Featuring Dubai
History and culture
"Marhaba" and welcome to the United Arab Emirates. Once known only as a Gulf oil state, the UAE has become the fastest progressing state comprised of seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi (capital state), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al Kaimah, Umm al Quwain and Fujairah.
Dubai is the second largest member of the UAE and the country's most important port and commercial centre. With a population of approximately 1.5 million, the city is home to a wide diversity of nationalities. Although the official language is Arabic, English is widely spoken.
Long before the discovery of oil, Dubai was known as the "City of Merchants," the gateway to the Gulf welcoming seafarers and traders from other lands. Today, Dubai extends this welcome to holiday makers and business visitors, offering facilities of the highest international standard combined with the charm and adventure of the Middle East, an exceptional blend of modern city and desert.