Joanna James
Dubai can be a fascinating place indeed, apart from its wealth and opulence, the city is part of a rich culture influenced by Islamic beliefs and culture. Here are some interesting facts about a much-loved city.
It's hard to imagine considering how much the city has prospered! The credit goes towards the rulers of the Emirati, whose vision for Dubai has outdone itself. The whole idea first started with Sheikh Rashid who was worried about the future of the city, once the fuel supplies run out. Sheikh Mohammed is the one who undertook the project to make Dubai the global city it is today!
The Emirates love to be grand and flaunt their opulence. They love to have the best in everything, and why not as they have the wealth for it. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world at 2,717 ft and has 163 floors. In comparison, the Eiffel Tower is just 300 metres. Construction started in 2004 and officially opened in 2010. The whole project cost was US $ 1 billion.
Recent records have revealed that the number of ex-pats living in the United Arab Emirates outruns the local population by over 88%. In Dubai, the number can even be higher. For an expatriate to be considered a resident, they must have lived there for over 20 years. A bulk of the expatriates come from the working community, from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The growing number of major corporations and hotels have attracted a large number of foreigners from the west as well.
This rule applies to all the cities, including Dubai, despite its more forward approach towards tourism. Unmarried couples cannot share a room or be seen in public. Although this is a factor, as long as one pretends to be married and not flaunt their unmarried status, it will rarely be an issue. Other than holding hands, any form of public display of affection, even between married couples is frowned upon and is unacceptable. It may well be illegal, and there are reports of convictions as well! Homosexuality is also a criminal offence with dire consequences, so bear in mind these facts before planning any vacations to the UAE.
One doesn't have to pay taxes or income taxes in Dubai – one of the perks of working in Dubai is just that! It applies to expatriates as well, thus Dubai's growth as an employment hub is understandable, and is becoming an appealing destination for job hunters all across the world. The city is ever popping up with new buildings, hotels and residences in Dubai are ever-growing. So much so that one might be lost for choice! Places like Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort are among the many options available.
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