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Dubai » City Info
Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United ArabEmirates (UAE) on the Persian Gulf. Its emirate's main city,sometimes called "Dubai City" to distinguish it from the emirate.Dubai is the most populous and second largest emirate of the UAEafter Abu Dhabi. Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE inthat revenues from oil account for only 6% of its gross domesticproduct. A majority of the emirate's revenues are from tourism.Dubai has become world famous place through innovative real estateprojects, sports events, conferences and Guinness records. However,this increased attention, coinciding with its emergence as a worldbusiness hub have also highlighted potential human rights quagmiresconcerning its largely immigrant workforce.
Climate:
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequentand irregular. Between November and March, Dubai weather is warmand sunny without being unbearably hot. Winter temperatures arearound 23 degrees C in the daytime, while nights are cooler.
Local time:
Dubai Time is + 4 Hours GMT
Language:
The official language is Arabic, Arabic and English arecommonly used in business and commerce. Hindi and Urdu are alsowidely used.
Dubai Culture
Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAENational's lifestyles. However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming toforeigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. Expatriates arefree to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and thedress code is liberal. Women don't face discrimination. Courtesy andhospitality are one of the many virtues of Dubai. Rulers are keen tomaintain their culture and do so through a number of practices. Oneis 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 inand out of the workplace communicate in English. There are so many
 
different nationalities in
 
Dubai, English finds common ground withmost people. The majority of road and shop signs, restaurant menusetc. are in both English and Arabic.Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and visitors can dress however they like.Still, a good amount of respect for local customs is appreciated. Indeference to local customs and norms it is a good idea for visitors notto wear very short, tight clothing, at least until such time as they arecomfortable with the city. UAE nationals usually wear their traditionaldress. For men this is the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-lengthshirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red checked headdress knownas a gutra. In public women wear the black abaya, a long black robethat covers their normal clothes. They also wear a headscarf.Normally tourist photography is acceptable and expected with all thebeautiful things to photograph in Dubai. In general, photographs of government buildings, military installations, ports and airports shouldnot be taken. Like anywhere, it is polite to ask permission beforephotographing people. It is considered offensive to photographMuslim women.Arabic cuisine comprises many types of cooking from countries likeMorocco, Egypt, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and more.Throughout the city, vendors sell shawarma, a hot sandwich withlamb or chicken, carved from a rotating spit and served in pita breadwith vegetables. 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 isalso served in a few recreational clubs. Shisha pipes are smoked atmost establishments. They are traditional water pipes that useflavored tobaccos like strawberry or apple. Shisha is usually enjoyedwhile sitting at a cafe or restaurant.
Language and religion
The official language is Arabic, but English and Urdu are also widelyspoken, along with Hindi, Persian, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Tagalog.Islam is the official religion of all of the emirates. A vast majority of the locals are Sunnis. There are foreign minority Hindus, Sikhs, and
 
Christians as well. Dubai is the only emirate that has Hindu templesand a Sikh gurudwara.The Meena Bazaar area of the city has both a Shiva and Krishnatemple. Both are believed to be sanctioned by the late ruler of Dubai,Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. There is an electriccrematorium run by a group of Indian expatriates. Non-Muslims inthe country are free to practice their religion but may not proselytisepublicly or distribute religious literature. The government follows apolicy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and Polytheist; in practice,interferes very little in the religious activities of non-Muslims.In early 2001, ground was broken for the construction of severaladditional churches on a parcel of land in Jebel Ali donated by thegovernment of Dubai for four Protestant congregations and a Catholiccongregation. Construction on the first Greek Orthodox Church inDubai (to be called St. Mary's) would begin at the end of 2005,members of the Eastern Orthodox Christian community in the UAEhave had to use churches of other denominations for services, untilGeneral Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai CrownPrince and UAE Defence Minister, donated a plot of land in Jebel Ali.Apart from donated land for the construction of churches and otherreligious facilities, including cemeteries, non-Muslim groups are notsupported financially or subsidised by the government. However, theyare permitted to raise money from among their congregants and toreceive financial support from abroad. Christian churches arepermitted to openly advertise certain church functions, such asmemorial services, in the press.
Population
The population of the UAE as of 2001 was estimated to be 3,290,000.The population of Dubai was estimated to be 971,000. The UAE is ahighly cosmopolitan environment and a large part of the populationare non-UAE nationals, primarily a mix of other Arab nationals,Asians and Europeans. 80% of Dubai's population is comprised of expatriates with Europeans and Asians accounting for approximately70% of households. Approximately 71% of the population is maleand 29% is female. The UAE population is expected to grow by 3.3%per annum to reach 4.15 million by 2010. Dubai is expected to havea population of 1.4 million by 2010.
Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate, with perfect weather for atleast six months out of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and happens
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