The Incredible story of Dubai

History and culture


Dubai's history and culture are deeply rooted in Islamic traditions that shape the lifestyle of a UAE citizen. It is important to note that when tourists visit Dubai, they should respect the culture and behave accordingly, as minority groups in the Emirates are very protective of their Islamic culture and traditions.


Dubai is known as the entertainment capital of the Middle East, which attracts many partygoers from all over the world, especially those who are rich enough to spend money on the most expensive places in the city. Although this city cultivates this image for its tourists, it still does not encourage its Muslim citizens to indulge in many of the entertainment services offered. Consequently, these services are often located in more touristic areas rather than residential areas.


Alcohol is not prohibited in Dubai if it is in designated areas in hotels, bars or nightclubs. Residents can drink freely in their homes if they have an alcohol license issued by the municipality. Drinking on the street or in other public places is prohibited. Pork is also available for consumption by visitors and expatriates.


Visitors and expatriates are advised not to flaunt their Western cultural habits on the streets, where they may be seen by conservative citizens who may find it offensive.
Having said that, it doesn't mean that locals are against foreigners visiting Dubai, it's just common courtesy to respect their hosts. Emiratis are traditionally known for their warm hospitality and are very generous in offering treats to guests. Remember, when you are in Rome, do as the Romans do.


Emiratis tend to dress in their traditional clothes under the influence of the Islamic faith. Most men prefer the traditional dishdasha or khandura (long white shirt dress), gutra (white headdress) and agal (rope worn to hold the gutra in place). Emirati women, as a rule, wear an abaya (a long black cloak), which is worn over conservative clothes, with a sheila or hijab (a scarf wrapped around the face and head).


Foreigners and visitors are advised to dress appropriately: trousers or a dress below the knee should be worn when traveling around the city, especially in historical places. However, they can wear what they want when they are in a hotel, bar or club, and bathing suits are acceptable by the pool or on the beach.


Usually, tourist photography is acceptable and expected with all the beauty that Dubai has to offer. Government buildings, military installations, ports and airports cannot be photographed. As everywhere else, it is polite to ask permission before taking pictures of people, especially women from the Emirates.



Religion


Dubai, like the rest of the UAE, is an Islamic emirate, and once in the city, you will be surrounded by many mosques, and calls to prayer will often be heard. The most religious time of the year in Dubai is the holy month of Ramadan, which lasts approximately 30 days. This is when Muslims fast during daylight hours to fulfill their duties to the fourth pillar of Islam. Tourists should be aware that during this period it is forbidden to eat, drink and smoke in public places during the day, although some restaurants darken the windows so that people can consume food and drinks in private. Bars will not serve alcohol until 19:00, and nightclubs are closed because loud music is not allowed.
However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not profess Islam. The Government has a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and polytheists and, in practice, interferes very little with their religious activities. Dubai's huge Arab population includes many immigrants from the Middle East who profess the Christian faith, and non-Muslim emigrants. They are allowed to freely practice their religion if they do not publicly distribute literature. In fact, there are other religious places of worship in Dubai, such as churches, gurdwars and temples. There are temples of Shiva and Krishna in the Mina Bazaar area of the city. Both are believed to have been sanctioned by the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. There is an electric crematorium run by a group of Indian immigrants. In addition, in early 2001, the ground was prepared for the construction of several additional churches on a plot of land in Jebel Ali donated by the Government of Dubai to four Protestant and one Catholic communities. The construction of the first Greek Orthodox Church in Dubai (which will be called St. Mary's) was completed in November 2009 with the help of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defense of the UAE, who donated a piece of land in Jabal Ali.


Language


The official language of the country is Arabic, but most people in and out of the workplace communicate in English. There are so many different nationalities in Dubai, and that's why English finds a common language with most people. Most of the road signs, shop signs, restaurant menus, etc. are written in both English and Arabic.


The historical chronology leading to the rise of Dubai:

1830: A small fishing settlement in Dubai captures part of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis, led by the Maktoum family, which, interestingly, still rules the emirate.
1892 : Foreign traders are attracted to Dubai because of the tax exemption declaration, the population doubles, and the pearl industry is now booming.
1930-1940 : Recession hits Dubai's pearl industry, which is declining, leading to social pressure and infighting among members of the royal family.
1958: Sheikh Rashid officially becomes ruler of Dubai after the death of his father.
1959: The Emir of Kuwait lends Sheikh Rahid millions of dollars to repair the bay so that he can receive large ships to strengthen Dubai's reputation as a major trading center.
1966 : Dubai discovers its own oil, which attracts traders who settle in Dubai, which in turn contributes to economic growth.
1968: Dubai starts exporting crude oil, and petrodollars rush into the country.
1973 : The Dirham becomes the official monetary unit of Dubai.
1980 : Dubai's annual oil revenue drops to $3.
1985: Emirates Airline was established, and Dubai plans to turn into a tourist destination.
1990: Sheikh Maktoum becomes ruler of Dubai due to the fact that his father, Sheikh Rashid, died during the first Gulf War.
1996 : The opening of the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai World Cup, which became very popular annual events.
1999: The opening of one of the tallest hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab, further cemented Dubai's reputation as a tourist destination.
2003 : Dubai is recognized by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank as a financial center. In addition, at this time, the real estate market in Dubai is growing dramatically due to the introduction of ownership.
2006 : Sheikh Mohammed becomes Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, as well as ruler of Dubai. He updates the liberal policies of his ancestors from Maktoum and continues to develop Dubai, increasing the business status of the city.
2007 : Sheikh Mohammed announces Dubai's Strategic Plan for 2015, and the opening of Dubai Studio City takes place. The prize fund of the Dubai World Cup has been increased to $10 million, and the Dubai International City has been built.
2008 : Opening of the new Maktoum Bridge, Dubai Sports Town and Dubai International Terminal 3. Opening of the Atlantis Hotel and Resort, The Palm.
2009 : The opening of the world's largest Dubai Mall and the start of the Red Line (Dubai Metro). The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is also opening.
2010 : The opening of the world's tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa and the opening of the Al Maktoum International Airport.
2011 : Dubai Metro begins work on the Green Line, as well as on Palm Deira station.
2012 : Princess Tower and JW Marriott Marquis Dubai are built as part of Dubai's bid to participate in World Expo 2020.
2013 : Dubai wins the bid to host the 2020 World Expo, and Sheikh Mohammed announces the construction of the Dubai Water Canal.
2014 : The Mall of the World, the world's largest shopping mall and indoor theme park, is announced, and the opening of Opera Grand, the first high-rise building in the Dubai Opera House area.
2015 : The UAE develops the Mars probe "Hope".
2016 : Sheikh Mohammed opens the Dubai Water Canal.
2017 : Dubai Safari Park is open to the public.
2018 : Dubai Frame, the largest frame in the world, opens in 2018.
2019 : Construction of the Burj Jumeirah begins.

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