History
Dubai was originally a small coastal village, which depended on fishing, pearling, herding and cultivating dates. Around 1830 it was taken over by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa Oasis. The tribe was led by Al Maktoum family, which still rules the emirate today. The inhabitants built up trade, and by the turn of the century Dubai was reputed to have the largest souks in the Gulf coast.

Dubai’s farsighted and liberal rulers attracted Indian and Persian traders who quickly settled in the growing town. However, even as trade developed, Dubai remained part of the British protectorate Trucial States, which extended along the northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

The discovery of oil in Dubai in 1966 transformed the emirate and its way of life. Dubai’s first oil exports in 1969 paved the way for a period of rapid development that laid the foundations for today’s modern society. The vision of HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum ensured that Dubai’s oil revenues were deployed wisely.

In 1971 the British withdrew from the region and Dubai joined Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates.

Geography
Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf, between latitude 25 degrees north and longitude 55 degrees east. Known as the City of Merchants, Dubai center is situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Arabian Gulf that divides the city into two sides – Deira to its north and Bur Dubai on its south. The shore side starts from al Mamzar passing through Jumeirah, Marina and ending at Jebel Ali port and free zone, Huge islands and cities still are being built such as Palm Jumeirah, Palm Deira, Palm Jebel Ali, The World Islands, Dubai Land, Business Bay and many others.

Climate and Weather
The sub-tropical, arid climate of the UAE delivers sunny blue skies and warm weather most of the year. Typically it’s warm and sunny in winter, hot and humid in the summer. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular, occurring mainly in winter. Temperatures range from a low of 10 degrees to a high of 48 degrees with the mean daily maximum of 24 degrees in January, rising to 48 degrees in August.

January 10–24 ˚C February 15–25 ˚C March 17–28 ˚C April 20–32 ˚C May 24–37 ˚C June 26–40 ˚C July 27–42 ˚C

August 29–48 ˚C September 27–38 ˚C October 23–35 ˚C November 19–30 ˚C December 15–26 ˚C

International Relations
The UAE takes a stance of non-alignment in its foreign affairs but is committed to the support of Arab unity. In 1971, it became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League. It is also a member of the International Monetary Fund, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), World Trade Organization and other international and Arab organizations. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait are members of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC).

Government
The highest federal authority is the Supreme Council of the UAE, composed of hereditary rulers from the seven emirates. The Head of State is elected from its members. The President of UAE is HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi. The Vice-President is HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai. The Supreme Council is responsible for policy matters involving communications, defense, education, foreign affairs and development, as well as ratifying federal laws.

Economy
The UAE has an open economy. Although it derives wealth from the hydrocarbon sector, Dubai only gets 20% of its economic production from oil.

Dubai is the second richest emirate after Abu Dhabi and has long established itself as the main trading port in the region. Non-oil sectors like trading, services, tourism, manufacturing and construction make up about 90% of Dubai’s total gross domestic product. The emirate is one of the Gulf’s main business centers, the home of a massive dry dock for ship repair, and has one of the busiest airports in the Middle East.

Population
There are 1.49 million people residing in Dubai and 19% are Emirati nationals. The rest of the population is 23% other Arabs and Iranians, 50% South Asians, and 8% other expatriates.

Local Time
The UAE is 4 hours ahead of UCT/GMT with no change during the summer.

Electricity & Water
Domestic electricity supply is 220/240 volts. The UAE uses the three-prong British plug and socket system. American-made appliances need a transformer.