Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is an extremely popular destination in the Middle East for those interested in experiencing a combination of traditional culture combined with the modern technology and influence of the Western world. It is a wonderful combination of world class hotels, vast shopping malls, and opportunities to wander through traditional marketplaces in search of local arts, clothing, and foods, right alongside modern electronics and jewellery. Dubai has set an ambitious goal of being the number one travel destination in the world, and so far they have aggressively sought to fulfill this goal and attract the world's holiday travellers. |
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For some, Dubai is an escape from their everyday lives no matter where they might live. The entertainment, the shopping, the high rise buildings, and so much more, make it somewhat of an oasis of things people love to see and do. In fact, many people across the globe literally schedule their vacations in Dubai just to take advantage of the tremendous tax-free shopping opportunities; in just a few days they fill up on everything they need for the coming year, from birthday gifts to new wardrobes and more. Jewellery is a particular bargain in Dubai, both in the shopping mall stores and in the Gold Souk marketplace. The Gold Souk is renowned as perhaps the least expensive place in the world to buy gold, and you can be sure that negotiating and haggling is an integral part of the process.
Visitors are often astounded at the incredible skyline of Dubai, thanks to numerous skyscrapers and other noteworthy buildings. Some of these structures were built specifically to dazzle, such as the indoor ski resort and the tallest hotel in the world. Plus, the hotels in Dubai are also world famous for their level of luxury, opulence, and grandeur.
A terrific example of this is the Burj Al Arab Hotel, opened in 1999 and located on the Jumeirah Beach strip. The hotel itself is one of the tallest buildings in Dubai, and certainly one of the most interesting to look because it is built in the shape of a ship's sail. Rising over 320 metres into the air, at night it is visible for many miles thanks to an elaborate lighting scheme.
Even the location of the hotel, Jumeirah Beach strip, is unique thanks to the incredible engineering and building efforts of Dubai. The nearby Jumeirah Palm Island is a completely man-made island built in the shape of an elegant palm tree and featuring an assortment of high end hotels and shops. Its size, shape, and unique coast line truly qualify it as a landmark of human construction and ingenuity. If you can't afford to actually stay in one of these amazing grand locations, it is well worth having dinner, drinks, or even afternoon tea at one of the resorts just for the incredible experience it provides.
The activities in Dubai are varied; as part of turning themselves into a world travel destination, Dubai offers a huge array of things to do in the indoors as well as the outdoors. Concerts, art shows, golf, swimming, wind surfing, desert adventures, and more, are all easy to access and a great deal of fun. Because of the extreme heat in Dubai, it is not unusual to find these activities set up either indoors or scheduled for early mornings and/or late evenings when temperatures are coolest.
Although Dubai is widely recognized as one of the most tolerant Muslim countries in the Middle East, it is still important to understand and respect that they do abide by the typical culture and traditions of the Muslim faith. Just as you would before visiting any other country, take some time to learn about what is appropriate (and not appropriate) while you are there. For instance, visitors are welcome and even encouraged to take pictures of the many sights in Dubai; however, you should avoid taking pictures of Muslim women because in this culture that action is considered offensive. Pay attention, also, to the time of year you plan to visit; during the holy month of Ramadan, all visitors (Muslim and non-Muslim alike) are required to abide by the strict rules and not smoke, drink, or eat in public between sun up and sundown.
Getting to and from Dubai is extremely easy and convenient from throughout Europe, thanks to a multitude of flights available into Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport. Once in Dubai, the best way to move around is via taxi, bus, or private shuttle. This will allow you to quickly get to and from your destinations without having to deal with local driving customs or difficult to navigate roads and signs. Check with your hotel as well, because many of them offer easy car hire that includes a driver in the rental fee.
Wiki:- Dubai
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