Dubai and Most Famous Landmarks

Etymology:

• There are many meanings of the word Dubai in dictionaries, but the most comprehensive of them is its meaning in the dictionary (Lisan al-Arab), which clarified that the word “Dubai” means a young locust before his wings grow up and blacken to be able to fly. In other dictionaries, like (Taj al-Arus), it means an Arab market.

Geography and population:

• Dubai covers an area of 4,114 square kilometers, and is located on the Arabian Gulf coast of the UAE. It shares borders with (Sharjah) in the northeast, the (Sultanate of Oman) in the southeast, and (Abu Dhabi) in the south
• The population of Dubai is 2,262,000.

Dubai history:

• It was founded by Obeid bin Said and Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum in 1833, when they led about eight hundred people from the Bani Yas tribe to settle in the Al Khor region.
• In the past, the residents relied on fishing, pearl trade and building boats for their primary source of income, as Dubai overlooks the coast of the Arabian Gulf.
• The ruling Al Maktoum family sought to develop and improve the emirate in various fields, especially trade, which in turn contributed greatly to the prosperity of the economic level of the state.
• The emirate enacted laws exempting expatriates from paying taxes, which led to an increase in the number of merchants and others coming to the emirate, who greatly contributed to the commercial and economic success and progress.
• Dubai relied on marine life, specifically pearl diving, until Japan invented artificial pearls, which threatened Dubai’s economy, but in 1966 oil was discovered to bring real prosperity to the emirate.

Rulers of the Emirate of Dubai:

1. Maktoum bin Butti (1833).
2. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1958: 1990).
3. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum (1990: 2006).
4. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (2006 to date).

The most famous landmarks of Dubai:

Dubai is considered one of the most attractive places for tourists, due to its unique landmarks and wonderful architecture. Some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks:

• Burj Khalifa: world’s tallest skyscraper, consisting of 148 floors, with a total height of 800 meters, You can enjoy a panoramic view of Dubai from above.
• Burj Al Arab: features a distinctive architectural design, located secluded in the middle of an artificial island, with a total height of 321 meters, and it is the world’s only seven-star hotel.
• Sky Dubai: is considered an enjoyable adventure to tourists, as it gives them the vibe of living in the North Pole, where they ski among the penguins next to the snow figures in the Snow Park.
• Aljumaira beach: the beach is suitable for family tourism, as it has areas for children and family picnics, and stands out with its proximity to a group of luxury hotels and resorts, which makes it a unique tourist destination.
• The global village: one of the most important and famous tourist destinations in Dubai, suitable for evening outings for families and friends. It is distinguished by its collection of cultures of all countries and states. You can go through the experience of seeing the world from one place and enjoy learning about the culture of each country.
• The Dubai Mall: the world’s largest shopping center, as it contains about 1,200 stores, most of which are for international brands.
• Dubai Miracle Garden: the most beautiful and miraculous place in Dubai, which gives comfort and calmness when wandering among the vast green areas. it has been listed on the Guinness Book of Records for preserving the green areas and flowers in the deserts of Dubai, which they considered a miracle.
• Dubai Opera: is intended for fans of artistic and cultural evenings, the opera has a unique design that resembles a sailing boat with facades that combine glass and steel. The theater can accommodate about 2,000 spectators, and presents performances by the most famous ballet, music, and regional and international theater groups.
• Palm Jumeirah: the largest artificial island in the world, characterized by an impressive design and it is a home to the most luxurious hotels in the emirate.
• world islands: a group of small artificial islands, numbering about 300 islands that represent the continents and cities of the world and are separated by water. One of the most beautiful architectural innovations that are unmatched by anything else in the world.
• Sheikh Zayed Road: the main road that mediates the city, which includes its landmarks and shopping centers, and by passing through it, you can enjoy the crystal facades of skyscrapers.
• Dubai Museum: previously a fort called Al-Fahidi Fort, surrounded by a group of the most famous archaeological and heritage monuments in the city, and it is one of the tourist attractions that reflects the cultural and historical sequence.