| Nestled deeply in the mysterious but ever alluring | | | | shopping, Dubai's department stores house a wide |
| United Arab Emirates, Dubai has for decades been | | | | range of shops, restaurants and boutiques selling |
| hidden from the Western world, only recently | | | | everything from high fashion to the latest |
| opening its golden doors to eager tourists | | | | technology at great and often unrivalled prices. |
| desperate to experience all this desert kingdom | | | | When not enjoying the wonders of Dubai's |
| has to offer. | | | | shopping districts, visitors to this desert paradise |
| Located in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is | | | | can try their hand at a little golf or yachting or |
| one of the world's hottest tourist's destinations | | | | simply soak up the beauty of the landscape on a |
| and has become a leading figure in business, IT | | | | river cruise or camel ride. A pioneering sporting |
| and the finance world. Built on the back of rich oil | | | | nation in the Middle East, Dubai has an exciting and |
| reserves, the city has transformed into an oasis | | | | full sporting calendar that includes horse racing, |
| of high rise buildings, world class shopping and | | | | golf, football and the Barclays Dubai Tennis |
| dining and competitive sports, without forfeiting its | | | | Championships. For the spectator who wants to |
| exotic culture and spice filled history. | | | | get active the city also has numerous sporting |
| Nicknamed the 'City of Merchants,' the desert life | | | | facilities open to all ages. |
| of Dubai is seeped in centuries old history and | | | | A land incredibly rich in a unique natural beauty, |
| traditions. Ruled by the Al Marktoum since 1833, | | | | this part of the Middle East is best experienced |
| the kingdom's rich treasures and unique heritage | | | | through the traditional Arabian activities offered in |
| are put on display through archeological sites, | | | | Dubai. Desert safaris, dune driving and cruises on |
| museums, palaces and villages, opening visitors up | | | | Dubai Creek take visitors into the heart of this |
| to the exotic secrets of Old Dubai. Spread | | | | vibrant landscape, where exotic and incredibly rare |
| throughout the city are some of the Middle East's | | | | bird species make their homes. As the sun sets in |
| most beautiful mosques, capturing the splendour | | | | Dubai, traditional Middle Eastern and international |
| of Islamic architecture these places of worship | | | | cuisine is being served in world class restaurants |
| are striking works of art embellished by beautiful | | | | and eateries, allowing visitors to sit back, relax |
| domes, stained glass windows and colourful | | | | and enjoy a culinary adventure and the vibrant |
| mosaic pieces. | | | | Arabian nightlife. |
| Whether it's the traditional souk markets or the | | | | Dubai is a city of fascinating contrasts that has |
| ultra modern shopping malls, Dubai offers a | | | | managed to seamlessly fuse the cosmopolitan |
| shopper's paradise with low import duties and tax | | | | atmosphere of a modern city with the timeless |
| free treasures. Alive with the vivid colours and | | | | and unique beauty of the desert and its Middle |
| aromas of the desert, souk markets are a | | | | Eastern culture. A city that has for centuries been |
| vibrant affair where exotic spices, fish and | | | | shrouded in an air of mystery and ambiguity, |
| vegetables line the narrow village streets, next to | | | | Dubai mixes old with new in a tourist destination |
| elegantly crafted furniture, carpets and gold that | | | | that first inspired Lawrence of Arabia and |
| sparkles in the hot Arabian sunlight. A sharp | | | | continues to draw all of us with its alluring secrecy |
| contrast to this very earthy and colourful style of | | | | and striking beauty. |