Dubai Introduction

City Introduction

Located in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula and the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is at the center of the Gulf area. It is both the city with largest population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the richest city in the Middle East. In addition, it’s also the economic and financial center in the region.

Dubai owns the first seven-star hotel (Burj Al Arab Hotel) in the world, the highest skyscraper (Burj Khalifa) and the largest indoor ski field in the world. It has nearly become the symbol of luxury, with its dynamic real estate, competition and talks that have nearly created world records attracting the eyes of the world.

The official language of Dubai is Arabic, while English is the main commercial language.

Now, Dubai has developed into one of the international financial centers in the world and has become the bridge linking eastern and western capital markets. Meanwhile, it has become a significant center of logistics, trade, communication, transportation, tourism and shopping. Dubai is the host city of the World Expo in 2020.

Historical Culture

Civilization had begun to appear in Dubai in the third century BC. And since 1979, there have been the records of the appearance of villages in Dubai.

In 1833, the Bani Yas tribe of 800 people under the leadership of Maktoum family left Abu Dhabi and migrated to Dubai, and then a new dynasty was established. Later, in 1852, Maktoum became the chief of the tribe and founded the government in Dubai. Since then, the new independent emirate separated from Abu Dhabi officially. And thanks to the secret agreement signed in 1892, Dubai was under protection by the UK.

After the petroleum was discovered in the area in 1960, the prospect of long-term development of Dubai has been regarded as more promising. With the export of the first barrel of crude oil in 1969, the development of economy and infrastructure of the city has increased dramatically.

In 1971, the former UK protectors withdrew from the Persian Gulf, so the boundary of Dubai’s border was re-divided. And on December 2, 1971, combined with Abu Dhabi and other five emirates, Dubai founded the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Then, in 1973, Dubai, together with other emirates adopted the single currency, the Dirham.

After 1970, Dubai achieved rapid development. And the basic source of its national income came from petroleum trade. Moreover, Dubai took the advantage of its international trade market to promote its economy and tourism industry. Every year, there are a lot of international tourists coming here for sightseeing and vacation, and the number of the tourists has been increasing year by year.

Natural Environment

Located in the middle part of the Arabian Peninsula and the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is at the center of the Gulf. Separated from the South Asian Subcontinent by the sea, it’s honored as the pearl of the Gulf.

Climate

Due to the location in the Arabian Desert, the climate in Dubai is pleasantly warm during all seasons. The winter there is from October to April when the climate is most gentle and delightful and the average temperature is 20℃~35℃. Summer lasts from May to September, during which the weather is so hot that the average temperature can reach up to 40℃~45℃. And in extremely rare cases, the temperature there can even soar to as high as 50℃. Fortunately, the people have various ways to relieve the summer heat, and they can enjoy tons of fun even in the burning hot summer.

Holiday Arrangement

January 1: New Year’s Day

May 5: Israa and Miraj night

June 6: Ramadan expected to begin

July 7: Eid Al Fitr

September 10: Arafat Day

September 11: Eid Al Adha

October 2: Hijri New Year

November 30: Shaheed Dibash

December 2-3: National Day

December 12: the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday

Note: the Islam feast days are adjusted in accordance with the phase of the moon