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| Family Vacation Planner Destinations |
Dubai
Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Located on the warm, sparkling-blue shores of the Gulf in the south-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates within the United Arab Emirates. Regarded as the leading centre for business and conferencing in the Middle East, Dubai also supports a growing tourist industry, attracted by outstanding beaches and first-class sporting and leisure facilities. The City has also earned a reputation as a shopping paradise, due to its tax free status and abundant, luxury shopping malls.
Dubai is divided by an inlet of the Gulf, Dubai Creek, with Deira, the bustling city centre, lying to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. Bur Dubai is the site of the old city, with traditional architecture and atmospheric streets and souks (markets).
An imaginative way of seeing Dubai is to take a tour the Creek by traditional wooden dhow or cabin cruiser. Most of the major landmarks can be seen from the waterway. No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip into the desert. Such excursions which are the best organized as part of a group tour; offer a taste of the true heartland of Arabia. Driving in sand is an adventure in itself, combining the excitement of a roller-coaster ride with the challenge of remaining mobile on the shifting surface. The camel, a symbol of Arabia, is a major tourist attraction. Camel rides are part of some tours and desert safaris.
The historic focal point of life in Dubai is the ancient Creek where dhows still unload their cargoes and merchants ply their trade, much as they have done for hundreds of years. An attractive way to view the souks, mosques and traditional building which line the banks of the Creek is by abra (water taxi), which regularly cross between Bur Dubai and Deira. On the Bur Dubai side of the Creek, is Dubai Museum, thought to be Dubai's oldest building. The Grand Mosque is also this side of the Creek, featuring 45 small domes and the city's tallest minaret. Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House, built in 1896, reflects Dubai's rich architectural heritage and today has been converted into a museum.
A delightful combination of the exotic, mysterious Arab world with the liberal modernism of the West. Read on to discover why Dubai is the most cosmopolitan city in the Middle East.
Dubai offers the visitor a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts - a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new. An exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai combines the comfort and convenience of the Western world with the unique charm and hospitality of Arabia.
Families are not forgotten. The city has many parks and playgrounds to keep the youngsters amused. While at the end of the day, Dubai's restaurants and nightspots offer a choice of international cuisine and entertainment. If you're looking for an action-packed holiday, Dubai offers superb facilities for sports and recreation, from golf and water sports to desert safaris and dhow cruises, or simply the opportunity to enjoy year-round sunshine on clean, uncrowded beaches.
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