Today, Dubai is widely acknowledged to be one of the most modern cities in the world.  It is a luxury destination with year-round sunshine offering a combination of the finest facilities and renowned Arabian hospitality.

 AN ARABIAN ODYSSEY

           Starting out as a fishing settlement, then a pear diving center, and later a vibrant trading port, Dubai has become known as the ‘Gateway between East and West’.  The city, one of the seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates, infuses tradition and heritage with modernity and style.  Rapidly developing as an international leisure, retail, business, conference and exhibition center, it presents a wide variety of attractions for the visitor.

THE PERFECT TOURISM ESCAPE

          With its numerous attractions, pulsating, shopping, tall skyscrapers and traditional souqs (markets), stunning beaches, legendary hotels offering five-star service, international sporting events, luxury yachts and old trading dhows (traditional wooden boats), tourists are able to experience a wide range of activities.  There is everything from large modern retails malls, to historic landmarks, rugged mountains and awesome dunes to turquoise waters, lush green parks and the everlasting serenity of the desert.

TOMORROW’S HISTORY TODAY

          As one of the fastest-growing cities on earth this century, with the iconic Burj Dubai at its bustling epicenter and unprecedented developments such as The Palm, The World, Dubai land and Dubai Waterfront, Dubai is most certainly a city-for-the-future, with its understated elegance, delivering a fabulous cosmopolitan lifestyle.

SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL

          Famous for offering top international brands at unbelievably low prices, Dubai boasts some of the largest retail malls, souqs and leisure centers in the world.  There are a wide variety of fine restaurants and fabulous nightspots presenting multi-cultural cuisine and entertainment experiences.  The city also plays host to regular cultural and shopping festivals.

HERE IS A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SOME OF DUBAI’S ATTRACTIONS:

ACCOMMODATION

• A wide range of modern five-star city hotels, desert and beach resorts offering superb accommodation, dining and entertainment facilities. 
• Low-cost hotels for budget-conscious visitors. 
• Beach resorts offering water sports facilities. 
• Long-stay hotel apartments. 
• ‘Holiday home’ options.  A number of residential projects, including villas and apartments, provide the opportunity for self-catering holidays or for visitors to buy. 

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT 

• Restaurants feature cuisine from the region and around the world.
• Lively nightlife with bars, cafés and nightclubs staying open until late.  Many hotels provide entertainment and host international DJs.

GETTING THERE

• Dubai International Airport is one of the most modern in the world and is less than eight hours from Europe or the Far East. 
• Immigration and customs entry and exit procedures are easy with friendly and attentive personnel. 
• 115 airlines and 25 charter airlines provide direct links to 200 destinations around the world. 
• A new international airport (JXB) is being developed at Dubai World Central in Jebel Ali.  Due for completion in late 2008 the airport will be able to handle between 120 and 150 million passengers. 

ON ARRIVAL

• There are numerous experienced destination-management companies (DMCs) who provide multilingual guides, well-qualified drivers and comfortable vehicles of varying sizes for tours and desert excursions.
• Taxis are modern, while most tour operators and hotels have air-conditioned coaches.  Hire cars are also available on presentation of an international driving license.
• The Dubai Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid handles arriving and departing cruise-liners with efficient ground-handling services.

SHOPPING

• There are modern, spacious and air-conditioned shopping malls conveniently located across the city providing a haven for dedicated shoppers. 
• Dubai’s traditional souqs capture the essence of yesterday. 
• Attractive traditional gifts from the region include coffee pots, rugs, silverware, jewellery, brass and inlaid rosewood furniture. 
• More than 65,000 tax-free products at the award winning Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport. 
• Shopping for gold, this precious metal is widely available in many styles, designs and prices. 

SPORTS AND MORE 

• A wide range of water sports including sailing, fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, scuba-diving and snorkeling.
• Golf on championship-standarc grass courses, all in stunning settings.
• Additional outdoor sports: tennis, horse riding and trekking, paragliding, cycling, clay-pigeon shooting, archery and go-carting.
• Indoor sporting facilities include squash, ice-skating, snow-skiing, bowling and target-shooting.

THE ARABIAN EXPERIENCE

• Camel-racing, horse-racing and displays of falconry.
• Desert safaris, dune and wadi (dry river beds) driving in 4x4 vehicles.
• Exploring the old souqs, the dhow quays on the Creek and traditional architecture.
• Moonlit Arabian Desert barbecues, with traditional entertainment.
• Photographic opportunities galore: majestic mosques, magnificent palaces, straying camels, ancient wind-towers, dusty Bedouin villages, lush oases, palm groves, ripples in the sand and dramatic sunsets.
• Sand-skiing on Dubai’s stunning dunes.

TOURS & EXCURSIONS 

• A wide variety of tours covering city shopping, desert drives, excursions to the mountains and neighboring emirates.  Both standard and tailor-made tours are available.
• Boat and dhow tours to experience Dubai on the water.
• Special-interest packages including golf, water sports, fishing, bird-watching and archaeology.

DUBAI’S HERITAGE & CULTURE

          While the city continues its rapid expansion and development program, Dubai has remained committed to retaining its traditional core values and culture.

ISLAM

          The timeless values of Islam lie at the heart of Dubai’s heritage, providing a strength and inspiration to all aspects of everyday life.

COMESTIC LIFE

          The family is the most important institution in Arab society, encompassing the immediate family unit of grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins as well as more distant relatives.  Relationships within these extended families are strong and respect is accorded to elders.

Families arrange marriages, although the bride and bridegroom have to agree to the liaison.  Wedding celebrations are major occasions lasting for several days and involve mush feasting.

Women are respected in Islamic society, taking their place at the heart of the family.  They have equal educational opportunities and increasingly work outside the home.

GENEROSITY AND A WARM WELCOME 

          Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized virtues of the Arab World and visitors are charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the local people.

Visitors to Dubai’s leading hotels are often welcomed with freshly ground Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom.  The coffee is poured from a traditional long-spouted Arabian coffee pot into small cups with no handles.  It is considered polite to accept one, two or three cups and then to shake cup gently from side to side when no more is required.

EARLY DAYS

          Many years ago, Dubai was a small coastal village and material discovered from archaeological explorations, suggest evidence of fishing settlements along the Gulf Coast from as early as the 1300s.  The people of the emirate derived their living from fishing, pearling and small-scale agriculture.  In 1830 a branch of the Bani Yas tribe (from the Liwa Oasis) inhabited a small fishing village at the mouth of the Creek.  The tribe was led by the Maktoum family whose descendents continue to rule Dubai today.

THE OLD WAY OF LIFE

          The people who roamed the hot deserts as nomads with their camel herds were known as Bedouins.  In those days, life was harsh for the tribal wanderers who survived life in the desert wilderness without the comfort and convenience of the 21^st century.  They cared for their herds in the rugged mountains and tended date palms wherever traces of water could be found.

TRADITIONAL GARMENTS

          The national dress generally worn in Dubai and throughout the Arabian Gulf region is adapted for the high temperatures and religious beliefs.

Men wear an ankle-length, loose-fitting garment known as a kandoura or dishdasha which is usually made of white cotton, although darker, heavier materials may sometimes be seen in winter.

          A small white crocheted skull-cap, the gahfia or taiga, is covered by the gutra, which is a long white cotton cloth or sometimes red-and-white woolen material in winter.  The gutra is kept in place by the igal, a double black woolen braid worn around the crown of the head.

Ladies of the region usually wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress, which is also called a kandoura and is often elaborately embroidered in gold, silver or colored thread.

The thobe is worn over entirely by a black abbaya.  The hair is covered and the face may also be covered by a gishwa, a thin veil.

LONG-ESTABLISHED SPORTS

          The sport of falconry is a traditional pastime still practiced in Dubai and is a unique partnership between man and bird.  The ancient sport of camel-racing also attracts a sizeable following with substantial purses for champions.  Traditional water sports are practiced off the shores of the city including sea rowing, dhow sailing and the more recent wooden powerboat racing.

Throughout the history, Arabs have maintained a great love of horses.  This tradition lives on in the rapid growth and development of horse-racing.  Every year in March, thousands of visitors attend the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup.  The ruling Al Maktoum family is the driving force behind Arabian horses in the Emirate.

          HH Sheikh Hamdan, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance & Industry, has invested much time and resources in breeding Arabian horses.  HH Sheikh Mohammed, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is recognized as one of the leading owners and riders of Arabian horses on the endurance trail.  His sons have also enjoyed considerable success both locally and internationally.

PEARL-DIVING

          In the old days, work on the coast involved dhow building to service the lucrative fishing and pearl diving industries.  It was the discovery of pearls, which initially led to the rise of Dubai as a trading city.

CITY OF MERCHANTS

          By the late 1870s, Dubai had become the principal port of the Gulf Coast through its developing activity in trade.  The city attracted traders fro Iran, India and around the Gulf and by the turn of the century, Dubai was reputed to have the largest souqs in the region.  Pearls continued to be a mainstay of the Emirate’s prosperity until the 1940s, when the development of Japanese cultured pearls led to a collapse in demand for the natural product.  However, by that time, trade in other products, including gold, had grown steadily and Dubai continued to thrive and became known as ‘the city of merchants’.

DISCOVERY OF OIL

          After World War II, the search for oil throughout the Middle East intensified, but it was not until 1966 when Dubai’s reserves were discovered.  The first exports followed in 1969 and it was during this time Britain announced its withdrawal from the region, a move which was to have a significant impact on the political geography of the area.

FOUNDATION OF THE UAE

          The late Highnesses Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, then Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, then Ruler of Dubai, clearly saw the attractions of bringing together the individual emirates of the Gulf Coast into a single nation.

In1971, the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Qaiwain, Fujairah and (one year later) Ras Al Khaimah came together to form the federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a proud sovereign state of 83,600 square kilometers and a small population which has subsequently grown to some four million people as estimated in 2005.

          Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the largest and most influential emirates in the federation.  Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is the seat of the federal government and a major oil-industry center, while Dubai occupies the main commercial hub with trading and business ties extending beyond the Middle East to all corners of the world.

RELIGION & LOCAL CUSTOMS 

            Islam is more than a religion; it is also a way of life and sets out a comprehensive code of conduct.  Within the Qur’an, the Noble Words of God Almighty is a complete set rule covering every aspect of human behavior.  The Qur’an also outlines the Five Pillars of Islam, a Muslim’s primary duties including The Testimonial of Faith, Salaah (the ritual set of Prayers five times a day), Zakah (Compulsory charity), fasting during the Holy month of Ramadan and Hajj (The Pilgrimage to Mekka).

          Ramadan is the month in which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Noble Qur’an and observe a month of fasting.  Its timing is not fixed in terms of the Gregorian calendar, but goes back 11 days every year.  In 2008, Ramadan may start on September2.  In accordance with UAE law, visitors and residents, not observing the fast should refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public.

THE SACRED MONTH OF RAMADAN

          During the Holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, every healthy Muslim is required to fast from dawn until dusk.  As Allah (God) declared, “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those (nations) before you so you can attain piety” (Qur’an Ch: 2 V: 183).  In addition to physical abstention, all normal undesirable behavior is especially frowned upon.  No fighting, swearing, arguing, lying, or other sins are permitted.  Muslims should normally avoid such bad behavior anyway, but sometimes people fall into error.  By properly observing the Ramadan fast, a Muslim can correct any wrong-doing and the error of his or her ways.

Eid Al Fitr

            Marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated for three days.  The celebrations start after prayers in the morning, when gifts are exchanged.

CLOTHING

            Care should be taken all year round so as not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered inappropriate or revealing.  Visitors are required to wear clothes which adequately cover the body.

GREETING

          The acceptable male greeting on meeting a Gulf Arab is to stand up and shake hands, however for a man to shake the hand of a Muslim woman (and vice versa) is, in most circumstances, considered unacceptable.

PERSONAL CONDUCT AND ETIQUETTE

            Personal behavior, which is considered unacceptable and offensive in the West, is generally considered to be the same in the Middle East.  However, rude or aggressive behavior and the wearing of revealing clothing in public places should be avoided.  Public displays of affection between man & woman in public places should be avoided at all times.  This form of greeting is deemed disrespectful and maybe subject to arrest.  In addition, drunken driving and inappropriate behavior whilst under the influence of alcohol will also be subject to arrest.

PHOTOGRAPHY

            Careful consideration should be shown when taking photographs in public places and not to include members of the local public.  To openly take photographs of Arab women is intrusive and should be avoided at all times.  In addition, photography of government buildings or military installations is not allowed.

MUSEUMS & HERITAGE SITES

            In a city resplendent with modern amenities, Dubai’s collection of historical sites and cultural attractions takes the visitor on a journey through time.

AL-AHMADIYA SCHOOL, MUSEUM OF EDUCATION, AL RAS, DEIRA

            Built in 1912 by Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk, Al Ahmadiya School in Deira was Dubai’s first school.  It has since been carefully restored using the original materials of gypsum, coral, shell, stone and sandalwood.

Contact:                  04-226-0286

Visiting Hours:          Saturday – Thursday (8:00am – 7:30pm)

                             Friday (2:30pm – 7:30pm)

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

            Dubai’s three main excavation sites include Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah.  The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2,000 years while the Jumeirah site has revealed artifacts from the seventh to the 15^th centuries.  Although not yet open to the public, tourists or tour operators may obtain a permit from Dubai Museum to visit the work in progress.

BAIT AL WAKEEL, BUR DUBAI

            Dubai’s first office building, Bait Al Wakeel dates back to 1934 and was built by the late Sheikh Rashid at the edge of the Creek near the abra (water taxi) landing.  The building has been completely restored and now houses a Maritime Museum.

BASTAKIYA, BUR DUBAI

            With its narrow lanes and houses with tall chimney-like structures called wind-towers the old Bastakiya district of Bur Dubai provides a tantalizing glimpse of old Dubai.  Before the advent of air-conditioning, houses were cooled by air being channeled down the wind-tower to the rooms below.  Often strips of material or fine cloth were hung from brackets lining the tower to offer additional breeze.  Historically, the city was famous for its mass of wind-towers which lined either side of the Creek.  The Bastakiya district also includes a museum, cultural center, restaurants and a heritage hotel with an art gallery.

BIN JAM’AAN HOUSE, DEIRA

            Converted into a museum of traditional architecture, Bin Jam’aan House was originally built in 1890 by the famous merchant of the same name.

BIN MUZAINA HOUSE, ADJACENT TO AL AHMADIYA SCHOOL

            With a large courtyard and wind tower, Bin Muzaina House depicts the traditional architectural style of Dubai.

Contact:                  04-394-6343

Visiting Hours:          Saturday – Thursday (8:30am – 1:30pm & 3:30pm – 8:00pm)

                             Friday (1:30pm – 8:00pm)

BURJ NAHAR, DUBAI

            Located in picturesque gardens, the restored Burj Nahar is one of three watch-towers which guard the old city.

DUBAI MUSEUM 

            The Dubai Museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort, an imposing building which is also a fascinating military museum.  Built around 1787, it once guarded the city’s landward approaches and has served as a palace, garrison and prison.  Renovated for use as a museum in 1971, the building underwent walk-in galleries in 1995.

          Colorful and evocative dioramas complete with life-size figures, sound and lighting effects vividly depict everyday life in Dubai during the pre-oil days.  Galleries recreate several scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souq, date gardens as well as desert and marine life.  One of the museum’s most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl-diving, accompanied by sets of pearl merchant’s weights, scales and sieves.  Also on display are fine copper, alabaster and pottery artifacts uncovered from 4,000-year-old graves at Al Ghusais (one of Dubai’s archaeological sites).

Contact:                  04-353-1862

Visiting Hours:          Saturday – Thursday (8:30am – 8:30pm)

                             Friday (2:30pm – 8:30pm)

HATTA HERITAGE VILLAGE 

            Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, 115 kilometers southeast of Dubai in the mountain enclave of Hatta, the Heritage Village is a fine example of Dubai’s heritage and dates back some 3,000 years.  The 30 restored buildings have been renovated using original materials including mud, hay, sandalwood and palm fronds.

Contact:                  04-852-1374

Visiting Hours:          Saturday – Thursday (8:00am – 8:30pm)

                             Friday (2:00pm – 8:30pm)

HERITAGE AND DIVING VILLAGE

            Located on the Creek, near the Shindagha tunnel, this heritage site presents both a comprehensive insight into the Emirate’s maritime past and a fine example of traditional Gulf architecture.  Local potters and weavers sell their handicrafts in a tented Bedouin village and camel rides are also available.  During Eid Holidays and the Shopping Festival traditional ceremonies such as sword dancing are performed.

Contact:                  04-393-7151

Visiting Hours:          Saturday – Thursday (8:30am – 10:30pm)

                             Friday (4:00pm – 10:30pm)

HERITAGE HOUSE, AL RAS DEIRA (CLOSE TO AL AHMADIYA SCHOOL)

            Built in 1890, this house was once owned by Dubai’s most famous pearl merchant, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Dalmouk.  An excellent example of Dubai’s traditional architecture the house presents a vivid recreation of local traditional household interiors.

Contact:                  04-226-0286

Visiting Hours:          All week long (8:00am – 7:30pm)

MAJLIS GALLERY, BASTAKIYA, DEIRA

            A converted old house, complete with wind-tower, white washed rooms and a central courtyard, is home to a delightful art gallery.  Hosting various exhibitions of contemporary artists every year, the gallery also offers a range of pottery, glass, fabrics and exclusive crafts.

Contact:                  04-353-6233

Visiting Hours:          Saturday – Thursday (9:30am – 8:00pm)

                             Closed on Friday

MAJLIS UM AL SHEIF

            Located in Jumeirah and built in the early 1950’s, the property was used by the late Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, as a summer resort.  The ground floor is an open veranda while on the second floor the majlis (Arabic for ‘meeting place’) is decorated with carpets lanterns and old weaponry.  In the gardens is a reproduction of the traditional falaj irrigation system.

Contact:                  04-394-6343

Visiting Hours:          Saturday – Thursday (8:30am – 1:30pm & 3:30pm – 8:30pm)

                             Friday (3:30pm – 8:30pm)

MOSQUES

Grand Mosque

            Situated on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek near the Ruler’s Court, the Grand Mosque is one of Dubai’s most distinguished landmarks.  With nine large domes boasting stained-glass panels and 45 small ones, it also has the city’s tallest minaret, measuring an incredible 70 meters in height.

Jumeirah Mosque

            One of the largest and most beautiful of Dubai mosques is the Jumeirah Mosque, a prominent landmark of the city; it is also a popular subject for photographers and appears in many international publications.  Built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, it is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture and is particularly attractive at night.  Visitors wishing to view the mosque may contact the Sheikh Mohammed center for Cultural Understanding.

Contact:        04-353-6666

NAIF MUSEUM, DEIRA

            The Naif Museum is housed in the Naif Fort, the first headquarters of Dubai Police.  Visitors to the museum can cross the courtyard, which was originally used as a training center.  In 2006 the Dubai Police force celebrated 50 years since its formation in 1956.

Contact:                  04-227-6484

Visiting Hours:          Sunday – Thursday (7:30am – 2:30pm)

                             Friday & Saturday (CLOSED)

SHINDAGHA

            More than 30 traditional houses have been restored in an initiative to re-establish the area’s original character. It features wind-towers and quaint sikkas (alley-ways).

SHEIKH OBAID BIN THANI HOUSE

            Located in Shindagha, near Sheikh Saeed’s House and built in 1916, the two-story dwelling is made of stone and mud with traditional style windows, doors and facades.

UNION HOUSE

            Located in Jumeirah, the replica of the Union House was constructed to honor the site where historic documents forming the UAE were signed in 1972.

XVA GALLERY, BASTAKIYA

            A beautifully restored house, the XVA Gallery incorporates an art gallery hosting a variety of exhibitions throughout the year and restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisines.

Contact:                  04-353-5383

Opening Hours:        Saturday – Thursday (9:00am – 9:00pm)

                             Friday (CLOSED)

NEW HORIZONS

Dubai’s phenomenal growth is taking the Emirate to new heights as a prime visitor destination.

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

            His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai is committed to his father’s dream of making Dubai one of the foremost cities in the world.  His visionary leadership has placed Dubai on the global map as an international business and leisure destination.

BUSINESS AND TRADE

            The Dubai Government took the initiative to strengthen its industrial base and diversify its income by establishing free zones.  By providing an advanced infrastructure, freedom of capital movement and tax-free income, private sector investment has flooded into the region from around the world. Further expansion of these sites continues.

          Dubai was probably known as ‘the city of merchants’ and has maintained its reputation as a trade and tourist hub.  The newly established Dubai International City is a city trade hub for international investors, traders and retailers from across the globe and provides residential facilities and tourist attractions.

          Dubai’s commitment to providing business investment and trade is further reflected in a spate of new specialized urban areas, many of them free-trade zones, including the Dubai international Financial Center (a regional monetary hub), Dubai Healthcare City (a one-stop destination for all medical and well-being needs), Dubai Humanitarian City (for charities and NGOs), Dubai Maritime City (a free zone for shipping companies) and Dubai Silicon Oasis (a center for electronic innovation, design and development).

A GROWING CITY

            Dubai is set to become one of the world’s premier destinations and in recent years has witnessed rapid development within the residential and tourist market.

          By 2011 the population of Dubai is expected to rise to almost 4.7 million and 2010, the number of visitors to the city is due to reach 15 million and hotel rooms in the city are set at an anticipated 45,000.

          Projects, including Burj Dubai, Dubai Festival City, Dubailand, Dubai Waterfront, Dubai World Central and The Palm Islands demonstrate a commitment to servicing the increases in population and tourists.

THE PROPERTY MARKET

            The growth of residential development in Dubai has attracted major investors into the region and has also created another tourism focus.  Master-planned, gated communities have been constructed by using global benchmarks and provide a selection of exclusive villas and apartments for residents and visitors to buy.

Example of Real Estate developments:

DUBAI MARINA

            Positioned along Dubai’s new growth corridor, in the vicinity of the American University and Dubai Media City, Dubai marina offers apartments and villas.

JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE

            Situated along Dubai’s coastline, the Jumeirah Beach Residence provides investment opportunities as holiday homes and companies of a range of apartments to suit varying budgets and needs.

ARABIAN RANCHES

            Moving away from the coast and into the heart of the desert is the Arabian Ranches development, offering luxurious family homes in a desert landscape.  A haven for horse lovers, Arabian Ranches has an international equestrian center and polo club.  Golf is on hand too with an 18-hole lan Baker-Finch/ Nicklaus design desert golf course at the center of the development.

DEVELOPING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND DUBAI’S NEW LANDMARKS

            The three Palm island projects, The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira are to become one of the world’s most iconic housing and tourism projects, each offering a host of villas and apartments for sale, as well as stunning resorts.  They will be the world’s largest man-made islands.

          The World, comprising of 300 islands protected by an oval breakwater and positioned to form the shape of the world map, rising from the waves is set to represents the ultimate in exclusive island living.

          Dubai Waterfront, bigger than Manhattan and Beirut, will comprise of a new downtown, Madinat Al Arab anchored by Al Burj, set to be one of the world’s tallest buildings and a 75-meter canal.  Surrounding the harbor will be a series of zones with mixed use, commercial, residential, resort and amenity areas.

          Dubai Festival City, located on the banks of Dubai Creek, the waterfront development blends Dubai’s rich sea-trade past with a vision of the present.  A long-term project spanning 10 years, Dubai Festival City is growing steadily into a fully integrated community.  A ‘city within a city’, it encompasses world-class shops and restaurants, hotels, corporate offices and top-end residential areas.

          Burj Dubai, billed as the world’s tallest tower, at more than 800 meters high is situated at the center of a new downtown complex also containing the world’s largest shopping mall, an Arabian-themed housing development and hotel facilities.

          Meydan, a phenomenal new iconic horseracing city is the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.  The landmark development will span 76 million square feet and feature state-of-the-art sand and turf tracks, while a world-class grandstand will boast a 55,000 to 60,000 capacity and span one kilometer.  A stone’s throw from the current Nad Al Sheba racecourse, other features include a world-class hotel, more than 10 restaurants, the home of Dubai Racing Club, a museum, as well as covered parking for 10,000 cars and a four-kilometer canal which will run from Dubai Creek to the racecourse.  During the off-season the grandstand will also serve as a major dining, business and conference facility.  The target opening date is for the 2010 Dubai World Cup.

DUBAILAND

            At two-billion square feet, which covers an area twice the size of Disneyworld in Florida and a 100 times the size of Monaco, Dubailand is one of the region’s largest developments and will comprise of six large enough to accommodate 50 themed leisure attractions together with hotel accommodation.  Being billed as a cross between Las Vegas and Orlando, Salem Bin Dasmal, chief executive officer of the project describes Dubailand as “Disneyland on steroids”.  Construction has already begun and in March 2004, the Dubai Autodrome was opened together with the Global Village in 2005.

          Other tourist attractions will include the Dubai Heritage Vision, which will offer glimpses into the Emirate’s past, a water park, a mountain ski dome, the Arabian Legends theme park (featuring the dinosaur park) and the ‘Dubai Eye’, set to be larger than the UK’s London version.

          In Addition, a 50-million square feet cornerstone project, Dubai Sports City will provide world-class sports facilities and academies as well as residential and commercial properties, shopping malls and hotels.  Key international sporting names supporting the academies are likely to include Manchester United Soccer School, the golfer Butch Harmon and tennis champion David Lloyd.  An international Global Cricket Academy is also planned.

BAWADI (ARABIC FOR A BEDOUIN CAMP)

            Located inland from the city and set within 139 million square feet of desert, the Bawadi project will provide an astounding 29,500 new hotel rooms.  Already referred to by some observers as ‘Du-Vegas’, the 10-kilometer hotel strip will run through the middle of Dubailand and will feature the world’s largest property, Asia Asia.  With 6,500 rooms, Asia Asia is just one of 31 themed hotels planned for the project.

DUBAI WORLD CENTRAL

            The new urban aviation community, Dubai World Central is currently under development and is located 140-kilometers from Dubai International Airport at Jebel Ali.  As well as comprising of a new international airport (JXB) with two terminals and six runways, the project will also include a logistics addition, commercial and residential facilities will also be available and will feature an ‘Exhibition City’, an Enterprise accommodation will be provided on-site for the new airport will be able to handle between 120 and 150 million passengers.

STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES

          As a result of intensive Government investment, Dubai boasts a wide range of state-of-the-art public facilities.  Desalination plants, power stations, telecommunications systems, cargo-transport operations, exhibition facilities and convention halls all rank among the best in the world.  Dubai exists civic and social infrastructure is also envied world-wide with its hospitals, schools parks and exceptional recreational facilities.  Moreover, the modern road networks, extensive leisure activities and impressive public buildings all bear testament to Dubai’s prosperity and dynamism.  By 2009, the first stretch of a new 70-kilometer twin-line light railway is due to be completed which will eventually see more than 100 train serving 55 stations along Dubai’s coastline.

A COSMOPOLITAN CITY

            A melting pot of cultures, Dubai is home to more than 140 nationalities.  Over the past 50 years, Dubai has grown into a chic and fashionable city, providing visitors and residents alike with an extraordinary range of accommodation and an extensive array of leisure facilities.  The investment into enhancing the city is phenomenal and the work continues to make Dubai one of the most modern and attractive cities in the world.

PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO

          While Dubai is a haven for sun-seekers, it’s also an excellent place for exploring and discovering the culture of Arabia

            As a city of contrasts, visitors can enjoy a multitude of experiences.  There is something for everyone, from lazing on the beach to exploring mountains and designer shops to traditional souqs.

          Dubai is also a dynamic international business hub and a city where the sophistication of an international lifestyle goes hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era.

          Below are lists of attractions, offering the visitor a glimpse into both Dubai’s present and past.

AL BOOM TOURIST VILLAGE

            The traditional architecture of the Al Boom Tourist Village forms a stately city landmark.  Situated adjacent to Creek Park, it comprises of a 2,000-seat banquet hall, coffee shop, restaurant, amusement park, ornamental lake and marina with nine traditional dhows.  Future plans for the village include a five-star hotel built in the shape of a traditional sailing dhow and self-catering or as fully-serviced chalets.

BURJ AL ARAB

            Set on a man-made island, projecting 280 meters into the Gulf and shaped like an enormous billowing sail, Burj Al Arab is a 321-meter high masterpiece of architecture.  With 202 luxury duplex suites, a restaurant at the very top and the most opulent interior décor, Bur Al Arab is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world.

CITY SIGHTS

            Having expanded along both banks of the Creek, Dubai’s central business district is divided into two parts, Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south connected by a tunnel and the Maktoum and Garhoud bridges.  Each district has its share of fine mosques and busy traditional souqs, as well as attractive modern buildings, shopping malls and hotels.  Outside this core area, the city extends to the north towards the emirate of Sharjah and south and west through to the neighborhoods of Satwa, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim and the newer suburbs in the vicinity of Dubai Marina in a long ribbon of development along the Gulf coast.  At first glance, the city’s skyline of glass and concrete towers presents a modern face to the visitor.  However, beyond the façade is the Dubai of ‘yesterday’ where visitors can discover traditional Arabian customs and explore the city’s old architecture.

CRUISING

            Designed in the shape of a ship, the Dubai Cruise Terminal offers visitors a number of cruising opportunities from short breaks around the Gulf to longer itineraries into the waters of the Middle East and onto the Mediterranean.  Over the past 10 years, the Gulf has provided an alternative cruising destination for many of the internationally renowned cruise operators, including Cunard, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Luxury Yachts of Seabourn and most recently the leading Italian cruise line Costa Crociere S.p.A who offer a winter season of weekly cruises.  The seven-day itinerary features one-day stopovers in the ports of Muscat (Oman), Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

DEIRA CREEK SIDE

            Providing an impressive sight along the Creek near the dhow wharf is a group of distinctive modern buildings which include the Etisalat Tower, the Department of Economic Development, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Bank of Dubai headquarters, Dubai Creek Tower and Twin Towers.

Topped by a telecommunications dome resembling a giant globe, the Etisalat Tower is particularly striking when illuminated at night.  The Department of Economic Development is a five-storey building with delicately designed window screens and massive, decorated main doors.  By contrast, the neighboring Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry tower is a dramatic blue glass-faced structure, a symbol of the Emirates prosperity and forward vision.  Nearby is the Municipality building, which manages to convey an impression of cool shade through the clever use of water and screens.  Most striking though is the headquarters of the National Bank of Dubai building.  Home to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Head Office, the building’s polished steel and glass, produces a shimmering reflection of the Creek on its curved façade.  This eye-catching building, designed by Carlos Ott, architect of the Bastille Opera House in Paris, is at its most spectacular at sunset.

DUBAI CREEK SIDE

            Dubai Creek is a natural sea water inlet which traverses through the center of the city.  Both historically and today the Creek is a focal point for life in Dubai and a walk along the banks will evoke the city’s centuries-old trading traditions.  The color and bustle of the loading and unloading of dhows, which still ply ancient trade routes to places as distant as India and East Africa, captivates visitors.

          The best way to see the Creek is from the water itself.  For a nominal sum, small water taxis called abra criss-cross the Creek from the souqs of Deira to those on the Bur Dubai side.  The abras may also be hired and the boatmen will take visitors on fascinating, hour-long trip from the abra embarkation points to the mouth of Dubai passing a number of the city’s historic and modern landmarks along the way.

          On the Deira side, a broad and well-lit promenade extends from the Corniche allowing for visitors to stroll along the Arabian Gulf.

          On the Bur Dubai side, between Maktoum and Garhoud bridges, Creek Park offers pleasant, paved walks and extensive landscaped public gardens.

          A new landmark on the Creek is Dubai Festival City, a residential, leisure and retail development.  Currently taking shape on the Creek is the iconic towering Burj Dubai and the new residential and visitor attraction area of Down Town and Dubai Business Bay, an international commercial and business cluster.

          At the inland end of the Creek a large, shallow lagoon has been turned into a wildlife sanctuary and is a haven for migratory shore birds.  During the autumn migration, up to 27,000 birds have been accounted for at any one time, the most spectacular of which are the many Greater Flamingos making the Creek their permanent home.

DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTER

            Built in 1979 and rising 39 floors, the Dubai World Trade Center was Dubai’s tallest building at the time.  Situated nearby, the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center hosts an active program of international trade fairs and exhibitions attracting exhibitors and visitors from all