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What language is spoken in Dubai?
The official language of Dubai is Arabic. It is an ancient language. Among Muslims, Arabic is considered sacred or revered as the Koran is written in Arabic. It is the official language for both written and verbal communication, especially in government offices and affairs. Moreover, the rules and laws are also communicated in Arabic.
In addition, the other widely spoken languages are English, Hindi, Urdu, Persian etc. Since Dubai has a very large expatriate population from the Philippines, Iran, Pakistan, Africa, India, Russia etc., there are a large number of people who speak Urdu, Tagalog, Malayalam, Russian etc.
What is the population distribution?
Based on statistical numbers, and the census reports, the population in Dubai was around 1,422,000 in 2006. In that there were 1,073,000 males and 349,000 females. It is also stated that about 17% of the population of Dubai are UAE nationals.
Approximately, 85% of the actual total expatriate population and 71% of the Dubai’s total population are Asians. In that Indians are about 51%, Pakistanis around 16%, Bangladeshis are about 9% and Filipinos are 3%. Westerners comprise of about 3% of the total expatriate population. The average age is about 27 years. The birth rate and death rate are 13.6% and 1% respectively. />
The majority of U.A.E. citizens are Sunni Muslims with a small Shi'a Muslim minority. There is a sizeable population of Hindus and Christians too.
What are the political conditions like in Dubai?
Dubai is part of a confederation of seven Emirates which is known as UAE or United Arab Emirates. Each independent Emirate is ruled by a different ruler and each has its own stipulated rules and laws. It is also determined that each Emirate is like an independent state, with very few commonalities between them.
Dubai has no political parties. A very traditional political system is followed. The President and Vice President serve a 5-year term.
Additionally, there is a Council of Ministers and a 40-member National Assembly whose members are appointed by the Emirate rulers. The ruler of Abu Dhabi is the President of the UAE. The ruler of Dubai is the Vice President and Prime Minister. The current President is the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Vice President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense is the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
What attracts young families from the UK to settle in Dubai?
Dubai is most definitely a cosmopolitan town. A walk down the beach or a shopping mall proves just the same. Dubai will soon prove to be a destination of choice not only for tourists but also for people who want to relocate and settle down.
Every year, there is an increasing number of expatriates or foreigners who decide to make Dubai their home. It’s definitely an option that is brought about by many reasons. Among the many expatriates who are relocating and settling in Dubai, the number of Britishers is also growing rapidly. Many young families are relocating to Dubai and making it their second home. The reasons for this relocation can be the following:
- Dubai is a tax-free haven. The savings potential is great no matter whatever one’s earning potential is, since there is no income tax, property tax or additional taxes levied on goods.
- With great savings, comes a good and comfortable lifestyle.
- Since the crime rates are very low or rather negligible, it is a safe place for children.
- The education system is very good and there are many private schools that follow the British curriculum.
- There is a wider range and more choices of apartments, town homes, villas etc. available in Dubai then in UK and the property prices and rents are also comparatively cheaper.
- There are plenty of entertainment options available that are just perfect for family outings.
Why is Dubai an attractive city for many retirees?
For most retirees' be it from any ethnicity, nationality or background, retired life is something that is supposed to be a blissful and peaceful experience. So some retirees’ do eventually opt to move away from their place of birth or workplace to a calmer, cheaper and better surrounding. For similar reasons, Dubai is fast emerging as a retirees' haven and many of them are relocating to Dubai, post retirement.
Some of the reasons for the same could be:
- Warm, balmy weather all year long is definitely a very attractive proposition for older people especially for Westerners or for people from cold climates.
- The cost of living is a lot lesser than from their place of origin and thus their savings potential increases.
- Dubai being a tax-free haven, one gets to keep what one earns or holds. This is definitely an all important reason.
- The real estate market is booming and a choice and array of housing plans is also a very attractive proposition.
- Even very high-end properties are still a lot cheaper when compared to other places.
- The many entertainment options, shopping malls and for those who love the sea, Dubai has it all.
- Dubai is a very safe place to live and the crime rate is very low. The law and order is also very well organized. This is also something that retirees’ would consider when relocating.
Utilities
Here is a small intro about other essential utilities in Dubai:
Gas:
As is common in the west, where Gas is supplied directly from a centralized point, in Dubai, gas is used for cooking purposes and it is supplied in individual cylinders which are to be bought and connected to a gas stove or oven through an outside tap. When the cylinder is empty, a replacement is sent within a ½ hour of placing an order. People opt for gas as using electricity for cooking purposes can work out to be quite expensive. Depending on usage, a cylinder can last anywhere from a month to three months. The security deposit for the same is 300 Dh for a large cylinder and 200 Dh for a small cylinder. A refill costs 70 Dh for a large cylinder and 50 Dh for a small cylinder.
Telephone:
The main telecommunications provider in Dubai is Etisalat or also called as Emirates Telecommunications Corporation. It is a telecommunications company that is introducing more and more new services and also reducing charges. To avail a landline connection, a resident visa is required. However, it is not a requirement for mobile phone usage. Public telephones are coin-operated and pre-paid phone cards can also be used. The local city code for Dubai is 04 and for an international call, one has to dial, 971. To dial a local cell phone number, one has to dial 050 and then the number. Phone cards are available everywhere from grocery stores, gas stations, bookshops etc. and are priced from 25 Dh onwards.
Internet:
The Emirates Internet and Multimedia is the only provider of internet services throughout UAE. As this is manned by one concern, accesses to some sites are restricted. Only a standard telephone line with a 56K modem is required.
Postal Services:
Dubai has no specific house address based mailing system. All mails received are delivered to the central post office and it is then distributed to different post office boxes. One can rent a personal PO Box in Dubai.
Television:
There are many satellite channels that are available. In addition, the DTH services are also very popular. Regional and different country-specific programs are also beamed. Programs relayed from other countries can also be watched.
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