Dubai has over 1.7 million inhabitants and covers an area of 4,114 square kilometers. It has a hot climate with temperatures often exceeding 40°C and average rainfall of 150 millimeters per year. Dubai is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates and borders Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Islam is the official religion, though other religions are tolerated.

1. DUBAI

2. BASIC INFORMATION Dubai has over 1.700.000 inhabitants and covers and area of 4,114 km² . Its name, which means “Two brothers” comes from the Hindi (an arab language). The city of Dubai is famous for its tourist atractions, such as the palm islands (three island with the shape of a palm), and a zone of enxtremely high buildings in which is included the Burj Dubai, the highest building in the world. Also, every year is celebrated the Dubai World Cup: the horse race that gives the most expensive prizes in the Earth.

3. CLIMATE Dubai has a hot and, at times, humid climate (drier during extreme heat) with many months recording temperatures of over 40ºC. Rainfall is generally light, with a mean of about 150 millimetres per year; precipitation is usually centered around the months of January, February and March. However, heavy rain is not uncommon in Dubai during the winter months and January 2008 saw a record of 120 mm (or 5") of rain falling in just 24 hours, The mean humidity in Dubai is approximately 60% and is higher during the cooler winter months. . 14.9 2.7 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.4 7.0 21.0 25.0 15.6 Precipitation mm 16.3 19.9 23.9 27.5 30 29.9 27 24.6 20.8 17.6 15.4 14.3 Average low °C 26.2 30.5 35.4 39 41. 40.8 39.5 37.6 32.9 28.2 25.4 24.0 Average high °C Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan Month WEATHER AVERAGES IN DUBAI

4. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION Dubai is situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates and is roughly at sea level. The emirate of Dubai shares borders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the northeast, and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast. Hatta, a minor exclave of the emirate, is surrounded on three sides by Oman and by the emirates of Aiman (in the west) and Ras Al Khaimah (in the north). The Persian Gulf borders the western coast of the emirate.

5. HISTORY In 1095 Dubai was a vast place. Later a Venetian pearl merchant called Gaspero Balbi mentions the name of Dubai as a place where Venetians worked as pearl divers. Early in the 18th century the Al Abu Falasa lineage of Bani Yas clan established itself in Dubai, and it was dependent of the settlement of Abu Dhabii until 1833 In March 1892, the Trucial Statess (or Trucial Oman) were created. Until the 1930s, the town was known for its pearl exports. On 2 December 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and four other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a single, uniform currency: the UAE dirham.

6. VEGETATION There is an amazing variety of plants and creatures found here. There are surprising ranges of Dubai flora and fauna that has managed to survive in the desert and arid climate. The flora of Dubai is filled with indigenous date palms. Towards the east, flat topped acacia trees and wild grasses are found scattered in the mountains and all through the mountains. Desert oases are also found in areas where the land is uniquely green. The city of Dubai gives stress on far reaching greening program supervised by the Dubai municipality. Horticultural techniques are encouraged in Dubai to cover the landscapes with greenery. To some extend these efforts has been successful as almost all the chief areas of Dubai have been landscaped beautifully. The main areas of Dubai are vibrant with colorful plants and flowers throughout the year.

7. FAUNA Arabian leopards and ibex are the original fauna of Dubai . However, if you want to see them in sightseeing touring they are extremely rare. If you are very lucky or passionate enough to go for an extensive desert adventure, you can have a glance. Apart from these two rare species, the fauna of Dubai includes Camels, Donkeys and Goats which can be spotted easily in Dubai and often seen crossing the major highways. There are many other desert animals like Hedgehogs, Sand Cat, desert Hare, Gerbils, Sand Fox, Snakes and Geckos. The rich marine life of Dubai complements the fewness of wildlife on land. The extensive marine life of Dubai coast includes Tropical Fish, Dolphins, Turtles, Jellyfish, Dugong, Whales, Coral and Sharks. Hammour is the most famous indigenous fish.