Dubai, one of UAE’s seven emirates, is a global city and an important business centre not only in the Middle East but worldwide. Dubai hotels and skyscrapers are making waves in the international scene just like the oil discovery of 1966. It is located on the Arabian Peninsula south of the Persian Gulf and is the second largest emirate in terms of land area, next to Abu Dhabi. Dubai claims to be the most modern and progressive among UAE’s seven emirates. Its name is said to be derived from the word daba meaning creep, referring to the slow flow of the Dubai Creek.

Planes land at the Dubai International Airport, the largest airport in the Middle East. It has three terminals with Terminal 3 exclusively serving Emirates Airways. Those coming in from the other emirates like Abu Dhabi take the bus or cab. Dubai’s main bus station is at the Gold Souq and Al Ghubaiba. Dubai also has a train system and the only emirate with a train system. A monorail connects Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island, with the mainland. It is the first monorail in the Middle East.

Said to be the land of wonders, Dubai has been the site of massive construction of various structures. Dubai’s skyscrapers have set world records like the Bhurj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world which houses the world’s fastest elevator. Meanwhile, standing tall on the Arabian Sea is Dubai’s 7-star hotel, the Bhurj Al Arab. Its unusual location and atypical design have caught the eyes of travellers from all over the world. Furthermore, the Bhurj Al Arab has earned for itself the title of the world’s tallest hotel. Also, on Dubai’s waters float the three largest man-made islands called Palm Islands.

With its depleting oil deposits, Dubai is developing its tourism industry to prepare for the future. Its proximity to Europe and Middle Eastern countries makes Dubai a very accessible getaway. Its stunning cityscape is matched with nature-given wonders as seen in Dubai’s beaches and sand dunes. On the other hand, a visit to the Heritage Village will give you a glimpse of the prayerful Emiratis – an entirely different picture compared to the city proper’s grandiose ambiance.

Its oil deposits may run out, but its attractions are growing in number. Dubai is a land which will never get tired of the limelight. Dubai thrives with reciprocity: pamper the visitors and the visitors will more money on the city-state.