Where Are We?

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula.The modern emirate of Dubai was created after the UK left the area in 1971. At this time Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates. Although Dubai's economy was built on the oil industry, currently the emirate's main revenues are from tourism, real estate, and financial services. Although, it was established in 1971, Dubai has really only become what it is today over the last 10 years.

The Persian Gulf borders the western coast of the emirate while the Arabian Desert borders the east. Dubai has no natural river bodies or oases; however, Dubai does have a natural inlet, Dubai Creek, which has been dredged to make it deep enough for large vessels to pass through. Dubai also has multiple gorges and waterholes which dot the base of the Western Al Hajar mountains. A vast sea of sand dunes covers much of southern Dubai, and eventually leads into the desert known as The Empty Quarter.

The presidency and prime minister of the UAE are hereditary to the Al Nahyan clan of Abu Dhabi and the Al Maktoum family of Dubai. Dubai's current ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is also Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE. (His picture is everywhere.)

Dubai has been described as a collection of different ethnicity's living in parallel, rather than a mixed, multicultural society; "more of a salad bowl than a melting pot". Dubai is considered to be very westernized, with most of the population being made up of expats.

The climate here is blue skies and sunny just about everyday. The hottest months are between June and September with temperatures averaging about 115 and surprisingly very high humidity levels. Temperatures are slightly more moderate the rest of the year with the coolest months being December through March. Dubai gets very little rainfall each year. The average is about five inches per year. (Since we have arrived during the hottest summer months, I can honestly say that I have never looked forward to the "winter" as much as I am this year.

Many big name sporting events also take place in Dubai each year, including several PGA events, the World Tennis Championships, FIFA soccer events and auto racing. There is also the world's flashiest, richest horse race here this year (although gambling is illegal). Several events that could be fun to watch that also take place in the city are camel racing and dune boarding. Personally, I am hoping to participate in the Dubai Marathon while we are here as well. There seems to be a lack of ESPN in the region, so Chris has had to rely on the web to get his baseball and football fix although there is a lot of coverage on cricket and soccer here.

Some interesting things we have learned since arriving in Dubai is that the weekend is Friday-Saturday. Friday is the Islamic Holy Day. Islam is the most common religion in Dubai, although other religions are tolerated. Most Emirates wear the traditional dishdash, abaya and head scarves but western clothing is perfectly acceptable. In some locations of Dubai, they ask you (especially women) to dress "respectfully". Unlike in neighboring Saudi Arabia, women in the the UAE are free to work, drive and move around the city independently. Dubai is effectively bilingual...English is widely used and road signs, menus, daily newspapers, etc...You can drink here but have to purchase a alcohol license to purchase items for your home. You can also drink at particular restaurants and bars, usually inside a hotel but you will find a 30% tax on all alcohol. Everyday is sure to be a learning experience!