About Dubai

Home to the tallest building in the world and an aviation complex that is well on it s way to becoming the largest on the planet, Dubai is a luxury destination that offers year-round sunshine, world-class leisure, tourism and entertainment facilities and an enduring tradition of warm Arabian hospitality.

Economic Powerhouse

Starting out as 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. It presents a wide variety of attractions for the visitor as it rapidly develops as an international leisure, retail, business, conference and exhibition centre.

Wealth Of Wonders

Dubai with its numerous attractions has something for everyone. This bustling emirate has historic landmarks, rugged mountains, beautiful sand dunes, lush green parks, modern shopping facilities, colourful souks (traditional markets), white-sand beaches, international sporting events, architectural icons, ultra-luxurious hotels, exciting sporting events and a rich and multicultural culinary scene.

World-Class Infrastructure

The emirate constantly breaks world records when it comes to infrastructure development. Recognised as one of the fastest-growing cities in the world this century, Dubai has landed on most tourists' 'must-visit' lists - thanks to its architectural wonders - from the iconic Burj Dubai and the ambitious tourism destination Dubailand which is gearing for a December 2010 launch to the three Palm projects (Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira) and the World. Of course, the seven star Burj Al Arab hotel remains a favourite Dubai landmark.

Shopping And Entertainment

Famous for offering top international brands at unbelievably low prices, Dubai has some of the largest retail malls, souks and leisure centres in the world. The emirate has fine restaurants and fabulous nightspots, presenting multicultural cuisine and entertainments experiences. The city also hosts regular cultural and shopping festivals.

Here is a brief overview of some of Dubai's attractions:

Accomodation:

• A wide range of modern five-star city hotels, deluxe desert and beach resorts offering superb accommodation, dining and entertainment facilities.
• Low-cost hotels for budget conscious visitors.
• Beach resorts offering water sports facilities.

Dining Scene

• Restaurants feature cuisine from the region and around the world.
• Lively nightlife with bars, cafes 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 simple and straightforward with friendly and attentive personnel.

A new international airport the Al Maktoum International Airport (JXB) is being developed at Dubai World Central in Jebel Ali. Due for completion in late 2009, the airport will be able to handle between 120-150 million passengers annually.

Shopping

There are modern, spacious and air-conditioned shopping mails conveniently located across the city providing a haven for dedicated shoppers.

• Dubai's traditional souks capture the essence of yesterday. Attractive traditional gifts from the region include coffee pots, rugs, silverware, jewellery, brass and inlaid rosewood furniture.
• Bargains galore during Dubai's annual shopping festivals.
• More than 35,000 product lines 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 snorkelling.
• Golf on championship-standard grass courses, all in spectacular settings.
• Additional outdoor sports: tennis, horse riding and trekking, paragliding, cycling, clay pigeon shooting, archery and go-karting. 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 bed) driving in 4x4 vehicles.
• Exploring the old souks, 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 And Excursions

• A wide variety of tours covering city shopping, desert drives, excursions to the mountains and neighbouring 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.