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GALLERY
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People
Right
from the ancient times, Dubai has welcomed traders
with open arms and this policy has extended itself
into the present age. The commerce friendly
environment, tax-free economic policies have set
Dubai on the fast track to progress and ensured a
very high standard of living for its people. It has
become one of the Gulf's top destinations to which
expatriates come to work. The cosmopolitan society
has drawn crowds from across the world, as far as
Indian sub-continent, other Middle East nations,
Africa, Europe and the USA that has contributed in its growth.
Food
& Drink
Specialities
of Arab cuisine include hoummus (chickpea and
sesame paste), tabbouleh (bulghur wheat with
mint and parsley), ghuzi (roast lamb with
rice and nuts), warak enab (stuffed vine
leaves) and koussa mashi (stuffed courgettes).
In the Emirates, makbous (spicy lamb with
rice) and seafood with spicy rice are also popular.
Local fruit and vegetables are increasingly
available and there is excellent local fish. Hotels
serve both European and Arab food and there is also
a number of Chinese, Indian and other restaurants.
Frozen foods from all over the world are available
in supermarkets.
All the Emirates, with the
exception of Sharjah, permit the consumption of
alcohol by non-Muslims. It is illegal to drink
alcohol in the street or to buy it for a UAE
citizen. Ayran (a refreshing yoghurt drink)
or strong black coffee are served on many occasions.
Social Conventions: Muslim
religious laws should be observed. Women are
expected to dress modestly and men should dress
formally for most occasions. Smoking is the same as
in Europe and in most cases it is obvious where not
to smoke, except during Ramadan when it is illegal
to eat, drink or smoke in public.
Tipping:
Most hotels, restaurants and clubs add fairly high
service charges to the bill, therefore tipping is
not necessary. Taxi drivers are not tipped.
Special
Events: The
following is a selection of major festivals and
other special events celebrated in the United Arab
Emirates during 2003:
Jan
10 Dubai
Marathon. Jan
15-Feb 15
Dubai Shopping Festival. Mar
6-9 Dubai
Desert Classic (golf
tournament); Dubai Tennis Open.
Mar 29
Dubai World Cup (horse race). Jun
UAE
National Sailing Championships,
Dubai. Jun/Aug
Dubai
Summer Surprises (shopping
festival). Dec
Dubai
Rugby Sevens; National Day Festival.
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