Dubai Lives Up to It's Nickname as "The City of Superlatives"

Thirty years ago, Dubai was nothing more than a small port. Today, on the other hand, things are much different. In the last 25 years, an astounding Arabian metropolis has been built. Home to the tallest building in the world, the largest manmade island and the most extravagant hotel, Dubai is known as The City of Superlatives. Dubai is an independent city-state, and is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is both more contemporary and more progressive than its other UAE neighbors. The city is both visually breathtaking and dynamic.

Dubai spent centuries as a small port known only for its pearls. Most of its residents were fishermen, and the main industries came from the sea. Oil was discovered near the city during the 1960s, however. Immigrants began to flock to the city, and it soon had a bigger immigrant population than any other city in the world. Luckily, Dubai had a forward-thinking Royal Dynasty who ambitiously embraced the immigrants and envisioned a grand new city. In only a few years, the city rose to prominence for its financial markets. It also became a regional transportation hub. Despite the fact that the oil reserves are now gone, the city remains a destination for business and tourism alike. Now, Dubai is one of the richest cities in the world. Visitors stay in seven-star hotels, and Rolls Royce and Ferraris fill the streets. Even high tea is luxurious and lavish.

There are a variety of things to see and do in Dubai. Cultural, historical and architectural tours are all popular for tourits, as are guided ventures into the desert. Half-day walking tours of downtown are available, and so are multi-day safaris into the desert that include sandboarding and camel rides. Tours are either guided group tours, partially guided group tours, or private tours. Custom tours are also available. There is no shortfall of activities in the city, from watching the world's largest dancing fountain, the Dubai Fountain, to snow skiing at the Ski Dubai indoor ski resort. Visitors can even take a ride on the world's fastest elevator to the top of the world's tallest building, known as Burj Khalifa. There are plenty of natural wonders around Dubai, too. With their white crushed shell sand, the local beaches are spellbounding. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is also located just outside of town. You've probably never seen a desert wonderland like this, except in the movies.

Dubai's diverse shopping experience is one of its biggest attractions. Traditional outdoor markets known as souks can be found in many parts of the city. There are several gold souks in Dubai. These markets have a selection of exotic jewelry made from gold, silver and other precious metals. These quaint, traditional peddlers are in stark contrast to the Dubai Mall. One of the largest shopping malls in the world, there are more than 1,200 shops in the mall. There's more to do that just shop, though. The mall is also home to an ice rink, an aquarium and even an indoor theme park.

It goes without saying, people lived in the region even before all of this modern luxury. One of the most fascinating parts of the city is the historic section, called the Bastakiya district. This area is full of traditional Arabian architecture, including stunning courtyards, distinctive archways and Persian wind catchers. One of the easiest and most interesting ways to visit the district is by taking a unique mode of transportation. Abra boats, which are open-top water taxis, are just one way to reach the area. Getting from the Bur Dubai town center to the Bastakiya or Deira district is a quick and easy boat ride. Deira is the site of Dubai's original settlement. Today it is filled with traditional souks and street vendors.

Modern day Dubai offers something for everyone. Just four decades ago, the city didn't boast a single high rise and today it is home to the world's tallest building. The city's record-break manmade islands have a distinctive palm-tree shape that has even been recognized from space. Dubai offers excitement and adventure as readily as it does opulent luxury. Planning a holiday in Dubai will offer every member of your family an experience they will never forget.

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