Country code: United Arab Emirates
It covers an area of 83,600 square kilometers (including coastal islands).
The population is 465,438+10,000 (2005), and foreigners account for 80%.
Mainly from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Palestine and other countries.
Most residents believe in Islam, mostly Sunnis; Arabic is the official language and English is widely used.
The capital is Abu Dhabi.
Head of State Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected in June 2004.
National Day: 65438+ February 2nd.
The administrative division consists of seven Emirates:
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm al-Qaiwan.
Currency name:
Dirham dollar
1 to 3.66 dirhams
1 dirham to RMB 2.00.
dollar
Renminbi
Supplement:
United Arab Emirates/UAE for short.
Capital: Abu Dhabi Area: 85,470.00 square kilometers International telephone code: 97 1.
Independence Day:197165438+February 2nd National Day: 65438+February 2nd President: Khalifa.
Language: Arabic, common English currency: Dirham and Beijing time difference: -4.00.
Population: 3.7 million people Religion: Islam Nation: Arabs.
UNITEDARABEMIRATES, consisting of seven Emirates, is located in the west of Asia, at the eastern end of Arabian Peninsula, bordering Oman in the east, Qatar in the west, Saudi Arabia in the south, southwest and northwest, across the sea from the Arabian Gulf in the north and Iran across the sea, and is located in "five seas and three continents" (Caspian Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, Asia, Europe and Africa). With a total area of 85,500 square kilometers, Abu Dhabi, the capital, is the largest emirate and political and cultural center, while Dubai and Sharjah are the main commercial centers. Affected by the Indian Ocean climate, most of the country is desert. May-September is summer, and the climate is hot and humid. In other months, the climate is mild, with an average annual rainfall of about 100 mm. It is winter from June10 to April of the following year, and the temperature is not lower than 7 degrees Celsius. The total population of UAE is about 3.7 million, Arabs account for 1/4, and other foreigners account for 3/4. The official language is Arabic, and English is also widely used. The state religion is Islam, which combines politics and religion, and pursues the policy of freedom of belief for other religious people. Among the Islamic countries in the Middle East, the religious policy of the United Arab Emirates is the most open. A * * * owns 14 modern ports, 8 international airports and expressways extending in all directions. Communication in Afghanistan is very developed, with an average of 4.5 people owning a telephone line. The UAE is called "Hong Kong" in the Middle East. According to incomplete statistics, the annual trade volume of the UAE is about 80 billion US dollars. Due to the lack of natural resources, other products except oil and natural gas, from industrial raw materials and equipment to civilian daily necessities, are dependent on imports. Therefore, the Arab government has always implemented an open free trade policy, with no trade barriers and no foreign exchange control and management institutions, and can obtain foreign exchange from authorized banks without restriction. There is no provision for collecting profits tax and business tax of companies or enterprises, and there are no income tax, value-added tax, consumption tax and intermediate links. Except for a few commodities such as tobacco and alcohol, most other commodities are only subject to nominal tariffs of 0%-5%. About 70% of the products imported by the United Arab Emirates are re-exported to other parts of the Middle East, Africa and Eastern European countries, and the market radiates to nearly 30 countries with a total population of13-1500 million. The prosperity of commerce has made the United Arab Emirates the trade center of the whole region. Although the UAE has entered the modern society very quickly, it has successfully avoided the social unrest experienced by most other countries.
The UAE has also successfully maintained its traditional characteristics in both humanities and geography. The combination of tradition and modernity has made the UAE an ideal place for tourism and life with its unique charm.
UAE Culture and Tourism
Brilliant sunshine, warm sea, ancient beaches, wonderful fishing activities, picturesque scenery, opportunities to explore unique desert scenery, star-rated hotels and entertainment facilities, fascinating cultural traditions and the wonderful combination of hospitable people make more and more people regard the UAE as a tourist destination. In addition, the UAE has invested heavily in sports-related aspects, such as various sports, sightseeing and shopping, established a technologically advanced trade center, and encouraged enterprises to participate in various conferences and trade held in the UAE. The UAE's rich cultural and wildlife museums, interesting water parks and other facilities attract more tourists every year. Therefore, tourism has played a very important role in realizing the diversification of the UAE and is an important part of the UAE's economic growth.
exhibit
Expositions, trade exhibitions and conferences are a very important part of the UAE economy. Exhibitors and visitors from all over the United Arab Emirates are attracted by exhibitions from all over the world. Organizers and exhibitors of international exhibitions regard the United Arab Emirates as the main commercial center in order to enter the big market in this region, and attract more potential customers because of its convenient geographical location and first-class service facilities. As a direct result of developing the market, a large number of exhibition centers have sprung up all over the UAE.
Dubai market
Dubai in the Middle East, as the second largest port in the Middle East, coupled with generous tax-free policies and free trade economy, has become the largest trade wholesale market in Africa and neighboring Gulf countries, with a trade coverage of 654.38+0.3 billion, which is almost the same as the total population of China. Merchants from nearly 30 countries in Africa gather here all the year round to purchase commodities such as daily necessities, light industry, electrical appliances and clothing. Usually, 75% of import transactions are re-exported to the African market, 20% to neighboring Gulf countries, and 5% is directly consumed in the United Arab Emirates.
The business activities in the UAE have the following characteristics: multi-party inquiry, extensive comparison, and selection of the best and cheapest; Trading by sample, even for the goods they have imported in the past, they should ask for samples before trading again; Ask for a quick quotation, delay for a few days, and the businessman will lose interest immediately; Government orders are made through bidding; Spot trade is active and entrepot trade is active.
[Artificial Paradise: Dubai]
Dubai is the second largest emirate among the seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates, with an area of about 3,900 square kilometers and a population of about 6,543.8+0.5 million. It is located at the junction of the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea in the northwest, and connected with the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea through the Suez Canal. It combines Arab culture, western culture and southern subculture.
The only thing many people know about Dubai is the seven-star hotel in the sea, but the real Dubai is far more than a seven-star hotel!
Dubai people have infinite courage, and everything should be the best in the world. The only seven-star hotel in the world, the eighth wonder, the tallest building, the largest artificial indoor ski resort, the largest amusement park and the largest office building. ...
Safe cities in the Middle East
Dubai is similar to Guangzhou and Shanghai in China. There are several most expensive hotels in the world and the most aristocratic sports in the world. The water here is more valuable than oil. Mercedes-Benz is used as a police car here, and gold ornaments are part of a woman's weight. At the same time, it is a country in the eyes of world war. However, in the Middle East full of gunpowder, it is considered as one of the safest cities in the world, and terms such as Iran-Iraq War, Gulf War and "9. 1 1" are isolated from it. This beautiful and rich bay city is so calm and peaceful. In the bright sunshine, there are leisurely tourists and busy business transactions. There are veiled women and men in white robes and hats, luxurious house walls, charming folk crafts and magnificent mosques. In the dancing figure of dates, there is an intoxicating exotic atmosphere everywhere. There is also an island that costs $3 billion and is designed as a big palm tree. The eighth wonder of the world-the largest artificial island in the world can also be seen from the moon.
A luxurious seven-star hotel
It is said that the highest rating of the hotel is five stars, and seven stars is just an anecdotal statement, in order to boast of its luxury.
The Golden Sailing Hotel is the pride of Dubai. It is like a huge and exquisite sailboat reflected in the blue sea, ready to ride the wind and waves. In addition to its unique appearance, Jinfan Hotel offers year-round sunshine and Arabian mythical luxury-this sailboat-like luxury hotel is located on an island 280 meters offshore and must be reached by a special bridge. Only when you walk into the hotel will you know what glory is. No matter the snail background at the reception desk or the tall pillars, they are all dazzling gold, even the door handles and toilet pipes are all gold. However, in desert countries, water is as precious as gold. When it entered the gate, it was facing the fountain in front of the atrium. The water column danced gracefully against the light, changing endlessly, and suddenly jumped into the sky, reaching as high as 10 floor. On both sides of the rolling elevator are aquariums with a height exceeding 10 meters. Taking the elevator is like roaming in an aquarium. Every room here is duplex, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer a 270-degree view of the sea. Lying in bed, you can enjoy the beauty of the Arabian Gulf, which is half seawater and half desert. Each room is over 170 square meters, the bathroom is over 25 square meters, and there is a huge jacuzzi. The floor of the lobby, the door handle of the room and the accessories of the bathroom are all real gold. All hotel guests must make an appointment, and guests who are not staying or dining in the hotel are not allowed to enter.
A whimsical artificial island
The artificial island of Dubai consists of three island groups: Palm Jumeirah, Palm Alishan and World Island. Overlooking Dubai, United Arab Emirates, you can see two huge "palm trees" floating on the blue sea. Careful identification shows that "palm trees" are actually composed of some large and small islands.
Traveling around the city by car, you will find that there are many brand-new high-rise buildings in Dubai, all of which have just been completed in recent years. Each building has a unique style and is written by world-famous designers. For example, the Burj Dubai under construction aims to become the tallest tower in the world. The height of the tower is kept secret for the time being, fearing that the latecomers will surpass it; The upcoming "Dubai Paradise" will become the largest theme park in the world, 8 times larger than Disney in the United States; A luxury hotel with hundreds of rooms will be built under the sea, which is unique in the world. Of course, the most amazing thing is that three artificial islands are under construction, two palm-shaped palm islands have been started, and a world island planned by the world map is about to start. There are villas, hotels, apartments, office buildings and commercial buildings on the island, which will attract rich people from all over the world to live with more comfortable living environment and holiday facilities. It is reported that the Little Palm Island Villa, which will be completed in 2006, sold out within three days of opening. Buyers come from 174 countries, including Jackie Chan, Bilham, Clinton and other international celebrities.
Real shopping paradise
Under the policy of low import tax and no sales tax, Dubai has always been a shopping paradise with good quality and low price. On both sides of the spacious street, there are shops lined with gold ornaments. Through spotless glass windows, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and various ornaments made of gold are neatly arranged on the counter. In the sunshine, they are golden and aggressive. The last thing you need to worry about when shopping here is credibility. Because any tourist who buys a "short weight" gold ornament here can complain to the government, and once it is found to be true, it will order the store to close, so the merchants in Jinjie have no fraud and can buy it with confidence. The price of gold here is generally 42 dirhams per gram. Locals are used to wearing thick gold chains to show their economic level, so Golden Street is always crowded with people.
Spice Street is located next to Jinjie Street, and a narrow alley is all of it. Bags of opened spices are neatly placed on the roadside, and vendors enthusiastically solicit business by the booth. It is said that Arabic spices are not only used as food flavoring agents, but also used by local women to smoke clothes. Put a small ceramic bowl on the ground, add charcoal, rosin and spice powder, and then light it with a match. After a while, a wisp of light smoke gradually rose, and the room was filled with a faint fragrance. Then I took a robe and hung it in the house. After a while, the clothes were stained with a faint fragrance that lingered for a long time. It is said that it only takes ten minutes to smoke clothes like this, and the fragrance can be maintained for a week.
Full exposure to Arab cuisine
The catering in UAE has Arabic flavor. Although Arabic food is similar to western food, it includes appetizers, soups, salads, barbecues and desserts. The practice of beef and mutton is varied, and a large group of people sit around and taste the comprehensive barbecue, which is extraordinary. Arabic dessert is made of meat, fruits and vegetables, with Arabic sauce, which is sweet and delicious. Arabian salad is made of fruits and vegetables with yogurt, olive oil and salt, which is both appetizing and appetizing. There are crispy Arabic cakes, sprinkled with sesame seeds and baked, which have a pure noodle flavor.
Compared with China's food culture, Arabian food is much thicker. Their cooking method is very simple, except roasting, that is, frying, stewing at most, or simply eating raw. I think this may be due to the harsh natural environment in which Arabs live, or it may be related to their heroic and broad-minded temperament.
A hookah for summer.
The hookah is the favorite of Dubai people. The tour guide said that there are many places similar to cafes in the city for local people to smoke Xixia cigarettes. It takes a bite every morning, and when it is tired during the day, it will find a place to raise it for about 45 minutes at a time. After smoking, I feel refreshed and energetic. Tobacco mixed with shredded tobacco, apples and honey is placed on the top of the hookah, and then barbecued with charcoal fire. A hose extends from the water in the hookah and takes a deep breath into the pipe. A thick fruity smoke immediately enters your mouth, permeates every corner of your head, and suddenly feels a little messy. This starry night, lying in the hinterland of Bedouin desert, smoking Xixia hookah with the rhythm of deep breathing, is this serenity and tranquility another definition of luxury in a bustling city that is an hour's drive away?
skill
language
The official language is Arabic, but English can also be communicated completely.
money
One dollar equals 3.67 dirhams.
Utilization of water
As a city in the desert, Dubai is very precious in water resources, but it has plenty of domestic water. Ordinary tourists are used to drinking mineral water, which is not much more expensive in supermarkets than in Shanghai.
clothes
You can wear light summer clothes all year round, but you need spare parts coats in winter. In fact, long-sleeved clothes are the most affordable, outdoor sun protection and indoor air conditioning. Compared with other Middle Eastern countries, Dubai's clothing requirements are still relatively loose, but tourists should try not to wear revealing clothes, and they can also wear bikinis on the beach. Because of the strong sunshine, hats and sunglasses are necessary.
prescribe a diet
The United Arab Emirates is a traditional Arab country, but it embraces the eastern and western cultures well. Hotels and restaurants can provide delicious food from all over the world.
home appliances
The local electricity consumption is 220 volts, and the socket size is different from that in China, but hotels are equipped with conversion sockets.
take a picture
If you want to take pictures of local people, you must ask for permission in advance.
gold market
Walking into Dubai's gold market, I believe that the heartbeat of all MM will accelerate. In the market that stretches for several streets, one gold shop after another is crowded, and the windows are filled with bracelets, necklaces, rings and other ornaments, the colors range from 18K to 22K and 24K, and are priced in grams, free of design fees and craft fees. The most fascinating thing is the collection of styles from all over the world, which makes people see things in a blur, only sighing that there is too little money in the pocket.
go shopping
There are many large shopping malls and brand-name stores in Dubai. Due to tax exemption, the price of world famous brands in Dubai is still very cost-effective. Dubai International Airport's duty-free shops are open 24 hours a day, ranking among the top duty-free shops in the world.
Special instructions:
"Dubai is the safest place in the United Arab Emirates, or the whole Middle East. You can walk alone in the street late at night without worrying about any safety problems. " When asked about the reason, I realized that all this originated from a law in Dubai: "Here, as long as you fight, you will go to jail, no matter who is right or wrong." It is such a law that is somewhat "right and wrong", which fundamentally guarantees the public order here and makes Dubai the most important economic and commercial center in the Middle East.