If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Dubai, you need to think beyond the basics.

This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Dubai.

The rich culture of the desert city of Dubai draws on its ancient Arabian heritage,

vast modern technology and cosmopolitan luxuries. For centuries a land devoted mainly to

herding and trade, Dubai

was rocketed into modern times by the discovery of oil just off of its coast in

1966. Enormous riches funded by oil

production have produced a native population which, in the main, is well

educated, healthy, highly paid and liberal minded. Tourism is actively courted

in Dubai, particularly in the impressive Palm Islands

development.

Touted as the eighth world wonder, Palm Island is a an incredible tribute to

engineering, design, and absolute opulence. Palm

Island – Deira is the largest of the

three Palm Islands.

A unique man-made phenomenon, the Palm Islands

can be seen from space by the naked eye.

A trunk, a 41- frond crown, and a water- breaking crescent island form Palm Island

– Deira. Nearly eight thousand villas

and apartment homes, private and public beaches, shopping, recreation and

sports facilities are included in the plans for this incredible development.

Fantastic resorts and attractions are also

available for those looking for the ultimate upscale vacation

experience.

Sport is a huge part of the culture of Dubai, and is reflected in the many

entertainment options open to visitors of the city. Polo fields and golf

courses abound. The richest horse racing event in the world, The Dubai World

Cup, is run on a Dubai

track and attracts visitors from around the world. Water sports from the most adventurous to the

most tranquil are available in the warm waters off of Dubai’s white sand beaches. Viewing some of the region’s more traditional

sporting events such as camel racing, dhow sailing and falconry should also not

be missed.

Sophistication is one of the hallmarks of the Dubai – and larger United Arab Emerates –

culture. World- class cosmopolitan restaurants sit next to local establishments

serving the best in local cuisine and fresh juices. Indian, Lebanese, and Thai flavors are often

featured in the most popular restaurants. Many of Dubai’s best restaurants are inside of, or

within easy walking distance of, the city’s hotels, which are allowed to serve

alcohol despite the city’s Islamic roots. Prices range from very affordable to

astronomically high, depending on one’s tastes, and menus and service are most

often available in English as well as the native Arabic.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Dubai. You may decide

that the following information is even more interesting.

Shopping in Dubai

is amongst the best in the world, with designer boutiques offering the most

exclusive fashions and products to savvy shoppers. Jewelery, vehicles, electronics,

décor items and sports equipment are also common purchases, often offered at

low prices. There are no local taxes on purchases, and for those skillful at

bartering, the souks (markets) offer vast opportunities for bargains on

indigenous goods. Must-see sightseeing sites in Dubai

include the Gold Souk, the Deira Covered Souk, the Spice Souk, the Palm Island

development, Al Boom Tourist Village, Bedouin Village,

the Dubai World Trade Centre, and the Jumeirah Mosque. Archaeological

enthusiasts will enjoy the Al Ghusals, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah excavation sites

featuring graveyards and artifacts more than 1,000 years

old.

Dubai‘s

ultra- contemporary architecture, panoramic ocean vistas, beautiful beaches,

and historical sites are all fetching subjects for photography buffs, but it is

wise to refrain from taking photos of government facilities, sea- and air

ports, and military installations. Permission should also be asked and granted

before photographing the local population, particularly Muslim women, who may

be offended at having their photo taken.

Highly accessible to international traffic, Dubai is served by 90 airlines. Major

European centers such as London are only seven hours away by plane with regular

in- and out- going flights.

Arabic is the official language of Dubai, but written and spoken English is

heavily used in the business and commercial sectors as well as in the tourism

and entertainment industries. Dubai is a progressive

Islamic country. Respect for local customs and religious traditions is expected

and appreciated, but not to the extremes of some Islamic- ruled areas. In return, the Dubai people offer tolerance for differing

lifestyles. Women are not discriminated

against and may travel freely unescorted.

Western visitors are able to dress as they like, however modesty in

clothing is recommended. Limit very short, tight, or revealing items of

clothing. The local population has adopted some styles of western dress, but it

is most common to see men wearing the traditional white dishdasha or khandura

robe and gutra (headdress), and women wearing modest black abaya robes and a

head scarf over their regular clothing. These styles of dress suit the

religious requirements of the Islamic population and offer protection from the

hot desert sun.

Dubai‘s weather is picture perfect for most of

the year, combining the best features of a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rain is

very infrequent, falling an average of only five days each year (mostly during

the winter season), but the temperature can vary by nearly 40 degrees Celsius

between 10 degrees and 48 degrees Celsius.

Demand for property in Dubai has surged in recent years, driven

by a burgeoning population of nearly four million people and the recent ability

of foreigners to hold real- estate. Dubai’s safe lifestyle,

positive tourism investment potential, favorable tax rates and perceived high

property value have all contributed to the current interest in buying property

in the city. In addition to the variety of hotels, resorts and other standard

tourist accommodation options, private accommodations from apartments to luxury

villas located on secluded beaches are available for sale and rent in

Dubai.

If you learned anything new about Dubai in this article, you should file the

article where you can find it again.