Dubai is the most populous city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the second largest emirate by territorial size after the capital, Abu Dhabi. Back in February, it was revealed that Dubai would be the first city in an Arab country to have Google Street View, though no launch date was provided at the time. And guess what? Dubai has now become the very first city of Arab to get Google Street View.
Dubai is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf and is one of the seven emirates that make up the country. Today, Dubai has emerged as a global city and business hub of the Persian Gulf region. However, the city has become symbolic for its skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, in particular the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
And as, Dubai has become the first city of Arab to get Google Street View, users can now take a virtual tour of the city using Street View. The Street View maps cover new places like Sheikh Zayed Road, the longest street in the United Arab Emirates and the enormous Dubai Mall as well historical sites like the Deira Spice Souk and Dubai Creek.
Mohamad Mourad, Google’s regional director for North Africa and the Middle East, wrote in a blog post, “Dubai is home to the world’s tallest tower, largest mall and the planet’s only seven-star hotel… Dubai becomes the first city in an Arab country to be added to Street View in Google Maps.”
On the other hand, Abdul Hakim Malik, director of geographic information systems at Dubai Municipality, which worked with Google on permissions for the project, said, “Tourists are very much interested before they visit Dubai to see what Dubai looks like in real life. When they go to Google Maps and see 360 degrees all around important and popular streets, I think this will be interesting for them.”
Google has mentioned that it began mapping the city earlier this year, but took a break in the summer to avoid the city’s infamous haze and ensure clear photos. It is important to note here that Google Street View covers tourist locations only in Dubai, it is not available in private residential areas. Google now hopes to roll out Street View in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the Emirates in the coming years.
Source: Google
Thanks To: Mashable, Daily Mail
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