Dubai is continually growing to be home to an exciting, diverse, multi-cultural blend of young, dynamic and professional people enjoying the unrivalled quality of life that the Emirate has to offer. It is no surprise therefore that Dubai has recorded some of the fastest growth in population in the world. More and more people emigrate to the city for quality of life, outstanding employment prospects and to experience the very best in the world of work and lifestyle.
The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates that came together on the 2nd December 1971 to form the UAE. The capital city is Abu Dhabi. The Seven emirates are:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah
- Umm Al Quwain
- Ajman
- Fujairah
- Ras Al Khaimah
Dubai began life as one of the Trucial States, a federation of seven individual states, all with separate rulers or emirs. A pearl diving and fishing hub in around the 5th and 6th century, it acted as a stopover point for the then Islamic centre point, Iraq. Due to its location, Dubai held great strategic importance to the super power of the day, Great Britain. Fearing their superiority in the region could be challenged by the Russians and the French, Britain offered protection and non interference in local politics on the condition that the Trucial States had no communication with any of the other global powers.
It was in 1833 that the Maktoum family began their rule in Dubai, which still continues to this day with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Aware of the superior forces of its neighbouring states, Dubai signed an individual protection agreement with the British, who then helped to bring more stability to the region, permitting focus to fall back to trade, which was centred on the Dubai Creek. This was where the pearl diving industry was based, and it thrived with exports to India, Persia and Europe. The traditional souk from this time is still a major draw to visitors, now consisting of a restored gold souk and spice souk. The booming trade with both Persia and India then led to traders coming to stay in the city, starting off the multinational population that is very much a part of Dubai today.
Dubai's prosperity at this time was for the most part down to the exemption of tax for a large proportion of its workers, and the business policies that were implemented to further increase trade, by the then ruler Sheikh Maktoum. The start of the 20th century witnessed Dubai's population increase rapidly, to around 20,000, almost twice its previous size, with the abolishment of commercial taxes.
However the Pearl trade soon began to face decline with the Japanese discovery of cultured pearls, and the general drop off in World trade during the 1930's. Although spared the fighting of World War II, the Trucial States where hit by food shortages and a massive fall in trade. The discovery of oil in the region kick-started trade again. Dubai realised the potential of the large equipment and manpower required by the oil companies and set about expanding the Creek. This allowed for larger vessels to anchor there and trade levels increased 20% whilst the population grew rapidly as a result. By the end of the 1970's a quarter of a million people lived in Dubai. In 1971 Britain ended its influence in the region, and the leaders of the Trucial States came together to form what is known today as the United Arab Emira
The 1970's saw the UAE involved in large scale industrial development, and whilst oil continued to produce large amounts of money, Dubai continued it path of diversification, and in 1979 opened the world trade centre. This attracted some the world's biggest firms to come to Dubai, and this trend continued throughout the 1980's. It was during the 1990's that Dubai started to transport infrastructure to the region for tourism. The result of this is clearly evident today. With a large white collar workforce, specialised service related business clusters, such as the internet and media cities and a booming tourism industry, Dubai has continued to grow on its roots as a 6th century trading post. Through the numerous unique developments that the Emirate has pursued to grow as a business and tourism centre, Dubai has become widely recognised across the world. With more ambitious projects planned in the near future, Dubai is going to continue to grow and prosper long into the 21st century.
Living in the Emirate of Dubai
Living in Dubai is highly attractive to many as a result of the good quality of life it provides through tax free salaries and relatively cheap living costs. This allows peoples money to go a lot further than it would back home.
Year round sunshine and low crime rates ensure a pleasant and safe environment that few plan to leave. Bars and nightclubs are found in hotels as to comply with the alcohol licensing laws and the result of this is that if you like going out, you'll find yourself in some of the best hotels in the world on a frequent basis
Cost of living in Dubai
The cost of living is still reasonably good value when compared to other major cities, however, some aspects are not as good in value. Rent is the largest outgoing for most, and can take up a large proportion of one's salary. However this is now starting to level out and has now been capped at a 7% increase per year. The completion of new development projects should also ease rental incomes in the near future to a more reasonable and sustainable level.
Food costs are generally low, with fresh meat, fish and fruits particularly good value. Supermarkets sell an extensive array of products, so most goods you would expect to see back home can be found here.
Cars are inexpensive in Dubai and petrol better value still. Therefore living in Dubai is not as expensive as one would assume from the lifestyle it provides and many companies will even provide accommodation and car allowances.
Postal Services in Dubai
There is no house to house postal service in Dubai, with all mail instead being delivered to a central post office then sent to a PO Box in one of 22 post office branches in Dubai. You can either have mail sent to your place of employment or you can rent your own PO Box. To do so, you will need your residency visa and 2 copies, 2 copies of your passport and 2 passport sized photos. The cost will be 150 DHS for a year's rental.
For beginners here are some handy giudes compiled by us which should make your task of settling down in this city a little easy.
Attractions
Dubai offers an extensive horizon of things to do, see, experience and learn. It is surrounded by mysterious deserts, sand dunes and the stunning Hajar Mountains, it is divided by the Creek which is essentially an inlet from the gulf splitting the commercial centre of Dubai in two, and within the city you'll find amazing beach resorts, incredibly high tech buildings all side by side with old traditional houses and mosques giving you a peek of just what variety you can expect from your time in Dubai.
To know more about what makes Dubai one the most sought after destinations in the world. Click here.
Although Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates is the most liberal part of the Middle East, there are still many Islamic rules that should be respected by visitors. Here is a list of other things that may be of a help in getting around in Dubai
- Accommodation
- Business Guide
- Jobs in Dubai
- Multi Cultural Dubai
- Transportation
- Top Ten Reasons why Dubai
- Utilities & Services
- Other Useful Information
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