Dubai was originally a small fishing settlement before it was taken over in about 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.

Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating dates, fishing and pearling, but the inhabitants built up trade too. By the turn of the century, Dubai was reputed to have the largest souks on the Gulf coast, with 350 shops in the Deira district alone.

The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some 13 centimeters a year.

Commercial success allied to the liberal attitudes of Dubai’s rulers, made the emirate attractive to traders from India and Iran, who began to settle in the growing town. But, while trade developed, Dubai remained politically a protectorate of Britain as part of the Trucial States extending along the northern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

Dubai is now a popular tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates. Towering Dubai hotels is one of the country’s pride. The world’s tallest hotel – where suites cost up to $15,000 a night is located in the Gulf emirate of Dubai.

The popular 202-suite Burj al-Arab – or Tower of the Arabs – stands 321 meters (1,060 feet) high and floats on its own man-made island.

Dubai Apartments is an online short term rental portal that connects tourists with owners of Dubai furnished apartments and dubai hotel apartments. For more details visit http://www.dubaiapartments.biz/

Get Philippine Travel News on your inbox - Join Lakbay Pilipinas Mailing List