DUBAI - A GLITTERING MEGACITY of MANMADE WONDERS

GEOGRAPHY

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the largest emirate in terms of population and largest in area,located on the Persian Gulf Coast. The current ruler of Dubai is Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He is also the Prime Minister and Vice President of UAE. The capital and largest city of this emirate is called Dubai City. The Dubai divides into two halves. Deira, where the old city center is located is to the north and Bur Dubai is located to the south.

HISTORY

The Al Maktoum royal family have been the rulers of Dubai since early 1800's. The emirate of Dubai was created when Abu Dhabi, Dubai and five other emirates came together to form United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1971. Historically Dubai was a natural harbour and therefore was a center for sea-trade, fishing and pearling industry. Dubai earned the nickname of "City of Gold" when it became the hub of the gold trade. Dubai gold market called the gold "souks" are world famous. Oil was discovered in 1966, but today it contributes only about 6% of its product. Starting early 1990's Dubai transformed itself into a service based economy and come up as a popular tourist destination.

THE MEGACITY

In the early 1990's Dubai has rapidly transformed itself into a modern marvel. The city has grown at a blistering pace and it has only acclerated in the past few years. It is estimated that 15%-25% of the construction cranes is being employed in Dubai. Dubai is well-known for its megaprojects. It is the home to some of the most ambitious construction projects. The most iconic of them is the Burj Al Arab. It is considered the world's only "seven star" hotel. It is built in the shape of a ship's sail. Burj Dubai,the world's tallest building is also being built here. Estimated to be 800 meters tall, it will be 40% taller than the current tallest building,Taipei 101. There are plans to build a even taller building called the Al Burj.
The other marvels of Dubai include the Palm Islands, three island structures in the shape of a palm frond and World Island, a man made group of islands of 300 islands shaped as a world map. Dubai also boasts of a ski resort in the middle of the desert and the hydropolis,a under water hotel being constructed now.
In the world of sports, Dubai will host the richest golf tournament next year as a part of the european tour called the Dubai World Championship. The same goes for the Standard Chartered Dubai marathon. It also hosts the richest horse race and horse show called the Dubai World Cup and Dubai Gold Cup.



INFORMATION

Since Dubai has become a wonderland of man-made structures and a shopping mecca of the middle east it has attracted tourists. Dubai is well connected to the rest of the world by air and is served by many different airlines. Dubai's own airlines,the Emirates is a premier award winning airline that flies to more than hundred destinations. They offer some insights on Dubai, for prospective visitors.
Besides there are many architectural attractions and nice clean beaches, Dubai also has many huge malls that offer not only a wide variety of shops but food and entertainment. Every year in January,Dubai also organizes an International shopping festival that stretches for 32 days.
Cabs are easy to find and charge a reasonable fare. There are also city buses at regular intervals and a rail system is almost completed. Many high end hotels offer driven cars for their customers. Car rentals are also available.