The country is ancient but modern, traditional yet cosmopolitan.
The cities are teeming with life but the desert appears to
be empty. Barren desert landscapes give way to lush green
oases. Majestic mountains plunge to a coastline of powder
soft sand and azure waters. In the cities, traditional souks
vie for trade with large modern shopping malls. Futuristic
skyscrapers tower over traditional mosques. The streets are
bustling with pedestrians but luxury cars are very much in
evidence. In the vast desert, camel farms are still a major
feature, whereas in other parts modern technology has taken
over in support of the oil industry. Desert sand dunes reach
up to mountains that have some first-class roads but many
areas are impassable. Wooden dhows still ply the trade routes
to exotic places but modern luxury yachts and container ships
now share the same waters.
Since the UAE — a nation of 7 emirates — was
established in 1971, Dubai has seen phenomenal growth. Inspired
by the vision and guidance of H.H
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai
and UAE Vice President, this emirate embarked on a journey
which transformed it from a trading post in the Arabian Gulf
to the thriving metropolis that it is today.
Surrounded by vast dunes of rolling sand lapping at the
foothills of the arid Hajar mountains to the east, Dubai has
come of age as the ideal tourist destination. Often known
as ‘The City of Gold' or ‘The City of Lights',
these days it seems like it could be known as ‘The City
of Records'. With the first 7-star hotel, the largest man-made
islands and the richest horse race in the world. Dubai is
also breaking records for tourism growth.
The luxury lifestyle that Dubai offers is perfect for the
discerning tourist; the city boasts over 30 five-star hotels,
and has more hotel rooms than Miami Beach. Wealth of first
class restaurants conjure up a world of tastes from around
the globe. In fact, the only difficulty you'll have in terms
of food is making your mind up what to choose. From Japanese
to Lebanese, the variety of restaurants in Dubai is the best
in the region.
If you enjoy sports, then Dubai is leading the way in the
Middle East. Prime sporting events held annually include the
Dubai World Cup (the richest horse race in the world), International
Power Boat Racing, Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, Dubai
Tennis Open and the Dubai Rugby Sevens. Dubai also offers
a great range of choices for the active visitor: a selection
of some of the world's best golf courses, water sports, and
unique opportunities for desert adventures.
If you like to shop then Dubai is a dream; if you are not
a shopaholic, then prepare to become one. Whether it’s
refined boutiques or fascinating souks, grandiose shopping
malls or great value independent outlets, there is something
for everyone. Retail is such an important part of Dubai that
there are two festivals a year to celebrate shopping: the
hugely successful Dubai Shopping Festival (January - February)
now attracts more than 3 million visitors, while the Dubai
Summer Surprises has been unleashing summers of fun and learning
since the summer of 1998.
Dubai's success has been built upon its ability to embrace
diversity and promote innovation, turning it into one of the
Middle East's most successful stories: a progressive 21st
century city and world-class destination for business and
tourism. You will find a fascinating mix of nationalities
in Dubai — a melting pot of cultures — whatever
your tastes or interests, you will find them in Dubai.
