Visiting Dubai
As one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai’s major industries include real estate, trade, and tourism. Most people who speak of Dubai are referring to the Dubai Municipality or what’s known as Dubai city, rather than the entire emirate.
Known to the British as Al Wasl, Dubai is the most populous city in the UAE. It is ideally situated on the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the Persian Gulf. This gives Dubai a number of excellent beaches, even though the city is located in the desert.
The city’s growing tourist trade has led to some interesting expansion of the area. Dubai boasts the three largest man-made islands in the world, the Palm Islands. Some of the most expensive real estate in Dubai is located on these islands.
Dubai is a truly modern city. Visitors will find shopping malls, high rise office buildings, and climate-controlled 5 star hotel in Dubai. There are also more traditional attractions such as museums, mosques, and local markets known as souks. Those wishing to get a feel for the city’s past can take a cruise on Dubai Creek which features ships and structures in Old Dubai.
Some of the more exciting activities in Dubai include seaplane tours, hot air balloon excursions, scuba diving amongst shipwrecks, and taking a desert safari ride.