About Dubai

Dubai is the city that has inherited the best feature of being an Arabic city while unveiling the face of the future. Originally, it was a simple fishing hamlet, but it is now one of the most significant tourist attractions in the world.

Culture

Dubai’s history and culture are heavily steeped in Islamic traditions. It is vital to note that when tourists visit Dubai, they are expected to respect and behave appropriately, as Emiratis are extremely protective of their Islamic culture and customs.

Dubai is famously renowned as the Middle East’s entertainment hub. It attracts individuals from all over the world, particularly those who can afford to visit the city’s most costly venues. While Dubai has fostered this image for tourists, it continues to prevent Islamic nationals from partaking in numerous entertainment activities. As a result, these services are frequently found in tourist destinations rather than residential neighborhoods. Alcohol is not prohibited in Dubai as long as it is consumed within permitted venues such as hotels, pubs, and nightclubs. Residents can drink in their houses if they obtain an alcohol license issued by the government. It is unlawful to drink on the streets or in public areas. Visitors and expatriates can also eat pork.

Visitors and expatriates are encouraged not to flaunt their Western traditions on the streets because conservative people may find them objectionable. This is not to say that residents are opposed to foreigners visiting Dubai. Respecting your hosts is a customary etiquette. Emiratis are recognized for their great hospitality, as they are generous in serving drinks to guests. Remember what Romans do when they’re in Rome?

Emiratis like to dress traditionally, influenced by their Islamic beliefs. Most males choose a traditional dishdasha or khandura (a long white shirtdress) with a ghutra (a white headpiece) and agal (a rope used to keep the ghutra in place). Emirati women typically wear an abaya (a full black shawl) over conservative clothing with a sheyla/hijab (a scarf that wraps around the face and head).

Expatriates or visitors are urged to dress correctly, with pants or a dress that covers below the knees in the city area, particularly at historical places. They can, however, wear anything they want in a hotel, bar, or club, and swimwear is permitted in pools and on beaches.

With all of Dubai’s natural beauty, tourist photography is often accepted and expected. Government buildings, defense installations, ports, airports, etc., should not be photographed. Asking permission before taking pictures of individuals, especially Emirati women, is courteous everywhere.

Breaking Records

It is the city of superlatives. It has a record-breaking number of records—host to the tallest structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and the world’s deepest pool, Deep Dive Dubai. These achievements bring millions of tourists each year, making a significant positive contribution to this city.

Population

The United Arab Emirates’ current population is growing yearly and is over 3.56 million people this year, with ¾ male. This confirms the fact that Dubai has a diverse population; while only 5% of the population is locals from the UAE, there are all sorts of people from all over the world. The expatriate population mainly includes Asian people, especially Indians, Pakistanis, and those from other Arabic countries. Additional Iranians arrived in large numbers after the Islamic revolution in 1979, when most wealthy and educated Iranians populated the city of Dubai. Besides, due to the lack of enough labor force in particular construction and tourist sectors, you will find several people from the Philippines, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia who have even adopted the city as their home.

Whether you are a first-time or a repeat traveler, Dubai is certain not to disappoint you since there will always be something new to discover. Dubai is a city that has many things to offer, starting with its long history and including such attractions as the city’s visionaries. This special issue invites you to discover Dubai and understand why it is still advancing in setting new benchmarks. Visit us today and step into a world between two Eras.

Historical timeline leading to Dubai’s rise.

1830: The fishing village of Dubai was seized by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa Oasis, headed by the Maktoum family, who were still in power in the emirate.
1892: Foreign traders are attracted to Dubai because they have been informed that they will not be taxed, the population doubled, and the pearling business is thriving.
1930-1940: The recession affected the pearl business in Dubai, and the industry declined, resulting in social issues and rivalry among the royalties.
1958: Sheikh Rashid gets the throne of Dubai after his father’s death.
1959: The Emir of Kuwait gave Sheik Rahid millions of dollars to redo the Creek to allow large ships to grow Dubai as a major trading city.
1966: Dubai gets its oil, and traders settle in Dubai to boost the economy.
1968: Dubai started exporting crude and petro-dollars started pouring in.
1973: The exchange of Dirham as the official medium of exchange in Dubai begins.
1980: The annual oil revenue of Dubai falls to US$ 3.
1985: The Emirates Airline is formed, and Dubai begins to strategize on how it will turn itself into a tourist’s paradise.
1990: Sheik Maktoum assumes the throne of Dubai because his father, Sheik Rashid, died during the first Gulf War.
1996: The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and the Dubai World Cup are initiated and become fashionable annual events.
1999: The Burj Al Arab, one of the tallest hotels globally, adds to the image of Dubai as a tourist hub.
2003: The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank regard Dubai as a financial center. Moreover, at this time, the property market in Dubai suddenly increases because of the appearance of freehold properties.
2006: Sheik Mohammed takes up the position of the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE as well as the ruler of Dubai. He continues the liberal policies of his Maktoum ancestors and builds Dubai more, increasing the commercial image of the city.
2007: Sheikh Mohammed reveals the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 while the establishment of Dubai Studio City was launched. The prize money of the Dubai World Cup was increased to $10 million and the Dubai International City was constructed.
2008: New Maktoum Bridge launched together with Dubai Sports City and Dubai International Terminal 3. The Atlantis, The Palm Hotel & Resort, is completed and open for business.
2009: Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall, is opened and Red Line (Dubai Metro) is launched. Dubai International Cricket Stadium is inaugurated.
2010: Dubai gets the world’s tallest building, i.e., Burj Khalifa, and the world’s largest airport in Al Maktoum International Airport.
2011: Dubai Metro launches Green Line and Palm Deira station.
2012: Princess Tower and JW Marriott Marquis Dubai are constructed as Dubai prepares its bid for the World Expo 2020.
2013: Dubai gets the World Expo 2020 and Sheikh Mohammed unveils the Dubai Water Canal.
2014: Mall of the World, the world’s largest mall and indoor theme park, said that the Opera Grand, the first high-rise in the Dubai Opera House District, is now open.
2015: UAE unveils Mars mission called Hope.
2016: Sheikh Mohammed officially opens the Dubai Water Canal.
2017: Dubai Safari Park is open for visitors.
2018: Dubai Frame, the world’s giant frame, was completed in 2018.

2019: Construction of Burj Jumeirah starts.
2021: In Dubai, the largest and tallest Ferris wheel in the world is situated near the Dubai Marina and was inaugurated on 21st October 2021.
2021-22: Expo 2020 was a World Expo held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from the 1st of October 2021 to the 31st of March 2022.
2022: The Museum of the Future, which is an exhibition, is set to open on 22 February 2022.
2024: A futuristic 40-mile-long motorway replaces Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with robotic trams, pedestrian paths, and one million trees planted to transform Dubai’s structures for sustainability.