UAE : A Magical place

Abu Dhabi : steps towards success

2011-06-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

Abu Dhabi (Arabic: أبو ظبي‎ Abū Ẓabī), literally Father of gazelle,^[3] is the capital and the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. The city proper had an estimated population of 896,751 in 2009.

^[4]

Abu Dhabi houses important offices of the federal government, and is the seat for the United Arab Emirates Government and the home for the Abu Dhabi Emiri Family and the President of the UAE from this family. Abu Dhabi has grown to be a cosmopolitan metropolis. Its rapid development andurbanisation, coupled with the relatively high average income of its population, has transformed Abu Dhabi to a larger and advanced metropolis. Today the city is the country's center of political, industrial activities, and a major cultural, and commercial centre due to its position as the capital. Abu Dhabi alone generated 56.7% of the GDP of the United Arab Emirates in 2008.^[5]^[6]

Abu Dhabi is home to important financial institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emiratesand the corporate headquarters of many companies and numerous multinational corporations. One of the world's largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism. Abu Dhabi is the second most expensive city for expatriate employees in the region, and 50th most expensive city in the world.^[7] Fortune & CNN stated that Abu Dhabi is the richest city in the world.^[8]

Abu Dhabi is full of archeological evidence pointing to civilizations having been located there from the 3rd millennium BCE. Settlements were also found further out of the modern city of Abu Dhabi but close to the modern city of Al Ain. There is evidence of civilizations around the mountain of Hafeet (Jebel Hafeet). This location is very strategic because it is the UAE’s second tallest mountain so it would have great visibility and it contains a lot of moisture in the form of springs and lakes today, which means there would have been even more back thousands of years ago.

History

The Bani Yas Bedouin tribe made their civilization off the coast of the Persian Gulf in the 16th century due to the discovery of fresh water. This tribe was the most significant in the area, having over 20 subsections. The tribe was originally centered in the Liwa Oasis but the Al Bu Falah subsection migrated to modern Abu Dhabi in 1793. One section within this subsection was named the Al Nahyan Family. This family makes up the rulers of Abu Dhabi today.^[10]

Prior to 1892, when a formal treaty was made between Abu Dhabi and Great Britain, Abu Dhabi worked in the pearl business and traded with others. According to a source about pearling the Persian Gulf was the best location for pearls. Pearl divers dove for 1-1.5 minutes and would have dived up to 30 times per day. There were no oxygen tanks and any other sort of mechanical device was forbidden. The divers had a leather nose clip and leather coverings on their fingers and big toes to protect them while they search for oysters.^[11] The divers were not paid for a day’s work but received a portion of the season’s earnings.^[12]

Geography and climate

Main article: Geography of the United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi seen from SPOT satellite

The city of Abu Dhabi is geographically located on the north-eastern part of the Persian Gulf in the Arabian Peninsula. It is on an island located less than 250 metres from the mainland and is joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Mussafah Bridges. A third, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, designed by Zaha Hadid, was opened in late 2010. Abu Dhabi island is also connected to Saadiyat Island by a 5-lane motorway bridge. Al-Mafraq bridge connects the city to Reem Islandand was completed in early 2011. This is a multilayer interchange bridge and it has a total of 27 lanes which allow roughly 25 thousand automobiles to move per hour. There are three major bridges of the project, the largest has 8 lanes, four leaving Abu Dhabi city and four coming in.^[13]

Most of Abu Dhabi is located on the island itself, but it has many suburbs on the mainland for example: Khalifa City A,B and C, Al Raha Beach, Al Bahia City A,B and C, Al Shahama, Al Rahba, Between Two Bridges, Baniyas and Mussafah Residential.

Abu Dhabi has a hot arid climate. Sunny/blue skies can be expected throughout the year. The months of June through September are generally hot and humid with maximum temperatures averaging above 35 °C (95 °F). During this time, sandstorms also occur intermittently, in some cases reducing visibility down to a few meters.

The weather is cooler from November to March. This period also sees dense fog on some days. The oasis city of Al-Ain, about 150 km (93 mi) away, bordering Oman, regularly records the highest summer temperatures in the country; however, the dry desert air and cooler evenings make it a traditional retreat from the intense summer heat and year round humidity of the capital city.^[14]

[hide]Climate data for Abu Dhabi
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	29 (84)	33 (91)	40 (104)	39 (102)	43 (109)	44 (111)	47 (117)	48 (118)	45 (113)	40 (104)	36 (97)	31 (88)	48 (118)
Average high °C (°F)	23 (73)	24 (75)	27 (81)	30 (86)	34 (93)	36 (97)	38 (100)	39 (102)	37 (99)	33 (91)	31 (88)	26 (79)	31 (88)
Average low °C (°F)	12 (54)	14 (57)	16 (61)	18 (64)	22 (72)	25 (77)	28 (82)	28 (82)	25 (77)	22 (72)	18 (64)	14 (57)	20 (68)
Record low °C (°F)	3 (37)	8 (46)	8 (46)	12 (54)	16 (61)	19 (66)	23 (73)	23 (73)	21 (70)	18 (64)	12 (54)	8 (46)	3 (37)
Precipitation mm (inches)	23 (0.91)	23 (0.91)	10 (0.39)	5 (0.2)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	0 (0)	10 (0.39)	36 (1.42)	107 (4.21)
Source: ^[15]

Governance and politics

Main article: Politics of the United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the hereditary ruler of Abu Dhabi (UAE). He is a son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates. His half-brother,Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and wields considerable influence as Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Executive Council and Deputy Supreme Commander of the armed forces of The United Arab Emirates.^[16]

The total number of members of the Executive Council has been slimmed down to 98 since the succession and it now consists largely of prominent members of the ruling family as well as a number of respected politicians.^[17]

The emirates maintain their hereditary rulers who, as a group, form the UAE’s Supreme Council of Rulers, headed by the president. Although the presidency is renewable every five years through a vote in the council, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan held the presidency from the formation of the UAE until his death in November 2004, and there is an implicit understanding that Abu Dhabi’s ruler will always be elected president.^[17]

At a federal level, laws must be ratified by the Supreme Council. The Council of Ministers forms the executive authority of the state. This 20-member cabinet is headed by the president’s chosen prime minister, a post currently held by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The cabinet also refers to the Federal National Council (FNC), a 40-member consultative body to which each emirate appoints a certain number of members. In the case of Abu Dhabi, this is eight. The procedures for appointment to the FNC have recently been amended so that each emirate must now select its representatives through an electoral body. The size of each electoral authority must be 100 times greater than the number of representatives it appoints. Half the members of each electoral body will be selected by the ruler of the emirate while the other half will be directly elected by residents of the emirate. These amendments are considered to be the first step in a wider electoral reform program which will see greater representation at a federal level.^[18]

[edit]Cityscape

Neighborhoods

Architecture

The density of Abu Dhabi varies, with high employment density in the central area, high residential densities in central downtown and lower densities in the suburbs. In the dense areas, most of the concentration is achieved with medium- and high-rise buildings. Abu Dhabi's skyscrapers such as the notable Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Tower, the National Bank of Abu Dhabi headquarters, theHilton Hotel Tower and the Etisalat headquarters are usually found in the financial districts of Abu Dhabi. Other notable modern buildings include the Emirates Palace with its design inspired by Arab heritage, and the www.visitabudhabi.com

The development of tall buildings has been encouraged in the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030, which will lead to the construction of many new skyscrapers over the next decade, particularly in the expansion of Abu Dhabi's central business district such as the new developments on Al Sowwah Island and Al Reem Island. Abu Dhabi already has a number of supertall skyscrapers under construction throughout the city. Some of the tallest buildings on the skyline include the 382 m (1,253.28 ft) Central Market Residential Tower, the 324 m (1,062.99 ft) The Landmark (Abu Dhabi) and the 74-storey, 310 m (1,017.06 ft) Sky Tower. Also many other skyscrapers over 150 m (492.13 ft) (500 ft) are either proposed or approved and could transform the city's skyline. As of July 2008, there were 62 high-rise buildings 23 to 150 m (75.46 to 492.13 ft) under construction, approved for construction, or proposed for construction.^[19]

Parks and gardens

Abu Dhabi has over 2000 well-maintained parks and gardens^[20] and more than 400 km of coastline, of which 10 km are public beaches.^[21]

Economy

Main article: Economy of the United Arab Emirates

Head office of Etihad Airways in Khalifa City

The UAE’s large hydrocarbon wealth gives it one of the highest GDP per capita in the world and Abu Dhabi owns the majority of these resources – 95% of the oil and 6% of gas. Abu Dhabi thus holds 9% of the world’s proven oil reserves (98.2bn barrels) and almost 5% of the world’s natural gas (5.8 trillion cu metres). The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company asserted in August 2006 that the UAE is presently ready to expand production of crude oil to 2.8m barrels per day (bpd) and is on target to push production to 4m bpd by 2010.^[18]

Recently the government has been diversifying their economic plans. Served by high oil prices, the country’s non oil and gas GDP has outstripped that attributable to the energy sector. Remarkably, non oil and gas GDP now constitutes 64% of the UAE’s total GDP. This trend is reflected in Abu Dhabi with substantial new investment in industry, real estate, tourism and retail. As Abu Dhabi is the largest oil producer of the UAE, it has reaped the most benefits from this trend. It has taken on an active diversification and liberalisation programme to reduce the UAE’s reliance on the hydrocarbon sector. This is evident in the emphasis on industrial diversification with the completion of an industrial free zone, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, and the construction of another, ICAD II, in the pipeline. There has also been a drive to promote the tourism and real estate sectors with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Development Investment Company undertaking several large-scale development projects. These projects will be served by an improved transport infrastructure with a new port, an expanded airport and a proposed rail link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai all in the development stages.^[22]

Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest emirate of the UAE in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income. More than $1 trillion is invested worldwide in this city alone. The GDP per capita also reached $63,000,^[23] which is far above the average income of the United Arab Emirates and which ranks third in the world after Luxembourg and Norway. Abu Dhabi is also planning many future projects sharing with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and taking 29% of all the GCC future plannings. The United Arab Emirates is a fast-growing economy: in 2006 the per capita income grew by 9%, providing a GDP per capita of $49,700 and ranking third in the world at purchasing power parity. Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority(ADIA), currently estimated at US$ 875 billion, is the world's wealthiest sovereign fund in terms of total asset value.^[24] Etihad Airways maintains its headquarters in Abu Dhabi.^[25]

Abu Dhabi's government is looking to expand revenue from oil and gas production to tourism and other sorts of features which would attract different types of people. This goal is seen in the amount of attention Abu Dhabi is giving to its International Airport. The airport, in 2009, experienced a 30%+ growth in passenger usage.^[24] This idea of diversification of the economy is also seen in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030^[24] planned by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. In this plan Abu Dhabi's economy will be sustainable and not be dependent on any one facet or source of revenue. More specifically the non-oil portion of income is planned to be increased from about 40% to about 60%.^[24]

Utility services

Etisalat Headquarters. The company held a virtual monopoly over telecommunications in Abu Dhabi prior to 2006.^[26]

The water supply in Abu Dhabi is managed by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company. As of 2006, it supplied 560.2 MiGD (million imperial gallons per day) of water,^[27] while the water demand for 2005–06 was estimated to be 511 MiGD.^[28] The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) states that groundwater is the most significant source of water, as well as desalinated potable water, and treated sewage effluent. At 40.6 MiGD, the Umm Al Nar storage is the largest water source for Abu Dhabi, followed by the rivers Shuweihat and Taweelah.^[29] With falling groundwater level and rising population density, Abu Dhabi faces a severely acute water shortage. On average each Abu Dhabi resident uses 550 litres (120 imp gal; 150 U.S. gal) of water per day.^[30] Abu Dhabi daily produces 1,532 tonnes of solid wastes which is dumped at three landfill sites by Abu Dhabi Municipality.^[31]^[32] The daily domestic waste water production is 330 MiGD and industrial waste water is 40 MiGD. A large portion of the sewerage flows as waste into streams, and separation plants.^[32]

The city's per capita electricity consumption is about 41,000 kWh and the total supplied is 8,367 MW as of 2007.^[33] The distribution of electricity is carried out by companies run by SCIPCO Power and APC Energy.^[34]^[35] The Abu Dhabi Fire Service runs 13 fire stations that attend about 2,000 fire and rescue calls per year.

State-owned Etisalat and private du communication companies provide telephone and cell phone service to the city. Cellular coverage is extensive, and both GSM and CDMA (from Etisalat and Du) services are available. Etisalat, the government owned telecommunications provider, held a virtual monopoly over telecommunication services in Abu Dhabi prior to the establishment of other, smaller telecommunications companies such as Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC — better known as Du) in 2006. Internet was introduced into Abu Dhabi in 1995. The current network is supported by a bandwidth of 6 GB, with 50,000 dialup and 150,000 broadband ports. Etisalat recently announced implememnting a fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Abu Dhabi during the third quarter of 2009 to make the emirate the world's first city to have such a network.^[36]

City planning

A Public Park in the City

Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (formerly Airport Road)

The city was planned in the 1970s for an estimated maximum population of 600,000. In accordance with what was considered to be ideal urban planning at the time, the city has wide grid-pattern roads, and high-density tower blocks. On the northerly end of the island, where the population density is highest, the main streets are lined with 20- to 30-story towers. Inside this rectangle of towers is a normal grid pattern of roads with lower density buildings (2-story villas or 6-story low-rise buildings).

Abu Dhabi is a modern city with broad boulevards, tall office and apartment buildings, and busy shops. Principal thoroughfares are the Corniche, Airport Road, Sheikh Zayed Street, Hamdan Street and Khalifa Street. Abu Dhabi is known in the region for its greenery; the former desert strip today includes numerous parks and gardens. The design of the inner city roads and main roads are quite organised. Starting from the Corniche, all horizontal streets are oddly and the vertical ones evenly numbered. Thus, the Corniche is Street #1, Khalifa is Street #3, Hamdan is Street #5, and so on. Conversely,Salam Street is St #8.^[37]

Mail is generally delivered to post-office boxes only; however, there is door-to-door delivery for commercial organizations. There are many parks throughout the city. Entrance is usually free for children, however there is often an entrance fee for adults. The Corniche, the city's seaside promenade, is about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) in length, with gardens, playgrounds, and a BMX/skateboard ring.

In 2007 the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) was established, which is the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi’s urban environments and the expert authority behind the visionary Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan that was published in September 2007. The UPC is also working on similar plans for the regions of Al-Ain and Al-Gharbia.

Because of the rapid development of Abu Dhabi, a number of challenges to the city's urban organization have developed, among them:

Today, the city's population far surpasses the original estimated maximum population when it was designed. This causes traffic congestion, a shortage of car parking spaces, and overcrowding.
Although there is an addressing system for the city, it is not widely used, causing problems in describing building locations. Directions must often be given based on nearby landmarks.

[edit]Demographics

Historical populations
Year	Pop.	%±
1960	25,000	—
1965	50,000	100.0%
1969	46,400	−7.2%
1975	127,763	175.4%
1980	243,257	90.4%
1985	283,361	16.5%
1995	398,695	40.7%
2003	552,000	38.5%
2009	896,751	62.5%
The town of Dubai first conducted a census in 1968. All population figures in this table prior to 1968 are estimates obtained from populstat.info. Sources:^[2]^[38]^[39]

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largestmosque in the country and the eighth largest mosque in the world.^[40]

According to the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning and Economy, in 2006 the population of the emirate was 1,463,491.^[41]

As the emirate covers 67,341 km² (26,001 sq mi), nearly 87% of the UAE, the population density is 21.73 /km² (56.3 /sq mi).

Abu Dhabi also ranks as the 26th most expensive city in the world, and the second most in the region behind Dubai.^[42]

As of 2001, 25.6% of the population of the emirate was made up of UAE nationals. Approximately 74.4% of the population was expatriates.^[43] The median age in the emirate was about 30.1 years. The crude birth rate, as of 2005, was 13.6%, while the crude death rate was about 2%.^[44]

Article 7 of the UAE's Provisional Constitution declares Islam the official state religion of the UAE. The government subsidizes almost 95% of mosques and employs all imams.

The majority of the inhabitants of Abu Dhabi are expatriate workers from India, Pakistan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia,Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Philippines, the United Kingdom and various countries from across the Arab world. Consequently,English, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Somali, Tigrinya, Amharic and Bengali are widely spoken. Apart from Urdu and Hindi spoken by Indians and Pakistanis, many South Asian expatriates also contribute other South Asian languages to the cultural milieu, including Malayalam, the main language spoken in the state of Kerala.

The native-born population are Arabic-speaking Gulf Arabs who are part of a clan-based society. The Al Nahyan family, part of the al-Falah branch of the Bani Yas clan, rules the emirate and has a central place in society.

Transportation

Main article: Transport in the United Arab Emirates

Interior of Abu Dhabi Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is the city's main aviation hub and the second busiest airport in the UAE, serving 9.02 million passengers in 2008, up 30.2% on 2007.^[45]^[45] Its terminal spaces are dominated by Etihad Airways which is the UAE's national carrier and the country's second largest airline.^[46] A new terminal opened in 2009 with total capacity reaching 12 million passengers per annum by 2011.^[47] Development work has also started on a new passenger terminal, to be situated between the two runways and known as the Midfield Terminal. The new mega-midfield terminal complex will be capable of handling an additional 20 million passengers a year initially and then later, as Abu Dhabi develops as a major Middle East transport hub, up to 50 million passengers a year, thus providing a major competition to Dubai International Airport.^[48] The 5.9-million-square-metre (1,500 acres) terminal will initially include 42 gates, rising to more than 90 gates on completion of the airport.^[49]

Public transport systems in Abu Dhabi include the Abu Dhabi public buses, taxis, ferries, and airplanes. White-and-mustard metered taxis traverse most of the city in UAE. Currently newer silver-colored taxis are coming in, while the old mustard-colored ones are being phased out.^[50] Abu Dhabi has about 8,000 old bronze/yellow/gold & white taxis, which will be phased out from 2008 to 2010.^[51]

Abu Dhabi's older taxis are being phased out with newer silver taxis^[52]

The first town bus entered service in about 1969 but this was all part of a very informal service. On 30 June 2008 the Department of Transport began public bus service in Abu Dhabi with four routes.^[53] In an attempt to entice people to use the bus system, all routes were zero-fareuntil the end of 2008.^[54] The four routes, which operate between 6 am and midnight every day, run at a frequency of 10 to 20 minutes.^[54] Within the first week of service, the bus network had seen high ridership. Some of the buses, which have a maximum capacity of 45 passengers, only had room for standing left. Some bus drivers reported as many as 100 passengers on a bus at one time.^[55] Although the new, zero-fare bus service has been a success, many taxi drivers are losing business. Taxi drivers have seen a considerable decrease in the demand for taxis while lines were forming for the buses.^[56] The service steadily expanded and by the end of 2008, 230 buses were in service. In 2009, the Department of Transport plans to have 21 bus routes in the city, operated by 820 buses. A total of 1,360 buses are expected to be in operation by 2010.^[55]

A massive expansion of public transport is anticipated within the framework of the government's Surface Transport Master Plan 2030.^[57] The expansion is expected to see 130 km (81 mi) of metro and 340 km (210 mi) of tramways and/or bus rapid transit (BRT) routes.

Culture

Main article: Culture of the United Arab Emirates

The Abu Dhabi Public Library and Cultural Center

Abu Dhabi has a diverse and multicultural society.^[58] The city's cultural imprint as a small, ethnically homogenous pearling community was changed with the arrival of other ethnic groups and nationals — first by the Iranians in the early 1900s, and later by Indians and Pakistanis in the 1960s. Abu Dhabi has been criticized for perpetuating a class-based society, where migrant workers are in the lower classes.^[59] Despite the diversity of the population, only minor and infrequent episodes of ethnic tensions, primarily between expatriates, have been reported in the city. Major holidays in Abu Dhabi include Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, Eid ul-Azha which marks the end of Haj, and National Day (2 December), which marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates.^[60]

This unique socioeconomic development in the Persian Gulf has meant that Abu Dhabi is generally more tolerant than its neighbours. While Islam is the main religion, Emaritis have been known for their tolerance; Christian churches, Hindu temples, and Sikh gurdwaras can be found alongside mosques. The country is home to several communities that have faced persecution elsewhere. The cosmopolitan atmosphere is gradually growing and as a result, there are a variety of Asian and Western schools, cultural centers and themed restaurants.

Abu Dhabi is home to a number of cultural institutions including the Cultural Foundation and the National Theater. The Cultural Foundation, while closed for reconstruction as of spring 2011, is home to the UAE Public Library and Cultural Center. Various cultural societies such as the Abu Dhabi Classical Music Society have a strong and visible following in the city. The recently launched Emirates Foundation offers grants in support of the arts, as well as to advance science and technology, education, environmental protection and social development. The International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) will be based in Abu Dhabi. The city also stages hundreds of conferences and exhibitions each year in its state-of-the-art venues, including the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) which is the Persian Gulf's largest exhibition center and welcomes around 1.8 million visitors every year.

The Red Bull Air Race World Series has been a spectacular sporting staple for the city for many years, bringing tens of thousands to the waterfront. Another major event is the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC).

The diversity of cuisine in Abu Dhabi is a reflection of the cosmopolitan nature of the society. Arab food is very popular and is available everywhere in the city, from the small shawarma to the upscale restaurants in the city's many hotels. Fast food and South Asian cuisine are also very popular and are widely available. The sale and consumption of pork, though not illegal, is regulated and it is sold only to non-Muslims in designated areas.^[61] Similarly, the sale of alcoholic beverages is regulated. A liquor permit is required to purchase alcohol; however, alcohol is available in bars and restaurants within four or five star hotels but is not sold as widely as in its liberal neighbour Dubai.^[62] Shisha and qahwa boutiques are also popular in Abu Dhabi.

Poetry in Abu Dhabi and the UAE is highly regarded and often is centric around the themes of satire, religion, family, chivalry and love. According to an article from an Abu Dhabi tourism page, sheikhs, teachers, sailors and princes make a large bulk of the poets within the UAE. A unique form of poetry to the UAE was formed in the 8th century by Al Khalil bin Ahmed and it was written in 16 meters. The first known poet from the UAE, Ibn Majid, was born sometime between 1432 and 1437 in Ras Al Khaimah. According to the tourism page Majid came from a family of sailors and 40 of his works have survived. Another Emeriti poet, Ibn Daher is from the 17th century. Daher is important because he used Nabati poetry (AKA Bedouin poetry), poetry written in the vernacular instead of the classical/religious Arabic. Other important poets from the UAE are Mubarak Al Oqaili (1880–1954), Salem bin Ali al Owais (1887–1959) and Ahmed bin Sulayem (1905–1976). These poets made headway in the field of Classical Arabic poetry as opposed to the Nabati poetry of the 17th century.^[63]

One of Ibn Masjid’s most prominent works is a book called, Kitab al-Fawa’id fi Usul ‘Ilm al-Bahr wa ’l-Qawa’id (Book of Useful Information on the Principles and Rules of Navigation), and it was written in 1490. This book is effectually an encyclopedia about navigation and sailing in and around the Indian Ocean. Masjid also goes into detail about the intricacies and technologies of the Arab sailing techniques. An excerpt from his book is as follows:

"We have 32 rhumbs, and tirfa, and zam, and the measurement of stellar altitudes, but they have not. They cannot understand the way we navigate, but we can understand the way they do; we can use their system and sail in their ships. For the Indian Ocean is connected to the All-Encompassing Ocean, and we possess scientific books that give stellar altitudes, but they do not have a knowledge of stellar altitudes; they have no science and no books, only the compass and dead reckoning… We can easily sail in their ships and upon their sea, so they have great respect for us and look up to us. They admit we have a better knowledge of the sea and navigation and the wisdom of the stars."

Ahmad Ibn Majid on European Navigation^[64]

Today in Abu Dhabi there is a group called the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation that works to preserve the art and culture of the city. According to an article from the English Pen Atlas Al jawaher wal la'li was the first manuscript to come out of the UAE. According to another article this book was written in the 1990s and was banned in the city for some time for making accusations about the ruling family.^[65]

Education

Main article: Education in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is home to several international and local private schools and universities, including government-sponsored United Arab Emirates University in Al-Ain, Higher Colleges of Technology and New York Film Academy, Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi University in Abu Dhabi. These boast several languages that make up the population of the city. A large number of schools target the expatriate population by following the same syllabi as in their native countries. For e.g.: The Abu Dhabi Indian School follows the CBSE Indian syllabus. INSEAD, the prestigious international business school, has established a campus in February 2010, offering an Executive MBA and executive education courses. New York University opened a government-sponsored satellite campus in Abu Dhabi in September 2010.^[66]

Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) maintains a comprehensive after-school program for interested and talented Jiu-Jitsu students.^[67] The Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Schools Program began in 2008 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, who is a keen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor. The program launched in 14 schools for pupils in grades 6 and 7, and has since expanded to 42 government schools, with 81 Brazilian coaches brought in as instructors.^[68]

The students aged from 9 to 13 years old are taught Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as part of the curriculum. The plan is for up to 500 schools to be participating in the School-Jitsu program by 2015. The project was set up by special request of HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the head coach of the Emirates Jiu-jitsu team Carlos Santos, now also the managing director of the School-Jitsu Project.^[69]

Abu Dhabi provides a free scholarship program to students through The Petroleum Institute.www.pi.ac.ae. It is considered one of the best engineering colleges in UAE. It is being launched by ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) and offers degrees in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum, Reservoir and other engineering sectors. A notable aspect of the Petroleum Institute is that after graduation, they trained their students on their petroleum rigs provided them jobs in oil companies. The Petroleum Institute is one of the few higher education Institutions to offer students such job security.

Abu Dhabi : Current and Upcoming projects

2011-06-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

Dubai Attractions

2011-06-03T14:07:00.001-07:00

Dubai is a city of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has a total area of 3,885 square kilometers. It used to be a fishing village, but because the city was forward looking, liberal and has an eye for commercialism it did not take long for it to become popular among traders and tourists. However, no matter how many foreigners enter the city of Dubai it still keeps its tradition and culture, thus making it even more attractive to those who seek to explore the exotic Middle East. Language is never a barrier in Dubai because even if Arabic is its official language most people can understand English. There are many world class Dubai attractionsincluding historic, and modern too.

As of the moment, one of the most popular Dubai attractions is the sail-shaped hotel Burj Al Arab Hotel where every guest is treated as a royalty worthy of red carpet treatment. It boasts fine interiors designed by world-class designers, rotating king-sized bed that allows the guest to have a 360 degrees view of the environment outside the hotel and of course, the A-list guests that have visited the hotel since it opened. It is said that Michael Jackson once stayed in the hotel's $9,000-a-night luxury suite. Whether you plan on staying in the hotel or not, it is worth the time and effort to drop by and see its grand architecture, another luxury hotel is the Dubai Underwater Hotel, which is built under the sea.

If you want to experience Dubai outdoors through sports you would never be dismayed from the wide range it offers. Golfers can practice their swings on the city's championship-standard golf courses or just use a state-of-the-art video swing analysis. Since water hugs the shores of Dubai, it is no wonder why water sports such as sailing, fishing and scuba diving are very popular in this city. Dubai is also surrounded with sands; sand skiing and camel racing are also popular, especially with the younger tourists who likes adventure.

Another very popular Dubai attraction is the city's skiing facility and ice skating rinks. Yes, the desert has actually two ice skating rinks located in Hyatt Regency Galleria and Al Nasr Leisureland.

Famous places in Dubai are the Palm Islands and The Dubai World islands. These are unique artificial islands made by human.

For those who want to experience the not-so usual travel attraction, it is best to visit a mosque. Jumeirah is the largest mosque in Dubai. Prior booking is needed to roam Jumeirah every Thursday morning. The tour is supported by the community to promote better understanding of the Islamic culture and bring down cultural barriers. As a form of respect, female visitors need to cover themselves and the males need to wear trousers. Also, do not ever forget to take of your shoes before entering the mosque.

Finally, any visit to another country would never be complete without going to the bazaar. Many Dubai travel deals include this opportunity to visit the bazaars. Once you visit Dubai, you will sure do some buying. The best way to experience Dubai shopping is by going to the open-air fairs where spices, food, carpets, hookahs, gold and textiles are sold by the locals. After visiting the open-air fairs, then you can go to the modernized and centralized shopping centers that houses international brands. For the shopping crazy, it is advisable to tour Dubai during the great shopping period held once a year for elated adrenaline shopping rush and more items to stuck in the luggage bag to be brought home.

Luxury Dubai Hotels

2011-06-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

Ordinarily, Dubai would be known as a place where work is all that may be heard. The information regarding hotels and resorts would not be among the top list of places to go, considering that most people around the world go to Dubai for the purpose of getting higher earnings. However, as in every country, Dubai also has its share of good travel spots to which most people can unwind and settle down for the time being, most of which are not given much emphasis due to the moniker that this country has had as far as the working laborer is concerned.

Dubai has its own share of hotels and resorts, and this include the Ascot Hotel Dubai, Atlantis Hotel Dubai, Jebel Ali Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Oasis Beach Hotel, Fairmont Hotel Dubai, Golden Sands Dubai, Majestic Hotel Tower, Dubai Underwater Hotel... Most of these places have taken the backseat, but are good places to stay in for people who visit this part of the world. Outside the usual accommodation and special packages towards incoming guests both locally and around the world, Dubai also has its share of places to go for the tourists. Known to be a large country, Dubai caters to the local and visiting people in the same way that most countries are today. The overshadowing tag towards this country has become moreover the reason for these accommodation and tourist sites. Catering to the same level of hotel and resort classification, people can still enjoy the local beaches and recreational facilities as well.

One of the most popular Dubai hotels, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa offers the same type of amenities and accommodations that can be found in the world. The presence of casinos, beaches and other known recreational activities are available just the same in this part of Dubai. Catering to both adults and children as well, Dubai is a beautifully structured city that can also offer the same quality of vacation that most top notch vacation sites in the world has to offer. The resources and themes for such site are available nationwide, and only the right amount of exposure is needed to appreciate the said opportunity for the world to see and discover at any point of the year.

One thing that best describes Dubai is that it is known for its climate as well. Beaches that exist in this country are sure to draw a crowd, especially for beach and recreational loving tourists alike. For the conservative people, availing of the accommodations of luxury hotels that are classified in the same way through star level can be filled if only given the chance to visit. More luxury hotels in Dubai or check out the Dubai Hotels Directory to find hotels & resorts online.

Dubai attractions are abounding as well. Tourist sites such as the Dubai Creek, The Grand Mosque and Golf courses that include The Montgomerie and the Emirate Golf Club offer the tourists the same type of activities that any country would have to offer. Shopping malls are also spread all throughout the country and among them, Deira City Center Shopping Mall and Wafi Centre Mall. For the people who love to shop around for items and souvenirs, this is the place for them to be.

Photos of the Dream City : Dubai - the diamond of Tourism

2011-06-03T13:43:00.001-07:00

History of UAE

2011-06-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Advent of Islam

Main article: Islam in the United Arab Emirates

The arrival of envoys from the Prophet Muhammad in 630 heralded the conversion of the region to Islam. After Muhammad's death one of the major battles of the Ridda Wars was fought at Dibba, resulting in the defeat of the non-Muslims and the triumph of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

In 637, Julfar (today Ra’s al-Khaimah) was as a staging post for the conquest of Iran. Over many centuries, Julfar became a wealthy port and pearling center from which dhows traveled throughout the Indian Ocean.

Portuguese control

Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean in the early 16th century following Vasco da Gama's route of exploration saw them battle the Ottomans up the coast of the Persian Gulf. The Portuguese controlled the area for 150 years in which they conquered the inhabitants of the Arabian peninsula.^[1] Vasco da Gama was helped by Ahmad Ibn Majid, a navigator and cartographer from Julfar, to find the route of spices from Asia.^[2]^[3]

British and Ottoman rule

Then, portions of the nation came under the direct influence of the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century.^[4] Thereafter the region was known to the British as the "Pirate Coast", as raiders based there harassed the shipping industry despite both European and Omani navies patrolling the area from the 17th century into the 19th century.^[5] British expeditions to protect the Indian trade from raiders at Ras al-Khaimah led to campaigns against that headquarters and other harbours along the coast in 1819. The next year, a peace treaty was signed to which all the sheikhs of the coast adhered. Raids continued intermittently until 1835, when the sheikhs agreed not to engage in hostilities at sea. In 1853, they signed a treaty with the United Kingdom, under which the sheikhs (the "Trucial Sheikhdoms") agreed to a "perpetual maritime truce." It was enforced by the United Kingdom, and disputes among sheikhs were referred to the British for settlement.^[6]

Flag of the Trucial Coast

The Treaty of 1892

Primarily in reaction to the ambitions of other European countries, the United Kingdom and the Trucial Sheikhdoms established closer bonds in an 1892 treaty, similar to treaties entered into by the UK with other Persian Gulf principalities. The sheikhs agreed not to dispose of any territory except to the United Kingdom and not to enter into relationships with any foreign government other than the United Kingdom without its consent. In return, the British promised to protect the Trucial Coast from all aggression by sea and to help in case of land attack.^[7]

The rise and fall of the pearling industry

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the pearling industry thrived in the relative calm at sea, providing both income and employment to the people of the Persian Gulf. It began to become a good economic resource for the local people. Then the First World War had a severe impact on the pearl fishery, but it was the economic depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s, coupled with the Japanese invention of the cultured pearl, that all but destroyed it. The industry eventually faded away shortly after the Second World War, when the newly independent Government of India imposed heavy taxation on pearls imported from the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.^[8] The decline of pearling resulted in a very difficult era, with little opportunity to build any infrastructure.

The beginning of the oil era

In the beginning of the 1930s, the first oil company teams carried out preliminary surveys and the first cargo of crude was exported from Abu Dhabi in 1962. As oil revenues increased, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, undertook a massive construction program, building schools, housing, hospitals and roads. When Dubai’s oil exports commenced in 1969, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, was also able to use oil revenues to improve the quality of life of his people .^[9]

Border disputes

In 1955, the United Kingdom sided with Abu Dhabi in the latter's dispute with Oman over the Buraimi Oasis another territory to the south.^[10] A 1974 agreement between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia would have settled the Abu Dhabi-Saudi border dispute; however, the agreement has yet to be ratified by the UAE government and is not recognised by the Saudi government. The border with Omanalso remains officially unsettled, but the two governments agreed to delineate the border in May 1999.^[11]

Sheikh Zayed and the Union

Al Fahdi Fort in Dubai in th late 1950's.

In the early 1960s, oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi, an event that led to quick unification calls made by UAE sheikdoms. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan(UAEfounder.com) became ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and the British started losing their oil investments and contracts to U.S. oil companies.^[12]

The British had earlier started a development office that helped in some small developments in the emirates. The sheikhs of the emirates then decided to form a council to coordinate matters between them and took over the development office. They formed the Trucial States Council,^[13] and appointed Adi Bitar, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's legal advisor, as Secretary General and Legal Advisor to the Council. The council was terminated once the United Arab Emirates was formed.^[14]

Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

In 1968, the United Kingdom announced its decision, reaffirmed in March 1971, to end the treaty relationships with the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms which had been, together with Bahrain and Qatar, under British protection. The nine attempted to form a union of Arab emirates, but by mid-1971 they were still unable to agree on terms of union, even though the British treaty relationship was to expire in December of that year.^[15]

Bahrain became independent in August, and Qatar in September 1971. When the British-Trucial Shaikhdoms treaty expired on December 1, 1971, they became fully independent.^[16]

The rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai decided to form a union between their two emirates independently, prepare a constitution, then call the rulers of the other five emirates to a meeting and offer them the opportunity to join. It was also agreed between the two that the constitution be written by December 2, 1971.^[17]

On that date, at the Dubai Guesthouse Palace, four other emirates agreed to enter into a union called the United Arab Emirates. Ras al-Khaimah joined later, in early 1972.^[18]^[19]

[edit]Recent^] history

After the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States the UAE was identified as a major financial center used by Al-Qaeda in transferring money to the hijackers (two of the9/11 hijackers were UAE citizens). The nation immediately cooperated with the U.S, freezing accounts tied to suspected terrorists and strongly clamping down on money laundering.

The country had already signed a military defense agreement with the U.S. in 1994 and one with France in 1995.

The UAE supports military operations from the United States and other Coalition nations that are engaged in the invasion of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003) as well as operations supporting the Global War on Terrorism for the Horn of Africa at Al Dhafra Air Base located outside of Abu Dhabi. The air base also supported Allied operations during the 1991 Persian Gulf War and Operation Northern Watch.

Death of Sheikhs Zayed and Maktoum

On 2 November 2004 the UAE's first ruler, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, died. His eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi. In accordance with the constitution, the UAE's Supreme Council of Rulers elected Khalifa as president. Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan succeeded Khalifa as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.^[20] In January 2006, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai, died, and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assumed both roles.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Future Green City Now

2011-06-03T12:35:00.001-07:00

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates

“ A new era is upon us, challenging us to venture beyond the achievements of the past and meet the needs of the future” - Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh; Chairman, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company

* Population: 1.6 million With a 4.5% yearly rate of increase *30% GDP dependant on Oil exports *Agricultural land use increased 4-fold in 20 years

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven emirates, or cities ruled by emirs. Located on a T-shaped island on the central western coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Abu Dhabi is second to Dubai in population, with numbers reaching over one million and increasing at a rate of 4.5 percent.

Referred to within recent years as the richest city in the world, Abu Dhabi boasts a net worth US$17 million for each of its 420,000 citizens, an amazing figure given that the remaining 97% of non-citizens living in Abu Dhabi do not share in the wealth generated by the region’s hold on 10% of the world’s oil reserves.

Abu Dhabi plays a large role in the world economy. Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), currently estimated at US$ $627 billion, is the world’s largest sovereign fund, in terms of total asset value. [The Economist]

Farming in the desert poses another challenge for the UAE, since the use of water increases with the need to grow crops. The land, measured in donum, used for growing crops has increased four times its size in the last 20 years.[Annual Bulletin of Agricultural Statistics 2009] Approximately 65% of land in the region is used for crops and fruit with only 10% available for further use.

The population in Abu Dhabi has grown 6.6 times its size in only 35 years, from 211,812 in 1975 to 1,339,484 in 2005. [Arabian Business] The scarcity of the landscape for agricultural cultivation leaves little option for expansion.

Innovative Solution: Urban Farming at the Office

Masdar City Farms

A plan for including ‘greenhouse’ walls within architectural plans is currently underway.

BrightFarm Systems and Kiss + Cathcart Architects are currently developing the first prototype Greenmarket system (hydroponic food production facility) to be built at Masdar City, in Abu Dhabi. This prototype system will act as a research and demonstration center for subsequent GreenMarket systems. The GreenMarket utilizes BrightFarm Systems pioneering rooftop and facade mounted, sustainable greenhouse designs, to integrate hydroponic food production into civic buildings. The layers of vegetation encased in the walls of the building provide shade for the building interior. - Inspiration Green

Urban Planning: Redefined

Click on Image for Tour of Masdar City

Masdar City : The Future Green City

Located in the United Arab Emerites, Masdar was proposed in 2006 to be the world’s first zero-carbon city. This oasis is also currently energy-positive, meaning it actually produces more energy than it consumes.

Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co, told NPR’s Steve Inskeep in a May 2008 interview that Masdar is “a logical step and a natural extension for our involvement in the energy markets.” Masdar City is in still in Phase Oneof completion, set to conclude in 2013, and many of its proposed alternative energy plans have become a reality.

Today, The City features:

Renewable Power: Masdar will employ a variety of renewable power resources. Among the first construction projects will be a 40 to 60 megawatt , built by the German firm Conergy, which will supply power for all other construction activity. This will later be followed by a larger facility, and additionalphotovoltaic modules will be placed on rooftops to provide supplemental solar energy totalling 130 megawatts. Wind farms will be established outside the city’s perimeter capable of producing up to 20 megawatts, and the city intends to utilise geothermal power as well.^[10][18] In addition, Masdar plans to host the world’s largest hydrogen power plant Water Management Water management has been planned in an environmentally sound manner as well.
A solar-powered desalination plant will be used to provide the city’s water needs, which is stated to be 60 percent lower than similarly sized communities. Approximately 80 percent of the water used will be recycled and waste water will be reused “as many times as possible,” with this greywater being used for crop irrigation and other purposes.
Waste Management: Biological waste will be used to create nutrient-rich soil and fertiliser, and some may also be utilised through waste incineration as an additional power source. Industrial waste, such as plastics and metals, will be recycled or re-purposed for other uses.
Excerpts from John Vidal’s April 2011 Guardian article on Masdar City

Alternative Sources of Renewable Energy:

The overall performance of the UAE’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, which account for over 30 percent of total gross domestic product (GDP). Abu Dhabi Energy The graph below shows us that oil consumption within the UAE began to rise in recent years. Should the region continue to tap into their oil reserves for their own needs, how would they maintain their hold on the market?

Fueling the economy and people of Abu Dhabi has heavily depended on the region’s oil and natural gas reserves. As depicted below the rate of Natural Gas consumption almost parallels with that of its production, but could there be a potential tipping point in Abu Dhabi in which there will be little or no reserves left for the demands of yearly rates of population increase?

In recent years, the UAE has undertaken several projects to diversify its economy and to reduce its dependence on oil and natural gas revenues. The non-oil sectors of the UAE’s economy presently contribute around 70 percent of the UAE’s total GDP, and about 30 percents of its total exports. The federal government has invested heavily in sectors such as aluminum production, tourism, aviation, re-export commerce, and telecommunications. [Abu Dhabi Energy]. As worldwide dependency in crude oil increases, the UAE will need to reconcile their increasing population with the need to export oil for revenue.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) established in 2009 by the European Union to “promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms or renewable energy” [IRENA] will have headquarters completed in Masdar by 2013. A 10MW solar power plant in Masdar was connected to the power grid in 2009 and powers the construction of the city in June 2011.

Walking on a Greener Path in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has certainly put itself on the map for representing the wave of the future in eco-city development. Masdar City is a high-density and pedestrian-friendly development where current and future renewable energy and clean technologies are showcased, marketed, researched, developed, tested and implemented. [Eco-Business]

Although in the last year Masdar City budget constraints have threatened to put plans such as their eco-friendlypod vehicles and its absolute zero-percent carbon goal on hold, the city is a crucial functioning laboratory for a solution tailored to a particular city’s future demographic and needs. What would be some of the challenges to your city’s reduction of its carbon footprint?

Places To visit : Burj Khalifa

2011-06-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

Inside Burj Dubai

The interiors of the Burj Dubai would be lavishly designed by Giorgio Armani. The entire 200 plus floors interiors by Armani would make it one of the most posh and luxurious towers on earth. Another jewel within this tower would be the first of its kind "Armani Hotel."

Corporate offices, private apartments and hotel suites is what the Burj Dubai be entirely made off. To reach the 200 floors, the tower needs super fast elevators. And thus the world's fastest elevator, 56 of them; would be ferrying people up and down this historic tower.

The World's Tallest Tower - Burj Dubai

Places To visit : Camel Racing In UAE

2011-06-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

The former president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, endorsed camel racing and provides financial support for citizens who are caretakers of camels. Camel races take place on an annual basis, mostly during the late October to early April racing season and periodically throughout the year.

The races generally take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the winter season or on 5-day races held in the UAE's larger centres. Two races are the norm, with the morning race beginning at 7:30 AM and the afternoon race at 2:30 PM.

The UAE has 15 racetracks across the country with spacious and well-kept stadiums for viewers. They are located on city outskirts, complete with rest tents, connecting roads, electricity, water, telephone lines, equipment for live television and radio broadcasts, a team of doctors, stand-by ambulances, and print transmission capabilities.

Camel Racing Dubai UAE

Race distances vary between 4 to 10 kilometres and may include anywhere from 15 to 70 camels or more. The lifting of the large, multi-strand barrier signifies the beginning of the race. At the racetracks, dress is casual, admission is free, and many serve light beverages. Binoculars are suggested and it is important to note that cameras are not permitted at the racetracks.

Camel racing is supported by the highest levels of UAE society, with former President Zayed owned a personal stable consisting of 14,000 camels and 9,000 workers for their upkeep. Sheikh Mohammed, the former Defence Minister of the UAE, owned 2,000 camels and maintained a reputation of his own for high performance on the racetracks.

At the Nad al Sheba racetrack, the morning races consist primarily of camels owned by sheikhs, whereas the afternoon races are open to all. Sheikhs have been known to buy camels from owners who have won the afternoon races, offering large sums of money to acquire the victorious camel.

Over the past 20 years, camel racing in the UAE gained more structure and prominence through increased interest in the sport and organisation. Just in the 1990's, 12 new tracks were built to meet the rising widespread demand for camel racing.

The sheiks of the UAE have invested large sums of money into the development of camel racing throughout the Emirates, in addition to putting cash into the buying and training of camels in order to participate themselves in the races. Their interest and dedication led to the First International Camel Conference, which drew specialists from all over with the primary goal of increasing racing camel performance.

Currently, there are approximately 14,000 active racing camels in the UAE, which require large numbers of people to maintain them and keep them in top condition. Workers to tend the camels many times come from neighbouring states such as Pakistan and Oman since the sport provides both indirect and direct financial support for thousands of people due to its popularity as a national pastime. Many trainers take their camels and race in other countries, such as Qatar, which have extended racing seasons beyond the UAE season.

Camel jockeys in the past were young boys between the ages of 6 and 7, weighing approximately 20 kilograms so as not to weigh down the camel. This became an international issue in addition to the trafficking of child jockeys from different countries for the race. To fight the problem, the UAE government issued a ban on child jockeys who are less than 15 years of age and weigh less than 45 kilos. Camel jockeys must carry with them government issued identification cards, which can be acquired after passing examinations by specially appointed doctors to ensure that the child is of racing age and has not been taken from a foreign country by owners claiming to be parents.

Betting on the races is illegal in the UAE, but winners receive many different prizes, many times in the form of luxury cars. Very successful racing camels are worth millions of dollars and the most coveted prize is winning the King's Cup in Dubai.

Camel Races in Dubai

Nad Al Sheba Camel Race Information: Camel racing is taken very seriously in this neck of the woods, and Dubai's race track fills to the brim every Thursday and Friday during their winter months.

Camels tend to be owned by sheikhs and jockeys can be very young - sometimes only six years old.

Places To visit : BURJ AL ARAB

2011-06-02T07:03:00.002-07:00

The World's Tallest 7 Star Hotel.

Guess where it is ..?? Again in Dubai, the City of Wonders..!!

The Burj Al Arab is one of the rarest of jewels that can be found in the world. One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, it has earned the name of being the first 7 star hotel; and so far the tallest Hotel in the world.

The name Burj Al Arab in Arabic, meaning "Tower of the Arabs"; has become an iconic symbol of Dubai. The hotel resembles a dhow (Arabian sea vessel) with a billowed out sail. Construction of this massive hotel, began in 1994 and was opened to the public in 1999; after 5 years. These five years saw the taking shape of the first of its kind, hotel built out into the Arabian sea, which was to become the symbol that the Emirate of Dubai, would be eventually identified with.

Burj Al Arab - Tower of the Arabs, Dubai. UAE.

Places To visit : The Palm Islands Dubai

2011-06-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Palm Islands are the world's three largest man-made islands, built in the shape of palm trees. They add 120 km to Dubai's coastline, and are so large they can be seen from space with the naked eye.

The project is being undertaken by Al Nakheel Properties (Nakheel Corporation), which is also the company planning the Nakheel Tower, planned to be the world's tallest building at over one kilometre high. Al Nakheel is also responsible for the man-made islands in the shape of the world.

Aerial View of Palm Jumeirah Island, Dubai UAE

The original two islands were the Palm Jumeirah and the Palm Jebel Ali, announced in 2002. They are in the shape of a date palm tree. The design consists of a trunk, a crown and 17 fronds. There is also a surrounding crescent island, the back of which forms a breakwater for the main island.

The project took four years of methodical planning and exhaustive feasibility studies in Dubai, ensuring that the islands would not disrupt the environment. The first stage of the development of The Palm Islands, included construction of the land foundations, mainly sand transfer and rock placement. The next stage is the building of infrastructure and services, as well as the 300 meter (990 feet) bridges linking the islands to the mainland. The final stage consists of the construction of homes, townhouses, and apartments.

A third island, the Palm Deira, was announced in 2004 by the crown prince of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The third island, the largest of the three, will be built on reclaimed land off the coast of Dubai's Deirah beach.

Palm Islands Jumeirah and Jebel Ali Dubai UAE From Satellite

Places To visit : Dynamic Tower Dubai

2011-06-02T07:02:00.001-07:00

The Dynamic Tower in Dubai is the first Building in Motion to be constructed in the world, and it will herald a new era of architecture and become a symbol of Dubai, the city of the future.

The developer is Rotating Tower Dubai Development Limited of Dynamic Group.

Created by revolutionary architect Dr David Fisher, the mixed use Dynamic Tower offers infinite design possibilities, as each floor rotates independently at different speeds, resulting in a unique and ever evolving structure that introduces a fourth dimension to architecture, Time.

The Dynamic Tower in Dubai will have 80 floors, and will be 420 meters (1,380 feet) tall, Apartments will range in size from 124 square meters (1,330 square feet), to Villas of 1,200 square meters (12,900 square feet) complete with a parking space inside the apartment. the first 20 floors will be an offices, floors 21 to 35 will be a luxury hotel, floor 36 through 70 will be residential apartments, and the top 10 floors will be luxury villas located in a prime location in Dubai, it is destined to become the most prestigious building in the city.

The Dynamic Tower in Dubai will be the first skyscraper to be entirely constructed in a factory from prefabricated parts, it will require only 600 people in the assembly facility and 80 technicians on the construction site instead of 2,000 workers on a similar size traditional construction site, Construction is scheduled to be completed by 2010.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, is considered by many to be a true visionary of the future, Dr Fisher's dreams for the Dynamic Tower in Dubai were inspired by His Highness who said “Do not wait for the future to come to you…face the future.”

Places To visit : Dubai Beaches

2011-06-02T07:01:00.001-07:00

Dubai has a number of excellent beaches and beach parks.

Dubai BeachDubai's main beaches run along Jumeirah Road. In truth, it is one long beach divided up by hotels and private clubs, interspaced by a few public access beaches. The Jumeirah beaches have soft white sand that slip into the shallow warm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.

There is also a public beach at Al Mamzar Park on the Deira side of the Creek. The public facilities include playgrounds, barbecue sites, food kiosks, and picnic areas for families. January temperatures are pleasant so the beaches are full of Europeans.

Summer temperatures can reach 45-50 degrees centigrade with equally high humidity.

Places To visit : Dubai Autodrome

2011-06-02T07:00:00.001-07:00

The Dubai Autodrome is the region's first fully integrated motorsports facility. The complex, a part of the Union Properties Motorcity development, not only includes an FIA sanctioned 5.39km circuit, which offers six different configurations, but also incorporates a Race & Driving school and a CIK approved Karting track.

Officially inaugurated in October 2004 when it hosted the final round of the FIA GT Championship, the Dubai Autodrome is designed to accommodate all types of motosports events from world class to local. This multi-purpose complex also serves as an ideal setting for concerts and corporate events, whether conferences, seminars, or motoring exhibitions.

Built to world-class standards, the Dubai Autodrome offers manufacturers and racing teams a perfect location for testing, prototype development, vehicle demonstrations, product launches, driver training, and hot weather car research for international manufacturers.

Irrespective of how the facilities are used, the Dubai Autodrome offers a full range of five star corporate hospitality services that guarantees a unique and unforgettable outing.

Located 25 minutes from central Dubai with direct access via a network of modern highways, the Dubai Autodrome is a safe and controlled motoring environment that can accommodate large crowds. It is also a social destination and tourist attraction for overseas visitors.