Dubai’s population is around 1.67 million, and is set to increase to 3.5 million by 2010

Over 82% of Dubai’s population consists of expatriates, and of the expatriates, 80% are Asian.

There are around 185 differing nationalities in this wonderfully cosmopolitan city, including Europeans, South Africans, Australians, New Zealanders, Russians and Americans.

Dubai’s coastline stretches over 72 miles (115 km) of the Gulf coast and its total area is near to 2,428 square miles. There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches!

Unlike the other Emirates, Dubai’s economy doesn’t rely heavily on oil, with sales constituting only 6% of its GDP. Dubai is more focused on pursuing long term success through international investment.

It is estimated that 15-20% of the world’s cranes are operating in Dubai and these can be seen dotted around the skyline.

5,420,724 guests stayed in hotels in Dubai in 2004 alone, continuing the annual marked increase, of a 13% rise in numbers of hotel guests. Such increases are expected to continue for the foreseeable future with the growth of the Dubai property market and its reputation as a tourist hotspot.

It has been predicted that by 2010, there will be approximately 15 million visitors to Dubai and up to 40 million visitors by 2015 Dubai.

The Burj Al Arab is the tallest offshore structure in the world, as well as one of the tallest hotels in the world. It is also the only hotel to be classed as 7 star. Now that’s luxury.

The Burj Dubai tower currently under construction is already the tallest building in the world and it’s final height is still unknown.

Like the rest of the UAE, Dubai is four hours ahead of GMT.

The currency is the Emirati Dirham (Dhs) which is fixed to the US dollar. The rate is 3.67Dhs to 1 US Dollar.

Before 2002, it wasn’t possible for expatriates to buy property in the Emirate, the only option was renting accommodation. Now everyone is entitled to buy property as long as it is a part of one of the expansive freehold development projects. Dubai can now be a permanent home to anyone.