Dubai is one the seven United Arab Emirates. Being a Middle Eastern desert city many would expect Dubai's wealth to have come from oil, originally this was true. Today Dubai's oil contributes only 6% to the economy, whereas real estate, construction and tourism contribute to the majority. The easy to reach country can be accessed from Europe in less than five hours and is usually a stopover on most major flights.
For this reason shopping in Dubai is competing with other major cities like New York or Paris as the next big shopping experience. The city virtually invented the shopping festival (Dubai Shopping Festival or The DSF); with many stores like Dolce & Gabana, Prada and Channel all under one roof in the many air-conditioned malls. If shopping isn't for you then maybe skiing or snowboarding are? The snow centres can also be found in the malls where temperatures outside are 40 degrees but inside are -4. All equipment and clothing are provided by the mall.
Dubai has a lot to offer the traveller in the way of entertainment, culture and sports. The city was not always this modern and ahead of the times, hints of this can still be seen all over Dubai. A great way to see this is on a Dubai Creek Cruise aboard an Abra (traditional wooden boat) watching the water traffic on similar modes of transport, whilst smoking a shisha pipe perhaps (flavoured tobacco).
On this cruise you will see old custom buildings, mosques and clues of the ship yard. Consider splitting up this trip by taking a walk through one of the many markets. A more exhilarating trip can be found inland on the sand dunes, which can be conquered by 4x4 or sand boarding for the more adrenaline seeking guest.
The pristine white sandy beaches are a great way to spend the day and relax. If you are feeling up to it, sea cruises and fishing excursions, as well as the usual water activities can be found at one of the many approved vendors that line the beach. The waters are relatively calm and patrolled by life guards on the shore and life boats on the water.
Business travellers can find comfort in all the four star hotels Dubai boasts, as the hotels have all the modern accessories and gadgets the business person needs. From solid oak work desks to ergonomically designed chairs with lumbar support, wireless internet to multiline telephones, Dubai's hotels really have thought of everything. The hotels can also offer you a work assistant to help with everyday work tasks, such as arranging meetings, all administration and meeting preparation. The rooms all come with fantastic views of either the sparkling blue ocean or the moonlit desert and array of stars; these views should help as vital inspiration.
The holiday makers hoping to achieve the ultimate holiday experience can do so at these four star hotels Dubai has on offer. The hotels treat the guest like absolute royalty and allow the traveller to feel at home with added homely pleasures dotted around the finely finished rooms.
Four star means that the rooms all come with en suite bathrooms complete with powerful showers and stand alone Jacuzzi style bath tubs. The soothing oils, creams and aromatic candles allow the guest to soak in absolute splendour, and wash away the hard day spent tanning on the beach. After the guests' soak a 300 cotton count dressing gown accompanied by slippers await the guest on the king size bed. A balcony complete with loungers and a low level table wait the guest once they have fetched a drink from the fully stocked mini bar.
The many conference centres and meeting venues make a perfect place to meet with clients, employees or employers. The fully licensed bar inside the venue is another place to conduct relaxed or personal meetings. The centre caters for small boardroom style meetings for 8 people right up extravagant celebrations catering for 400 people. The centre employs an events manger who you can direct your ideas onto and they can make it possibility. First class cuisine can be arranged at these centres as they boast superb kitchens and eating facilities.
Dubai is a place where new meets old and east meets west in a mixing pot that works really well. The city has been able to accompany both the new and old in a style that complements each other. The city will continue to do this as the locals have a great sense of what needs to be done to stay ahead of the times and stay in touch with its routes. Whatever you travel to Dubai for, this city is sure to captivate your imagination, heart and soul as Dubai is a city like no other.
