Nestled deeply in the mysterious but ever alluring United Arab Emirates, Dubai has for decades been hidden from the Western world, only recently opening its golden doors to eager tourists desperate to experience all this desert kingdom has to offer.
Located in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is one of the world’s hottest tourist’s destinations and has become a leading figure in business, IT and the finance world. Built on the back of rich oil reserves, the city has transformed into an oasis of high rise buildings, world class shopping and dining and competitive sports, without forfeiting its exotic culture and spice filled history.
Nicknamed the ‘City of Merchants,’ the desert life of Dubai is seeped in centuries old history and traditions. Ruled by the Al Marktoum since 1833, the kingdom’s rich treasures and unique heritage are put on display through archeological sites, museums, palaces and villages, opening visitors up to the exotic secrets of Old Dubai. Spread throughout the city are some of the Middle East’s most beautiful mosques, capturing the splendour of Islamic architecture these places of worship are striking works of art embellished by beautiful domes, stained glass windows and colourful mosaic pieces.
Whether it’s the traditional souk markets or the ultra modern shopping malls, Dubai offers a shopper’s paradise with low import duties and tax free treasures. Alive with the vivid colours and aromas of the desert, souk markets are a vibrant affair where exotic spices, fish and vegetables line the narrow village streets, next to elegantly crafted furniture, carpets and gold that sparkles in the hot Arabian sunlight. A sharp contrast to this very earthy and colourful style of shopping, Dubai’s department stores house a wide range of shops, restaurants and boutiques selling everything from high fashion to the latest technology at great and often unrivalled prices.
When not enjoying the wonders of Dubai’s shopping districts, visitors to this desert paradise can try their hand at a little golf or yachting or simply soak up the beauty of the landscape on a river cruise or camel ride. A pioneering sporting nation in the Middle East, Dubai has an exciting and full sporting calendar that includes horse racing, golf, football and the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships. For the spectator who wants to get active the city also has numerous sporting facilities open to all ages.
A land incredibly rich in a unique natural beauty, this part of the Middle East is best experienced through the traditional Arabian activities offered in Dubai. Desert safaris, dune driving and cruises on Dubai Creek take visitors into the heart of this vibrant landscape, where exotic and incredibly rare bird species make their homes. As the sun sets in Dubai, traditional Middle Eastern and international cuisine is being served in world class restaurants and eateries, allowing visitors to sit back, relax and enjoy a culinary adventure and the vibrant Arabian nightlife.
Dubai is a city of fascinating contrasts that has managed to seamlessly fuse the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a modern city with the timeless and unique beauty of the desert and its Middle Eastern culture. A city that has for centuries been shrouded in an air of mystery and ambiguity, Dubai mixes old with new in a tourist destination that first inspired Lawrence of Arabia and continues to draw all of us with its alluring secrecy and striking beauty.