Language

English and Arabic are the officially used languages for business, and in social amenities generally. However, a wide spectrum of languages like Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Malayalam, Farsi, Pashtu along with a host of other languages are spoken - reflecting Dubai's great cosmopolitan population.


Money

The currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED or DHS), which is divided into 100 fils. For usage the currency has denominations of convenience. It has been fixed to the United States Dollar at a rate of 3.67 for many years to ensure currency stability. US Dollars are accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants and taxis.


Visa

The access to Dubai is facilitated through simple visa procedures. For host of nationalities the visa is stamped on arrival. and for others visas can be procured through UAE embassies or consulates from their home countries


History

A scene from the pages of yore of 1800's depicts, Dubai in midst of backwater, whose people sustained from fishing, pearling and subsistence agriculture. In 1830, it was taken over by BaniYas tribe from the LIWA oasis to the south, (present Abu Dhabi emirate). The Maktoum family were in the forefront of the takeover and they have continued to rule ever since.
During the last part of 1800's, the then ruler, Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum, granted tax concessions and facilities to foreign traders, encouraging business to flourish. In 1903, a British shipping line made Dubai as its main port of call, due its vantage geographical location. Persian and Indian traders also settled down and thrived on business opportunity. Dubai along with other Emirates accepted protection of the British in 1892 by way of series of maritime agreements. British considered this part of Gulf region as communication link with its empire in India. It was known as 'Trucial coast', until 1971, till its freeing from the British.

In 1971, federation of United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) was formed comprising of emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Fujairah, later Ras Al Khaimah also joined in 1972. In 1966, Dubai discovered oil and along with the acumen and foresight of its policies, led to fast pace development of its social and economic fabric, and the basis of a modern world-class city.


The Present

The population of Dubai is around 2 million with life expectancy of more than 70 years with per capita income of USD 28,000 and GDP USD 37.2 billion, as per government figures of 2006. The GDP growth is up 45% in 4 years, powered from 18% of GDP from trade and 26% from hospitality sector.


Cost of Living

The cost of living in Dubai is reasonable vis-à-vis the standard of living, compared to any part of the developed world. The items of day-to-day consumption are bountiful and quality is in consonance with international standards. Dubai also showcases a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables round the year in its outlets. The fuel is cheap, especially petrol and loans as well as credit rates are reasonable.


No Taxation

The country does not impose any taxation on the earnings of its corporate or on individual's personal income. An exception to this being branches of foreign banks and oil producing companies.

Dubai is a place enticing everyone to experience the ultimate in high class living........                                             << Back