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Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken
over in about 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe
from the Liwa oasis led by the Maktoum family who still
rule the emirate today.
The second largest of the seven emirates which make
up the Untied Arab Emirates
Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats,
cultivating dates, fishing and pearling, but the inhabitants
built up trade too. By the turn of the century, Dubai
was reputed to have the largest souks on the Gulf coast,
with 350 shops in the Deira district alone.
Commercial success allied to the liberal attitudes
of Dubai's rulers, made the emirate attractive to traders
from India and Iran, who began to settle in the growing
town. But, while trade developed, Dubai remained politically
a protectorate of Britain as part of the Trucial States
extending along the northern coast of the Arabian peninsula.
On the British withdrawal in 1971, Dubai came together
with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah
and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation
of the United Arab Emirates
This was shortly after the discovery of oil in 1966,
which was soon to transform the emirate and its way
of life. Dubai's first oil exports in 1969 were followed
by a period of rapid development that laid the foundations
for today's modern society.
Dubai is divided into two parts by Dubai Creek and
is the historic focal point of life in Dubai.
The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall
is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter,
it amounts to some 13 centimetres a year.
Temperatures range from a low of about 10 degrees
Celsius to a high of 48 degrees Celsius. The mean
daily maximum is 24 degrees in January rising to 41
degrees in July.
The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood
and ranks alongside Arabic as the language of commerce.
The Arab national dress worn in Dubai is well adapted
to the high temperatures of the region.
The white ankle-length, loose-fitting garment worn
by men is known as the Kandoura or Dishdasha, while
the women’s black long-sleeved full-length robe
is also called an abayah. Headcoverings, are used by
both sexes for protection from sand and the midday sun.
Like women everywhere, the women of Dubai too have a
fondness for jewelry and have customarily adorned themselves
with gold and silver necklacee, forehead decorations,
earrings, bracelets, anklets and rings for fingers,
noses and even toes. Henna- a reddish dye obtained from
powdered leaves-is widely used to stain the palms and
soles of the feet for weddings and other special occasions.
The local currency is the UAE Dirham and mmajior credits
are accepted accepted.
Dotted around Dubai are a number of historic buildings
and sites that offer a glimpse of a bygone era. The
following are some of the most prominent. Heritage Sites:
Al Ahmadiya School
Established in 1912, Al Ahmadiya School was the first
regular school in Dubai, located in the Al-Ras Area
of Deira. The two-storey building was renovated in 1995
for use as a museum of education.
Visiting Hours:
Saturday to Thursday: 08:00-07:30 daily
Friday: 02:30pm-07:30pm
Built in 1934 by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al
Maktoum, Bait al Wakeel was the first office Building
in Dubai.
At the edge of the Creek near the abra landing, the
building’s restoration was Complete in 1995.
Located adjacent to the Al Ahmadiya School, the house
has a large countryyard with a rectangular windtower.
The oldest part of the house dates back to the 1890’s.
Visiting Hours:
Saturday to Thursday: 08:30-13:30 and 15:30-20:00
Friday: 01:30pm-08:00pm
One of the many watchtowers that once guarded the old
city, built in 1870, the restored Burj Nahar in Its
picturesque gardens in Deira is popular with photographers.
The oldest part of the house dates back to the 1890’s
with many newer parts added in later years. It is a
large courtyard house with more than 10 rooms and a
rectangular windtower.
Visiting Hours
Saturday to Wednesday: 07:30-14:30
Ramadan: Saturday- Thursday: 09:00-17:00
Friday: 14:00-17:00
Telephone: 04-2260286
 A
tradition heritage village, located near the mouth of
Dubai Creek in the Sindagha district, features Potters
and weavers practicing traditional crafts, as well as
exhibits and demonstrations of pearl diving.
It is a place where the visitor can take a step back
in time and experience some of Dubai’s Culture
and heritage.
Visiting Hours
Saturday to Thursday: 08:00-22:00
Friday: 08:00-11:00 and 16:00-22:00
Ramadan: Saturday- Thursday: 21:00-24:00
Telephone: 3937151
 Built
around 1955 as a summer retreat for the late Sheikh
Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the majlis is Located in
the Jumeirah area near the sea and features a traditional
palm tree garden with a “falaj” irrigation
system.
Visiting Hours
Saturday to Thursday : 08:30-13:30and 15:30-20:30
Friday: 13:30-20:30
Ramadan: Saturday- Thursday: 09:00-24:00
Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, was built
around 1799, and once guarded the landward approaches
to the town.
Renovated in 1993 for use as museum, its colourful
life size dioramas vividly depict everyday life in the
days before the discovery of oil. Galleries recreate
scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques,
the souk, date farms and desert and marine life.
One of the more spectacular exhibits portrays pearl
diving, including sets of pearl merchants’ weights,
scales and shieves. Also on display are artifacts from
several excavations in the emirate, recovered from graves
that date back to the third millennium B.C.
Life in Dubai was harsh in the old days.
Nomadic Bedoiun with their camel herds roamed the desert.
Sheep and goat herders scratched a living on the arid
mountainsides. And cultivators carefully tended date
palms wherever a trace of water could be found.
Along the coast, traditional occupations included dhow
building, fishing and pearl diving, the latter a major
factor in Dubai’s rise to prominence as a trading
center.
 The
two main souks of Bur Dubai and Deira are being restored
to highlight the historical commercial roots of the
city.
Both markets are covered with traditional roofing materials,
with shops featuring old- style wooden doors.
 Dubai’s
culture is rooted in Islam, providing a strength and
inspiration that touches all aspects of every-day life.
Virtually every neighborhood has its own mosque, where
the faithful congregate for prayer five times everyday.
One of the largest and most beautiful- Jumeirah Mosque-is
a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture.
Built of stone in medieval Fatimid style, the mosque
is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting
throws its artistry into sharp relief.
Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Holy
Koran, is the Holy Month of fasting when Muslims abstain
from all food and drink from dawn to dusk.
Courtesy and hospitality, are among the most highly
prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will
be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people.
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