Located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai aims to be the business hub of Western Asia. [164] [165], Tourism is an important part of the Dubai government's strategy to maintain the flow of foreign cash into the emirate. [228] The Marine Transport Agency has also implemented the Dubai Water Bus System. [25], An early mention of Dubai is in 1095 in the Book of Geography by the Andalusian-Arab geographer Abu Abdullah al-Bakri. It prohibits Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from disclosing information gathered in providing services. [148], A City Mayors survey ranked Dubai 44th among the world's best financial cities in 2007,[149] while another report by City Mayors indicated that Dubai was the world's 27th richest city in 2012, in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). [181], The main site of Dubai Expo 2020 will be a 438-hectare area (1,083 acres), part of the new Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali urban development, located midway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. An extension to the Red Line connecting the EXPO 2020 site is due to open in April 2020. Israeli healthcare group says coronavirus infections... COVID-19 positivity rate tops 10 percent in nearly a THIRD of all NYC zip codes as Gov. [65] Dubai summers are also known for the very high humidity level, which can make it very uncomfortable for many with exceptionally high dew points in summer. [40], 1959 saw the establishment of Dubai's first telephone company, 51% owned by IAL (International Aeradio Ltd) and 49% by Sheikh Rashid and local businessmen and in 1961 both the electricity company and telephone company had rolled out operational networks. [59], Dubai is situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates and is roughly at sea level (16 m or 52 ft above). Mastercard's Global Destination Cities Index 2019 found that tourists spend more in Dubai than in any other country. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Seismically, Dubai is in a very stable zone—the nearest seismic fault line, the Zagros Fault, is 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the UAE and is unlikely to have any seismic impact on Dubai. [221] UK-based international service company Serco is responsible for operating the metro. A glittering capitalist fantasyland has taken shape at the heart of the Arab world. With the collapse of the pearling industry, Dubai fell into a deep depression and many residents lived in poverty or migrated to other parts of the Persian Gulf. p.157, The Middle East and North Africa. It is the world's largest flower garden. [66] The highest recorded temperature in Dubai is 48.8 °C (119.8 °F). Dubai has suspended non-essential surgery for a month and live entertainment in hotels and restaurants until further notice as coronavirus infections surge in the Middle East trade hub. "[18] According to Fedel Handhal, a scholar on the UAE's history and culture, the word Dubai may have come from the word daba (Arabic: دبا) (a past tense derivative of yadub (Arabic: يدب), which means "to creep"), referring to the slow flow of Dubai Creek inland. Dubai also took delivery of over $15 million-worth of watches and over 5 million ounces of silver. Georgia Steel has jetted out of Dubai to the Maldives as she labelled the Covid-19 pandemic as "very dull". By Roxy Simons and Vivek Chaudhary For Mailonline, Published: 14:06 EST, 12 January 2021 | Updated: 06:31 EST, 13 January 2021. Hatta, a minor exclave of the emirate, is surrounded on three sides by Oman and by the emirates of Ajman (in the west) and Ras Al Khaimah (in the north). The houbara bustard, striped hyena, caracal, desert fox, falcon and Arabian oryx are common in Dubai's desert. Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country. British preacher Reverend Andrew Thompson claimed that the United Arab Emirates is one of the most tolerant places in the world towards Christians and that it is easier to be a Christian in the UAE than in the UK. It also features a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor Kartdrome, popular among racing enthusiasts and recreational riders. Dubai maintained its importance as a trade route through the 1970s and 1980s. [254] Censorship is common in Dubai and used by the government to control content that it believes violates the cultural and political sensitivities of Emirates. [216] In addition to being an important passenger traffic hub, the airport is the sixth-busiest cargo airport in world, handling 2.37 million tons of cargo in 2014. The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen, chiefly those from Iran, many of whom eventually settled in the town. [178], On 2 November 2011, four cities had their bids for Expo 2020 already lodged, with Dubai making a last-minute entry. The UAE's judicial system is derived from the civil law system and Sharia law.The court system consists of civil courts and Sharia courts. [244], The inaugural Dubai Food Festival was held between 21 February to 15 March 2014. Middle-East Arab News and Opinion - Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities Thirteen such services were launched by October 2001, while several other services were expected to be operational in the future. Faryal Makhdoom said the Government was creating new rules "with practically no warning". The Red Line, which has 29 stations (4 underground, 24 elevated and 1 at ground level) running from Rashidiya Station to UAE Xchange Station in Jebel Ali, is the major backbone line. About 60% of Internet users were Asian, while 25% of users were Arab. This gold was, in the vast majority, re-exported - mainly to customers who took delivery in international waters off India. The emirate's share in the UAE's total gas revenues is about 2%. [125], Article 7 of the UAE's Provisional Constitution declares Islam the official state religion of the UAE. The crucial policy shift came as the United Arab Emirates witnessed a severe economic crisis that led to a drop in alcohol sales by volume in a decade. [237], The city's cultural imprint as a small, ethnically homogeneous 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. The Burj Khalifa's design is derived from the patterning systems embodied in Islamic architecture, with the triple-lobed footprint of the building based on an abstracted version of the desert flower hymenocallis which is native to the Dubai region. [271], Dubai has a very active education regulator, the KHDA, which is best known for its school ratings, but actually has a wide mandate[272] when it comes to school improvement in the emirate. It was in Arabic, and there was no translation. Each park is uniquely distinct from the other. [144] This has had a major impact on property investors in the region, some of whom were unable to release funds from investments made in property developments. There are five private operators: Metro Taxis (orange roofs); Network Taxis (yellow roofs); Cars Taxis (blue roofs); Arabia Taxis (green roofs); and City Taxis (purple roof). US Library of Congress – Legislative Branches, Dubai Municipality's e-government initiative. A total of 17 schools are currently rated Outstanding (2020), and a further 40 rated Very Good. Since 2006, the weekend has been Friday and Saturday, as a compromise between Friday's holiness to Muslims and the Western weekend of Saturday and Sunday. One can also avail oneself of the tourist water bus facility in Dubai. [243] Shisha and qahwa boutiques are also popular in Dubai. Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum family since 1833; the emirate is a constitutional monarchy. Faryal Makhdoom has labelled the UK government a ‘dictatorship’ over its new travel restrictions for those travelling to and from Dubai. [131] Dubai's geographical proximity to Iran made it an important trade location. The owner of seven hotels in the country, including the Waldorf Astoria on the man-made island Palm Jumeirah, Habtoor stated that Dubai's economy cannot afford to wait for the vaccine, before resuming the major activities. Previously, alcohol was only accessible for the locals with special licences. In May 2013, Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan was revealed. The delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions, which visited Dubai in February 2013 to examine the Emirate's readiness for the largest exposition, was impressed by the infrastructure and the level of national support. [224], A tramway located in Al Sufouh, will run for 14.5 km (9.0 mi) along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to the Burj Al Arab and the Mall of the Emirates with two interchanges with Dubai Metro's Red Line. There are a small number of Pakistani schools offering FBISE curriculum for expatriate children in Dubai. January 11 2021 00:01 UTC Natwest UK Regional PMI View More. Rwanda’s Rendition of a Hollywood Hero Confirms the Country’s Descent Into Dictatorship Paul Rusesabagina is the latest dissident to be caught in the Rwandan ruler’s authoritarian net. On Monday it … Dictatorship is a type of government where one person or a group of people enjoy unbridled power in the absence of any limitations. This led to an acceleration of Sheikh Rashid's infrastructure development plans and a construction boom that brought a massive influx of foreign workers, mainly Asians and Middle easterners. Any act of spreading discord among employees will be punishable by imprisonment, and in all cases, foreigners will be deported. 2 December 2005, On the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Legal System. Those exhibiting symptoms are required to get a test. The festival was designed to showcase the variety of flavours and cuisines on offer in Dubai featuring the cuisines of over 200 nationalities at the festival. [255] Homosexuality, drugs, and the theory of evolution are generally considered taboo. The first field was named 'Fateh' or 'good fortune'. Washington [US], January 1 (ANI): US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, on Thursday, while lambasting the Chinese Communist Party for the treatment to a group of 12 pro-democracy protestors who tried to flee Taiwan in wake of Beijing's imposition of the draconian National Security Law, called for China to immediately release the ten Hong Kong activists. Oil accounted for 24% of GDP in 1990, but had reduced to 7% of GDP by 2004. Since it opened in September 2004, the Dubai IFC has attracted, as a regional hub, leading international firms and set-up the NASDAQ Dubai which lists equity, derivatives, structured products, Islamic bonds (sukuk) and other bonds. [138], Historically, Dubai and its twin across Dubai Creek, Deira (independent of Dubai City at that time), were important ports of call for Western manufacturers. [223] An extension to connect to the Red Line of the Dubai Metro is planned. The ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is also the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and member of the Supreme Council of the Union (SCU). A Blue and a Purple Line have also been planned. [71] Dubai Municipality is also in charge of the city's sanitation and sewage infrastructure. According to the US Bureau of Diplomatic Security, petty theft, pickpocketing, scams, and sexual harassment still occur although they are usually not violent and weapons are not involved. Each employee will be punished with not less than 6 months in prison and not more than a year, as the imprisonment will be for leaving the job or duties that affect the health or the security of the people, or affect other public services of public benefit." [46], The flat sandy desert gives way to the Western Hajar Mountains, which run alongside Dubai's border with Oman at Hatta. Feel like I’m living in a dictatorship”. Anyone displaying symptoms should not be able to fly. A vast sea of sand dunes covers much of southern Dubai and eventually leads into the desert known as The Empty Quarter. But instead of adhering to rules for those who come into contact with anyone testing positive, Khan jetted off to Dubai where he warmly embraced Cristiano Ronaldo at an awards ceremony days later. Some women may add a niqab which cover the mouth and nose and only leaves the eyes exposed. The network has an Internet bandwidth of 7.5 Gbit/s with capacity of 49 STM1 links. I put myself in danger and also my friends. Auto racing is also a big sport in Dubai, the Dubai Autodrome is home to many auto racing events throughout the year. This was followed by the Ambassador and Carlton Hotels in 1968. Various types of turtles can also be found in the area including the hawksbill turtle and green turtle, which are listed as endangered species.[62][63]. This meaning was mentioned by Mao Zedong in his June 1949 speech on “The People’s Democratic Dictatorship.” What is the meaning behind the colours of the Flag of China? Etisalat uses a proxy server to filter Internet content that the government deems to be inconsistent with the values of the country, such as sites that provide information on how to bypass the proxy; sites pertaining to dating, gay and lesbian networks, and pornography; and previously, sites originating from Israel. Dubai also has a poor human rights record that is criticised by human rights organisations. His regime stands out from those of other dictatorships for its use of forced labor in support of both infrastructure projects and for military actions that the Burmese government is taking against a variety of ethnic minorities. [61] Experts also predict that the possibility of a tsunami in the region is minimal because the Persian Gulf waters are not deep enough to trigger a tsunami. Dubai also – like its neighbours on the Trucial Coast – entered into an exclusivity agreement in which the United Kingdom took responsibility for the emirate's security in 1892. [243] Al-Wasl have the second-most number of championships in the UAE League, after Al Ain. [126] All mosques in Dubai are managed by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department also known as "Awqaf" under the Government of Dubai and all Imams are appointed by the Government. The emirate of Dubai shares borders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the northeast, and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast. Latest addition to the water transport system is the Water Taxi.[229]. The bus system services 140 routes and transported over 109 million people in 2008. January 11 2021 00:01 UTC Royal Bank of Scotland PMI View More. [43], Throughout the 1960s Dubai was the centre of a lively gold trade, with 1968 imports of gold at some £56 million. It comes after Faryal jetted out to Dubai in … [3] The region covers 1,287.5 square kilometres (497.1 sq mi). Groups that do not have their own buildings are allowed to use the facilities of other religious organisations or worship in private homes. [218], The development of Al Maktoum International Airport (IATA: DWC) was announced in 2004. [32] The frequency of these vessels only helped to accelerate Dubai's role as an emerging port and trading hub of preference. The World or The World Islands is an archipelago of small artificial islands constructed in the shape of a world map, located in the waters of the Persian Gulf, 4.0 kilometres (2.5 mi) off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Museveni won 5.85 million votes, or 58.6%, while main opposition candidate Wine had 3.48 million votes (34.8%), the Electoral Commission said at a news conference on the final results … [190][191] At the top, Burj Khalifa, the world's second highest observatory deck after the Shanghai Tower with an outdoor terrace is one of Dubai's most popular tourist attractions, with over 1.87 million visitors in 2013.[192]. In a letter to the Sultan of Muscat in 1911, Butti laments, 'Misery and poverty are raging among them, with the result that they are struggling, looting and killing among themselves.'[34]. Fed up with loadshedding, bombs, and TV cynicism pervading Pakistan, I recently escaped to Dubai for a holiday. According to its 2013 research report on the future competitiveness of cities, in 2025, Dubai will have moved up to 23rd place overall in the Index. Private companies were established to build and operate infrastructure, including electricity, telephone services and both the ports and airport operators. In 2001, Dubai Municipality embarked on an e-Government project with the intention of providing 40 of its city services through its web portal, [dubai.ae]. [202] The trains are fully automated and driverless. "[194] The hotel opened in December 1999. The exodus from Abu Dhabi was led by Obeid bin Saeed and Maktoum bin Butti, who became joint leaders of Dubai until Ubaid died in 1836, leaving Maktum to establish the Maktoum dynasty.[26]. The force is under direct command of Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum. YEMEN'S POLITICAL SITUATION? The Dubai IFC model is an independent risk-based regulator with a legislative system consistent with English common law. The Kazzans were an innovative oil storage solution which meant supertankers could moor offshore even in bad weather and avoided the need to pipe oil onshore from Fateh, which is some 60 miles out to sea. [161] In June 2020, the Moody’s Investors Service cut down its ratings for eight of the biggest banks based in the UAE from stable to negative. Slamming the decision on Snapchat on Monday, Amir Khan's wife, 29, who flew to the city in December despite suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, hit out: 'The British government has failed the UK. Why are people so convinced America has become a neo-fascist empire? 4. [180] The event will bring huge economic benefits by generating activities worth billions of dirhams and may create over 270,000 jobs. Traditionally, dhows from East Asia, China, Sri Lanka, and India would discharge their cargo and the goods would be bargained over in the souks adjacent to the docks. Ironically, the boxer had earlier posted a video urging people to remain in their homes and follow the government's coronavirus advice on social distancing. Some schools, such as The American School of Dubai, also offer the curriculum of the United States. The idea that Dubai is an oasis of freedom on the Arabian peninsular is one of the great lies of our time.Yes, it has Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts and the Gucci styles, but beneath these accoutrements, there is a dictatorship built by slaves.If you go there with your eyes open - as I did It came after the country recorded a 52% surge in the number of coronavirus cases. The tower was inspired by the structure of the desert flower Hymenocallis. Trip: While in Dubai, Faryal shared videos and picture with fans (pictured), the UAE has now been removed from the UK's travel corridor list after a 52 per cent surge of COVID-19 cases, 'I've lost six pounds': Faryal previously revealed she lost weight after experiencing Covid-19 symptoms such as lost sense of taste and smell, but the pair travelled abroad anyway. Dubai enacted an Electronic Transactions and Commerce Law in 2002 which deals with digital signatures and electronic registers. [39] Bahrain and Qatar dropped out of talks, leaving six of the seven 'trucial' emirates to agree on union on 18 July 1971. The idea that Dubai is an oasis of freedom on the Arabian peninsular is one of the great lies of our time. As of the fourth quarter 2006, its trading volume stood at about 400 billion shares, worth $95 billion in total. Arab hotel buildings are allowed to use the facilities of other is dubai a dictatorship organisations or worship in private homes symptoms... 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