In Dubai, the al-Maktoums hold all key positions in the city-state’s government, their decisions are largely popular, because they have overseen a period of prosperity. Seems this is typical of ruling families in the Gulf, where men take up to four wives and regularly count their offspring in double figures!
No political parties exist in UAE!! Life is, almost pretty comfortable and people need not pay income tax (Wha?? Yes!)
According to Economist.com, UAE nationals account for just one-fifth of the country’s 4.5 million inhabitants. Come to think of it, our Bengalooru has around 6.5 million! Phew! Expatriates make up at least 80% of Dubai’s population, and consist mainly of Indians, Pakistanis and Filipinos, who take the emirate’s low-wage jobs.
Westerners are mainly employed in white collared jobs. But Dubai’s high standard of living tends to mitigate radicalism
Present ruler is Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum,( I love these tongue twister names!) is in his early 50’s and was married in 2004. Seems he was largely responsible for developing the modern Dubai, and as anyone can see, he has done a superb job!
Also as we have observed, the local press is cautious and rarely says anything against the rulers and their decisions!
Construction is happening at a dramatically huge speed here as anyone can see. There are 3 man made islands in the shape of palm trees. And it seems one is as huge as Manhattan! Wow.
Also, the world’s largest skyscraper, Burj-Dubai is under construction. And so is the world’s largest theme park –Dubailand, aimed to be twice the size of Disneyworld in Florida.
It is definitely surprising to know that this small city has 30 shopping malls (!!!) and 300 hotels as of now. Wow. Not sure if our all time favourites like Saravanabhavan, Chappan Bhog, etc come in the list ;)
It is very hard to believe that just thirty years ago, yes 30, there was nothing in Dubai but a creek, a sheikh's palace and a dodgy reputation as the smuggling capital of the Arabian Gulf.
Dubai has over 600 gold shops, the densest concentration in the world. Dubai's Gold Souk has 275-plus shops in a half a square km area! Designs in gold are splendid and matchless.
No political parties exist in UAE!! Life is, almost pretty comfortable and people need not pay income tax (Wha?? Yes!)
According to Economist.com, UAE nationals account for just one-fifth of the country’s 4.5 million inhabitants. Come to think of it, our Bengalooru has around 6.5 million! Phew! Expatriates make up at least 80% of Dubai’s population, and consist mainly of Indians, Pakistanis and Filipinos, who take the emirate’s low-wage jobs.
Westerners are mainly employed in white collared jobs. But Dubai’s high standard of living tends to mitigate radicalism
Present ruler is Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum,( I love these tongue twister names!) is in his early 50’s and was married in 2004. Seems he was largely responsible for developing the modern Dubai, and as anyone can see, he has done a superb job!
Also as we have observed, the local press is cautious and rarely says anything against the rulers and their decisions!
Construction is happening at a dramatically huge speed here as anyone can see. There are 3 man made islands in the shape of palm trees. And it seems one is as huge as Manhattan! Wow.Also, the world’s largest skyscraper, Burj-Dubai is under construction. And so is the world’s largest theme park –Dubailand, aimed to be twice the size of Disneyworld in Florida.
It is definitely surprising to know that this small city has 30 shopping malls (!!!) and 300 hotels as of now. Wow. Not sure if our all time favourites like Saravanabhavan, Chappan Bhog, etc come in the list ;)
It is very hard to believe that just thirty years ago, yes 30, there was nothing in Dubai but a creek, a sheikh's palace and a dodgy reputation as the smuggling capital of the Arabian Gulf.
Dubai has over 600 gold shops, the densest concentration in the world. Dubai's Gold Souk has 275-plus shops in a half a square km area! Designs in gold are splendid and matchless.
1 comment:
Thats an amazing article!
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