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What used to be a sleepy trading port in the Middle
East has now transformed into a city which countries from all over
the world look up to – literally – with its having the tallest
standing structure in the world. This is probably one of the best
ways to describe the transformation of Dubai, the second-largest
among the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Next to Abu
Dhabi, Dubai is an independent-city state which over the years has
developed into a mega-city that dreams are made of.
A Brief Glimpse at the History of Dubai
Back in the days, Dubai was an insignificant fishing settlement
which was taken over by the Bani Yas tribe during the 1830s. For the
past centuries, Dubai has been at the center of the trading industry
in the Middle East. So it is no surprise when in 1901, Sheikh
Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum declared UAE's second largest emirate
as a free port – where all tariffs are abolished. During the past
two decades, constructions and city developments were made to turn
Dubai into the mega-city that it is today.
Today's Dubai: A City of Outstanding Infrastructures, Desert
Safaris & Sand Dunes
If you think that visiting Dubai will give you a glimpse or a
modern, soul-less society, think again. Despite all the modern
structures built all over Dubai, there is still a part of it which
sticks to its Old Arabian roots. The people from Dubai are proud of
their culture and rich past – traces of which you are bound to see
when you venture out into the Shindagha district. There are souqs
here, historic bazaars, heritage villages, museums, ancient wind
towers and evidence of the rich culture that is all Dubai's own.
Being easily accessible both from Europe and the Middle East, Dubai
is a convenient stop-over for anyone who is looking for a multitude
of modern, desert-themed travel adventures. The emirate is
conveniently divided into Old Dubai and Modern Dubai.
If it's your first time to venture in this part of the world, you
cannot miss the sight of what is now the tallest building in the
world, Burj Dubai. Having a view of Dubai's skyline from the 124th
floor of the building is a must-do activity for every tourist.
Although it is still in construction, the future tourism potential
of the Palm Islands are enormous. Palm Island consists of three
large islands which are considered to be the largest artificial
islands in the world. You should also visit the Dubai Fountain,
Dubai Marian and the 7-star Burj al-Arab hotel.
Meanwhile, Old Dubai will give you a glimpse at the rich past of
this emirate and some of the must-visit sites include the Al
Ahmadiya School in Deira; the Bastakiya District, the Dubai Museum;
the Jumeirah Mosque and the Shindagha District. Shopping, dune
bashing, touring via desert safari, going on a Dubai Creek cruise
and sightseeing are the numerous activities that tourists can
indulge in while visiting Dubai.
No matter where your interests lie, you can rest assured that the
lush deserts yet ultra-modern cityscape of Dubai will let you in on
one of the grandest, most memorable travel adventures that you'll
ever have in a lifetime. |
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