Dubai is unlike any other city in the world. And it must be experienced to be believed, if only for a few short hours ….
Which city has taxi that are painted pink to indicate women drivers so that women who are uncomfortable with strange men have a choice, which city boasts the tallest building in the world, which city has a Minister of Happiness and and Minister of Tolerance and which city is a true international city in terms of town planning and zoning? Dubai ….
And which city can only be described to as a person but seems to be lacking any kind of soul? Dubai ….
The earliest mention of Dubai was as a village in 1580, when it was mentioned for its role in the pearling industry. Since then it has been know as a fishing village early 18th century and a centre of the gold trade in 1960’s. It was only in 1966 that oil was discovered off the coast and Dubai found its niche as a global transport hub and a true global city. Between 1968 and 1975 the population in Dubai exploded by over 300% Unfortunately oil production is down at present from being 24% of the GDP in 1990 to only 7% in 2004. Dubai is therefore diversifying itself to become a trade, tourism and service based hub.
Dubai is situated in the Arabian Desert, leading to a hot windy and humid desert climate. The Dubai Creek runs through the city and is a natural inlet with multiple gorges and waterholes feeding this very thirsty city. Dubai has one of the highest water consumption levels in the world, 82% higher than the world average. They also have one of the worlds lowest crime rates and ranks as the 8th safest city in the world in 2018.
The Al Maktoum family has ruled Dubai sine 1833 in the form of a constitutional monarchy. They therefor rule in accordance to the constitution of Dubai. Sheikh Rashid al Maktoum started the seemingly impossible dream of creating the Dubai of the present and this dream has been carried forward by the current ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum. A true landmark of Dubai is the Burj Kalifa.
This inscription is placed at the entrance to the BK summarizing its presence in this true global city. –
“I am the power that lifts the world’s head proudly skywards, surpassing limits and expectations. Rising gracefully from the desert and honouring the city with a new glow, I am an extraordinary union of engineering and art, with every detail carefully considered and beautifully crafted. I am the life force of collective aspirations, the aesthetic union of many cultures. I stimulate dreams, stir emotions and awaken creativity.
I am the magnet that attracts the wide-eyed tourist, eagerly catching their postcard moment, the centre of the world’s finest shopping, dining and entertainment and home of the world’s elite. I am the heart of the city and its people, the marker that defines Emaar’s ambition and Dubai’s shiny dream. More than just a moment in time, I define moments for future generations.
I am Burj Khalifa.”s
Enough said ….
Pink Farm Chick 