbours, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah,

Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route to India made it an important location.

In March 1892, the Trucial States (or Trucial Oman) were created.

The rulers of Dubai fostered trade and commerce, unlike the town's neighbors. The town of 

Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen (chiefly Indians), who settled in the

town. Until the 1930s, the town was known for its pearl exports.

After the devaluation of the Gulf Rupee in 1966, Dubai joined the newly independent state of 

Qatar to set up a new monetary unit, the Qatar/Dubai riyal. Oil was discovered 120 kilometresoff the coast of Dubai, after which the town granted oil concessions.

On 2 December 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the

United Arab Emirates after former protector Britain left the Persian Gulf in 1971. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a single, uniform currency: the UAE dirham.

Dubai culture

Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National's lifestyles. However, theUAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam.

Expatriates are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code

is liberal. Women don't face discrimination. Courtesy and hospitality are one of the many virtuesof Dubai. Rulers are keen to maintain their culture and do so through a number of practices. One

is promoting sporting events that are representative of their past. Falconry, camel racing and

dhow sailing are still popular in Dubai.

The official language of the country is Arabic, however most people in and out of the workplace

communicate in English. There are so many different nationalities in Dubai, English finds

common ground with most people. The majority of road and shop signs, restaurant menus etc.are in both English and Arabic.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and visitors can dress however they like. Still, a good amount of 

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respect for local customs is appreciated. In deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea

for visitors not to wear very short, tight clothing, at least until such time as they are comfortable

with the city. UAE nationals usually wear their traditional dress. For men this is the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red checked headdress known

as a gutra. In public women wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal

clothes. They also wear a headscarf.

 Normally tourist photography is acceptable and expected with all the beautiful things to

 photograph in Dubai. In general, photographs of government buildings, military installations, ports and airports should not be taken. Like anywhere, it is polite to ask permission before

 photographing people. It is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women.

Arabic cuisine comprises many types of cooking from countries like Morocco, Egypt,

Afghanistan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and more. Throughout the city, vendors sell shawarma, a hot

sandwich with lamb or chicken, carved from a rotating spit and served in pita bread withvegetables. A variety of juices from pineapple, banana, mango, or a mixed cocktail can be

ordered from fresh juice vendors.

Alcohol is served in licensed premises like restaurants and bars. It is also served in a few

recreational clubs. Shisha pipes are smoked at most establishments. They are traditional water 

 pipes that use flavored tobaccos like strawberry or apple. Shisha is usually enjoyed while sittingat a café or restaurant.

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United Arab Emirates 

Geography The United Arab Emirates, in the eastern part of the ArabianPeninsula, extends along part of the Gulf of Oman and the

southern coast of the Persian Gulf. The nation is the size of

Maine. Its neighbors are Saudi Arabia to the west and south,

Qatar to the north, and Oman to the east. Most of the land is

barren and sandy.

Government  Federation formed in 1971 by seven emirates known as the

Trucial States—

Abu Dhabi (the largest), Dubai, Sharjah,

Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain. In

addition to a federal president and prime minister, each

emirate has a separate ruler who oversees the local

government.

History Originally the area was inhabited by a seafaring people who were converted to Islam in the 7th century.

Later, a dissident sect, the Carmathians, established a powerful sheikdom, and its army conqueredMecca. After the sheikdom disintegrated, its people became pirates. Threatening the Sultanate of Muscat

and Oman early in the 19th century, the pirates provoked the intervention of the Brit ish, who in 1820

enforced a partial truce and in 1853 a permanent truce. Thus what had been called the Pirate Coast was

renamed the Trucial Coast. The British provided the nine Trucial states with protection but did not formally

administer them as a colony.

Facts & Figures

Map of United Arab Emirates 

President: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-

Nahyan (2004)

Prime Minister: Sheikh Muhammad ibnRashid al-Maktoum (2006)

Total area: 32,278 sq mi (83,600 sq km)

Population (2009 est.): 4,798,491

(growth rate: 3.7%); birth rate: 16.0/1000;

infant mortality rate: 12.7/1000; life

expectancy: 76.1; density per sq mi: 82

Capital (2003 est.): Abu Dhabi, 539,800

Largest city: Dubai, 1,511,700 (metro.

area), 906,100 (city proper)

Monetary unit: U.A.E. dirham

More Facts & Figures 

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The British withdrew from the Persian Gulf in 1971, and the Trucial states became a federation called the

United Arab Emirates (UAE). Two of the Trucial states, Bahrain and Oman , chose not to join the

federation, reducing the number of states to seven.

The country signed a military defense agreement with the U.S. in 1994 and one with France in 1995.

After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S., the UAE was identified as a major financial center used by

al-Qaeda in transferring money to the hijackers (two of the 9/11 hijackers were UAE citizens). The nation

immediately cooperated with the U.S., freezing accounts tied to suspected terrorists and strongly

clamping down on money laundering.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE and ruler of the federation since 1971, died

in Nov. 2004. His son succeeded him. In Jan. 2006, Sheik Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime

minister of the UAE and the emir of Dubai, died. Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad ibn Rashid al-

Maktoum assumed both roles.

In March 2006, the U.S. Congress objected to and thwarted the takeover of six American seaports by

Dubai Ports World, owned by the UAE's government, citing national security concerns.

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Dubai Culture & Heritage...

United Arab Emirates

GyaDawlat al- Imārāt al -‘Arabīyah al -Muttaḥ idah 

 A Brief history of Dubai A trip to Dubai transports you on a journey through time. Archaeological discoveries suggest that, as long as four

thousand years ago, small fishing communities lived alongthe coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai. Itis also believed that the natural sheltered harbour affordedby the Dubai Creek was a busy port of call on the ancienttrade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

In recent years, archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of artifacts, including pottery, weapons and coinage, that point to civilised settlements dating back to the third millennium B.C.

These historic finds have been carefully preserved and are now permanentlyhoused in the Archaeological Section of Dubai Museum. Modern Dubai, however,

traces its origins to the 1830s. At that time, the small fishing village on theShindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was settled by a branch of theBani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoumfamily who still rule the emirate today.

By the late 1870s, Dubai was often referred to as the principal port on the Gulf coast and, bythe turn of the century, was reputed to have had the largest souks in Arabia. Pearling, whichwas the mainstay of the city’s prosperity for many years, succumbed to the development of thecultured pearl in the 1940s.

But Dubai’s enterprising merchants bounced back, developing a thriving trade in gold and othercommodities. Much of this history is carefully preserved in myriad forts, mosques, palaces andother historic monuments, which are on the itineraries of many organised tours.

Traditional Culture And Lifestyle

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Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islam, providing a strength and inspirationthat touches all aspects of everyday life. Virtually every neighborhoodhas its own mosque, where the faithful congregate for prayer fivetimes every day. One of the largest and most beautiful - JumeirahMosque - is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture.Built of stone in medieval Fatimid style, the mosque is particularlyattractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into sharprelief.

Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Holy Koran, is the Holy Month of fastingwhen Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to dusk. Courtesy and hospitality areamong the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by thewarmth and friendliness of the people.

Clothing and Jewellry

The Arab national dress worn in Dubai is well adapted to the

high temperatures of the region. The white ankle- length,loose-fitting garment worn by men is known as the kandouraor dishdasha. The head is covered for protection from sandand the midday sun.

Women wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress, also called akandoura, which is embroidered in gold, silver or colouredthread and covered entirely by a black abayah. The hair iscovered by a shayla, a thin black veil.

Like women everywhere, the women of Dubai too have a fondness for jewellery and have

customarily adorned themselves with gold and silver necklaces, forehead decorations, earrings,bracelets, anklets, and rings for fingers, noses and even toes. Henna - a reddish dye obtainedfrom powdered leaves - is widely used to stain the palms and soles of the feet for weddings andother special occasions.

Occupations of the past

Life in Dubai was harsh in the old days. Nomadic Bedouin with theircamel herds roamed the desert. Sheep and goat herders eked out aliving on the arid mountainsides. And cultivators carefully tendeddate palms wherever a trace of water could be found. Along the

coast, traditional occupations included dhow building, fishing andpearl diving, the latter a major factor in Dubai’s rise to prominence asa trading centre.

Popular Sports

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 Among the many traditional pastimes still practised, is thesport of falconry, a unique partnership between man and bird.The ancient sport of camel racing also attracts a sizeablefollowing and substantial purses for the champions.

Throughout history, the Arab has maintained a great love of horses. This tradition lives on in the rapid growth anddevelopment of horse racing in Dubai, and visitors arewelcome to attend race meetings that take place throughout

the cooler months.

Dubai National Day Festival

The  National Day of the UAE is celebrated on 2nd December every year. This article will

attempt to trace the background and significance of this glorious day in the annals of the history

of the emirates.

UAE 

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of 7 emirates, namely, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al

Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman. From a desert land of yore, the UAE

has emerged as a glittering metropolitan with the spirit of globalization permeating its very

veins.

Let’s taste a slice of history 

The UAE was formed in the year 1971 under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al

 Nahyan. In the beginning the UAE was a federation of six emirates to which the emirate of RasAl Khaimah was added a year later. The national assembly has representatives from each one of 

the emirates while the Ruler of each emirate has to vote in the Supreme Council of Rulers.

 National Day

With its 38th

National Day on its way, UAE has already pulled up its socks to celebrate its National Day on 2

ndDecember. The hearts of every emerati are filled with the overwhelming

memories of 2nd

December 1971 when UAE made a history by acquiring independence from the

British Colonial Rule. The Al-Eid Al Watani (in Arabic) is celebrated with great zeal all over UAE with splendid aura of triumph.

UAE has trampled long strides since its birth 38 years ago. With the proud maturity in itsinfrastructures, trade, economy or tourism, UAE has been an object of wonder. Since the day it

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attained independence in the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE has never 

looked behind in any of its developing areas. The country proudly rests in the list of most

relished tourist places of the world. The day is a national holiday but the major monuments areopen to the public.

UAE National Day 2009 took pleasure in comprising 61 events in all by the ministry of culturein union with other state bodies under the chairmanship of Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al

Owais, minister of culture, youth and community development. According to him the logo will

act as an official element for all the communication across the seven emirates which is a pleasant brush stroke this year.

With its concrete social, cultural and religious values in addition to the vision and wisdom of itsleaders, the country promises to exercise harmonious environment in this cosmopolitan society

in future as well.