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