Dubai Cities within Cities: A short outline of the history and facts
“A nation’s glory is measured by its past and present and its civilized development, perpetuating the memory of the past, the construction of the present and the planning of the future.”
- H.H General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
Area: The total area of Dubai is approximately 2,428 sq. miles.
History: The seven independent emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah came together to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the year 1971. While Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE, Dubai remains its commercial centre.
Location: Dubai is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the South West corner of the Arabian Gulf. Dubai enjoys 365 days of warm sunshine, with cooler evenings and occasional showers in the months between November to March.
Climate: The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate with infrequent and irregular rainfall, amounting to less than 13 centimeters a year.
Temperatures range from a low of 10 degrees (Celsius) to a high of 48 degrees. The average daily maximum is 24 degrees in January, rising to 42 degrees in July.
Time zone: The UAE is 4 hours ahead of GMT (+4 GMT)
Population: Dubai is home to 1,321,453* residents with a high percentage of the population employed. * According to the latest census conducted on population, residential units and establishments in the emirate – http://vgn.dm.gov.ae
Transport: Dubai offers a variety of inexpensive and efficient public transportation and you can choose between metered local taxis, intra-city and inter-city buses, private car hire services and abras (local boats).
Economy: The UAE is one of the world’s wealthiest countries, with a GDP of 378,761 Million Dirhams in 2004, and has the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world. While oil and gas production form UAE foundation, Dubai is increasingly broadening its economic
activity to include: real estate, tourism, trading and manufacturing.
Cultural mix: Owing to the resources and foreign enterprises located in Dubai, more than 80% of the population are expatriates from across the globe and the city is home to almost 200 nationalities. |
