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The
second
largest
of
the
seven
emirates
that
form
the
United
Arab
Emirates,
Dubai
is
a
superb
example
of
a
New
Economy
business
hub
that
has
evolved
on
the
solid
foundations
of
a
rich
cultural
heritage.
Once
a
city
of
seafarers
and
merchants,
Dubai
is
today
recognized
as
an
international
trading
port.
While
rapid
sophistication
of
the
21st
century
has
changed
the
face
of
Dubai
from
timeless
deserts
to
a
thriving
economy
with
strengths
in
trade,
services,
manufacturing
and
technology,
Dubai
maintains
a
fine
balance
of
cultural
legacy
and
a
modern
metropolis.
The
city
offers
a
lively
experience
for
visitors
with
a
wide
variety
of
preferences.
Hi
tech
gadget
shopping
in
Mega
Malls
or
shopping
for
the
spices
&
incenses
in
the
narrow
Souk,
crossing
the
creek
in
a
rickety
old
wooden
Abra
(water
taxi)
or
doing
adrenalin
flips
in
power
boats
or
jet
skis.
Cutting
across
the
sands
in
a
4x4
or
concurring
the
dunes
on
a
camel
back,
savoring
the
fine
dining
cuisine
from
around
the
world
or
experiencing
Bedouin
hospitality
in
an
encampment.
Dancing
the
night
away
in
a
high
energy
night-club
or
sitting
back
and
enjoying
the
shivers
of
an
exotic
belly
dancer.
Getting
a
toasty
tan
on
an
unspoiled
beach
or
practicing
your
golf
swing
in
the
Tiger's
path
..
you
name
it,
we've
got
it.
Dubai
is
to
the
Middle
East
what
Hong
Kong
is
to
Asia;
a
capitalist
jewel
buzzing
with
activity.
Most
visitors
to
the
region
stop
here
for
at
least
a
day
to
browse
the
shops,
eat
in
the
restaurants
and
soak
up
the
atmosphere
of
a
city
oozing
wealth
and
a
general
air
of
self-satisfied
confidence.
Split
into
two
by
a
long
creek,
a
water
taxi
is
an
ideal
starting
point
for
orientation
purposes
and
an
opportunity
to
admire
the
modern
palatial
architecture,
the
hallmark
of
a
successful
Arab
state.
There
isn't
much
here
that
isn't
glistening
new.
Even
the
traditional
souks
that
attract
thousands
of
visitors
each
year
are
packed
with
up
to
the
minute
gadgets
and
the
latest
designer
wear.
Dubai
City
Facts
Dubai
Population
–
265,702
(Source:
UN
Population
Division
2000
estimate)
United
Arab
Emitrates
Population
–
2,444,000
(Source:
UN
Population
Division
2000
estimate)
Currency
–
UAE
Dirham
(AED)
Time
Zone
–
GMT
+
4
(9
hours
from
Eastern
Standard
Time)
Language
–
Arabic
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