Dubai is located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, along the southeast coast of the Arabian Gulf. It is one of the seven emirates that form the country (U.A.E.) with an area of approximately 4,114 km2 -second largest city in U.A.E – and a population of around 2.1 million. Dubai is particularly known for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage and is considered the central business and transport hub for many people from around the world. Dubai offers various experiences to its visitors that involves it’s deep-rooted heritage, calmness mountains, intriguing deserts, stunning beaches, luxurious hotels and shopping malls. The local currency is Dirham which is pegged around AED 3.67 to 1 US Dollar. Dubai culture is formed around Islam and the traditional Arab culture. Visitors to the city are welcomed to come and experience, learn, interact with Emirati’s to have a glimpse of the authentic culture of Dubai. However, visitors are required to adopt a certain level of cultural and religious sensitivity when visiting Dubai.

In addition to Dubai being a cosmopolitan city, it also shines as a city that has its roots deep into history. Evidence reveals a history of over 5000 years in sites such Al Safooh, Hatta, Sarouj Al Hadeed and Al Quasis archaeological sites. Evidence supports the conclusion that Dubai was a major settlement area and was among the many cities that were located along the main inland routes connecting the south to the north of the Arabian Peninsula. Artifacts indicate a strong trade connection with countries such as Iraq, Bahrain and Yemen. A major turning point was in 1833 when around 800 of members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Maktoum Family, travelled from Abu Dhabi to settle in Dubai at the mouth of the creek (Khor) in 1833. This was the beginning of an era that made Dubai what it is today. The natural harbor and the surrounding settlements become a main hub for trade and the pearling industry. Till date, the activities along the creek has been preserved along with more than 500 historic buildings of much many have been restored and opened to the public. Led by Dubai Municipality, the site of Khor Dubai – including the settlements- is proposed to be nominated on the World Heritage List in 2017 as an example of a city that has preserved the continuity of trade activities with evidence of traditional old markets, merchant houses and administrative buildings. To view the nomination, click here.

• Al Faheidi disctrict
• Al Shindagha District
• Bur Dubai and Ras Market (Deira)

• www.cultures.ae
• www.dm.gov.ae
• www.dubai.ae
• www.dubaiculture.ae
• www.visitdubai.com
• www.rta.ae
• www.dafz.ae
• www.wonderbusdubai.net
• www.dubaitaxi.ae
• www.dnrd.ae
• www.bigbustours.com