Dubai is the leading centre for business and tourism in the Middle East. Dubai offers the visitor a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts - a distinctive blend of a modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new. An exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai combines the comfort and convenience of the western world with the unique charm and hospitality of Arabia..
Dubai is a shopper's paradise. Gold, jewellery, designer creations, cameras, electronics, oriental rugs whatever your taste, you'll find it here. From ancient souks to luxurious shopping malls, the visitor can count on bargains galore.
Families are not forgotten. The city has many parks and playgrounds to keep the youngsters amused. While at the end of the day, Dubai's restaurants and nightspots offer a wide choice of international cuisine and entertainment.
Families are not forgotten. The city has many parks and playgrounds to keep the youngsters amused. While at the end of the day, Dubai's restaurants and nightspots offer a wide choice of international cuisine and entertainment.
The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some 13 cm a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 10 *C to a high of 48 *C. The mean daily maximum is 24 *C in January rising to 41 *C in July.
CurrencyUAE Dirham. US$1 = Dhs. 3.67 approx. 100 fils = Dh 1.
International relations
The UAE became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. It is a member of the International Monetary Fund, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), World Trade Organization and other international and Arab organizations, including the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC), whose other members are Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
In its foreign relations, the UAE's stance is one of non-alignment but it is committed to the support of Arab unity.
GeographyThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprises seven members: Abu Dhabi (the capital city), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The total area of the country is about 83,600 sq.km, much of it in Abu Dhabi emirate. Dubai, with an area of 3,885 sq.km, is the second largest emirate. Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf, which divides the city into Deira district to its north, and Bur Dubai on its south, the city ranks as the UAE's most important port and commercial centre.
The UAE has 700 km of coastline, of which 100 km are on the Gulf of Oman. Along the Arabian Gulf coast, there are offshore islands, coral reefs and sabkha, or salt marshes. Stretches of gravel plain and sandy desert characterize the inland region.
To the east, a range of mountains lies close to the Gulf of Oman and forms a backbone through the Mussandam Peninsula. The western interior of the country, most of it in Abu Dhabi, consists mainly of desert interspersed with oases.
GovermentThe Supreme Council of the UAE, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, is the highest federal authority. It is responsible for general policy matters involving communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and development, and for ratifying federal laws. The President, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.
The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto.
The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto.
Economic policyIn matters unrelated to diplomacy and defence, each emirate enjoys considerable autonomy in managing its own affairs. In business, the government of Dubai is committed to liberal, free market policies and to the creation of a business environment conducive to commercial activity. This approach is well illustrated by the incentives available to investors in the Jebel Ali and Airport Free Zones and by the continuing high level of public sector investment in the infrastructure.
For more information visit www.dubaitourism.ae
