ALL ABOUT DUBAI

 Dubai is one of seven states of the United Arab Emirates.

• Was established as a fishing village in the 18th century, and had fewer than a thousand people in 1822.
• Pearl boats were successful from 1900 into the 1930's.
• The first airport came in 1960.
• Gold trading was significant in the mid 1960's.

• 

  Oil was first struck in 1966, and by 1975, the population grew by a factor of three, most expatriates.  By 1990 oil accounted for 24% of the GDP, but with a lack of resources, dropped to 7% by 2004.  They will soon run out of oil.
• But the oil industry helped build a major port facility, setting the stage for Dubai becoming world trade center.

• 
  Dubai and other entities were part of the British protectorate until1968, after which there were attempts at unifying the region, succeeding in 1971 with six states, adding a seventh the following into the United Arab Emirates.
• Originally built with oil money, but now trade, tourism, aviation, real estate and financial services run the economy.  Only 1% of the GDP comes from petroleum.   Clearly, this is a model for what the other oil-rich countries of the Middle East can do.

• 
  In summers, the average high is 104F, with lows of only 86F.  However, during winter, the average 
  high is 75F, with a low of 57F.
• The Al Maktoum family has ruled since 1833, and this emirate is a constitutional monarchy.  Today His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum rules.
• 
  Dubai has one of the world's lowest crime rates.In 2013 only 15% of the population were nationals.  The rest were "workers" from other countries.  the total population in 2019  was 3.35 million.
• Arabic is the national language and Islam the official state religion. In 2015, 56% were Muslims.
• China is the largest trading partner, with India #2.

I've did this the last time I was here, so wanted to see how Dubai has changed.  Amazing how many more structures have arisen.  I took more than a 100 photos, and selected the best 14.

The Dubai Clock Tower became the first internationally known icon in 1963.  Now there are virtually hundreds.  Can't name them all.

The Museum of the Future only opened earlier this year, which adjacent to the Jumeirah Emirates Tower, in which is our next hotel.

Then, of course, the tallest building in the world, the Burn Khalifa.  More tomorrow, for we will go up to the highest level.

Above is the Burj al-Arab, which costs $2000/night.  I almost stayed there, but was trying to get a price below $1000, and failed.  What a city, with incredible buildings, and a lot more are yet to come.  Honolulu is building nothing.  We are in a rut. Dubai is already the most impressive in the world, and expanding.

We had lunch in our hotel, Kiku:

Pork Tonkatsu with Yellow-fin Tuna Sashimi, with hot sake and cold beer.   Good price. Tomorrow on to the tallest building and largest shopping mall in the world.

The day ended with another visit to our special Executive Club.

Goodnight. 

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