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Dubai has something for everyone, from vacationers seeking a
relaxing break away from the pressures of work, to active tourists
looking for a new, exciting experience. The emirate is an international
conference, exhibition, and leisure travel destination.
Lying on the calm, blue waters of the southern Gulf and flanked
by majestic desert, Dubai offers year-round sunshine and five-star
luxury along with the adventure of a unique Arabian experience.
Twenty nine years ago the southern coast of the lower Gulf was
a barren, under-populated land comprised of several autonomous
states. Today, as the United Arab Emirates, it has become a dynamic,
modern society with the infrastructure of contemporary twenty-first
century life.
The great wealth derived from the UAE’s oil and gas production
has given the country one of the highest per capita incomes in
the world. This income has been invested over the past twenty years
in construction and development which have proceeded at an amazing
rate. All of the original settlements have become dynamic urban
centers and Dubai has grown into a large, cosmopolitan city. Rural
villages have been reconstructed; many nationals (natives of the
UAE) have acquired homes which feature the modern conveniences
of major urban lifestyles. A network of multi-lane highways link
the main city centers. The more remote regions are accessible by
all-terrain vehicles and both the desert and the mountains are
popular destinations for leisure and recreational activities.
Wherever you are in Dubai, you will not be far from a supermarket
which offers most of what can be found in North America, Australia
and Europe. In fact, you are likely to find more variety as goods
are imported to suit the needs of many different nationalities.
Prices are comparable to most western countries
Known in the region as ‘the city of merchants’, Dubai
has welcomed seafarers and traders to its shores for generations.
Today, this tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on. Dubai’s
streets are clean and safe, and travelers are sure to be charmed
by the city’s warmth and friendliness.
Dubai has a seemingly endless variety of unique vacation opportunities!
Some of the highlights are desert safaris, dune driving; exploring
wadis (dry river beds) in four-wheel-drive vehicles; sand-skiing;
moonlit Arabian desert barbecues, complete with traditional entertainment;
camel racing, horse racing and falconry; cruises in wooden dhow
on Dubai Creek or into the Gulf; exploration of the old city souks
(markets) and creekside dhow quays. Photographic possibilities
include traditional architecture; majestic mosques, magnificent
palaces, brightly dressed children, camel and goat herds, ancient
windtowers, dusty Bedouin villages, lush oases and palm groves,
and dramatic sunsets.
Dubai has facilities for swimming, sailing, fishing, windsurfing,
water-skiing, jet-skiing, scuba-diving and snorkeling. There is
golf on five championship-standard grass courses,
Other sports include squash and tennis; horseback riding; trekking,
paragliding, cycling, ice-skating, shooting, archery and bowling.
Families will enjoy the child- friendly parks and playgrounds.
Driving in the desert, mountains or river beds (wadis) is a favorite
weekend pastime for many people in the Emirates. There are numerous
sites for camping and picnicking. Shopping for traditional Middle
Eastern gifts is easy and enjoyable. Offerings include rugs, silverware,
jewelry, brass, inlaid rosewood furniture and much more.
Dubai is a modern city without any of the negative aspects often
associated with city life, such as air pollution, traffic jams,
poverty or crime. It is truly a vacation paradise. |
