Plan your trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is rather like an independent city-state, and is probably the most modern and progressive emirate in the U.A.E.

A relatively new tourist destination, Dubai has made a name for itself among travelers in recent years. It is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies and excellent tourist amenities. Just five hours from Europe and three hours from most parts of the Middle East, the Near East and the sub-continent of India, Dubai makes a great short break for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting events and even a few sinful pleasures. It is a city of superlatives: for the fastest, biggest, tallest, largest and highest, Dubai is the destination.

For example, the Burj Dubai skyscraper, scheduled for completion in 2008, will be the world's tallest building once completed. It already has more floors than the Sears Tower in Chicago, and upon completion the tower's height will surpass that of both the Taipei 101 in Taiwan (currently the world's tallest building) and the CN Tower in Canada (currently the world's tallest free-standing structure).

Besides elegant accommodations and shopping centers, Dubai offers beautiful white sand beaches, the largest artificial islands in the world (Palm Islands), nearby desert adventures and opulent golf courses. Break for some tee time on the 18-hole desert-style grass course at the Arabian Ranches Golf Course or one of the many courses offered by hotels and resorts.

Grab a pair of binoculars and look up to spot some of the 400 bird species that fly over the U.A.E. skies; challenge your travel-mates to a camel race; take a stroll along the banks of The Creek or hail a water taxi for a faster trip past many of the city’s historic landmarks. Spend time with the family at the 44-acre Wonderland Family Fun Park or make some waves at Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Remember Du-bai souvenirs for friends and family from one of the many malls and street souks.