Language
The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and ranks alongside Arabic as the language of commerce.
History
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.
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 which laid the foundations for today's modern society. Much of the credit for this development can be traced to the vision of the late Ruler, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ensured that Dubai's oil revenues, despite being relatively modest by the standards of the region, were deployed to maximum effect.
His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the result that Dubai is constantly building up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society.
Government
The Supreme Council of the UAE, comprising the hereditary rulers of the seven emirates, is the highest federal authority. It is responsible for general policy matters involving communications, education, defence, foreign affairs and development, and for ratifying federal laws. The President, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, who is also Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the Vice-President, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, are elected by the Supreme Council from among its members.
The Federal Council of Ministers, responsible to the Supreme Council, has executive authority to initiate and implement laws. The Federal National Council is a consultative assembly of 40 representatives who are appointed for two years by the individual emirates. The council monitors and debates government policy but has no power of veto.
While Abu Dhabi is the centre of federal government activities, most ministerial departments also maintain offices in Dubai.
Population
According to the Ministry of Planning, the population of the U.A.E. expanded from 2,230,000 in 1994 to 2,377,453 in 1995. Dubai's population stands at 674,101.
Banking
In the U.A.E., most banks are open from 0800 to 1300 hours Saturday through Thursday. All banks are closed on Friday. There are NO banks in Dubai that will cash US checks.
Western Union
Western Union services are available throughout UAE at most money exchangers.
ATM
BE ADVISED: There are no ATM’s currently available pierside the ship or in the OASIS. Plan ahead and if possible withdraw/cash a check on board prior to arrival in the UAE!
Additionally, ATM PLUS system access can be made at HSBC outlets throughout the city and is available on a 24-hour basis.
American Express
Cash advances are available For AMEX cardholders at the American Express Office next to the General Post Office in Karama.
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