Al-Dubai

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.

After you've had your share of sun and sand at the Jumeirah Beach, head to the Buddha Bar at the Grosvenor House to chill out. This world renowned bar is a popular hangout among the chic and the sophisticated. Sip on your favorite cocktail as fusion music livens up the atmosphere. The menu is Asian fusion style cuisine. Take your pick from the eclectic range of sushi available. Choose where you would like to seat yourself—at the bar or at the Vietnamese lounge. You also have the option of dining in Japanese private rooms.

Ski Dubai is a man-made wonder. Artificial snow and skiing activities have been created for visitors to enjoy winter without having to travel to other destinations. The area as large as 22,500 sq.m. has a capacity for around 1500 guests. Venues are also available for personal events and kids parties. Shopping and food enthusiasts will also be pleased with the Snow Pro retail shop and two cafés on the premises. Ticket sales close 90 minutes before closing time.

Wear your shades as you enter this territory, as the glare of all the gold and stones will amaze you. The district of Old Deira is always abuzz with locals and tourists squabbling over the prices. Everything from emeralds, rubies, bracelets to rings dazzle here and is sold cheap. So pay a visit to this souk for your 'rocks'.

Imagine 12 acres of desert filled with 30 million liters of water and solely dedicated to having fun. That is Wild Wadi. There are 23 rides to entertain and excite every member of the family and in Dubai, this place has been more than just a shelter for those wanting to escape the heat of the desert. Adrenaline seekers will love Jumeirah Sceirah – a 33-meter high slide with steep angles to propel riders up to 80km per hour. There is also Breakers Bay, which has a wave machine creating 1.5-meter waves all day. You won't have to wait for high tide to catch waves here. For the more relaxed adventure seeker, there is the water park family favorite, the lazy river. Juha's Journey is 385 meters long and once you sink into an inner tube you'll want to ride its gentle currents until closing time. Safety is a prime concern at this gigantic water park. Wild Wadi has at least 90 lifeguards on duty at any given time to ensure its patrons' well being. So hit the rides and relax in this exciting desert oasis.

This beach club is nestled within the prestigious Sheraton hotel and lies close to Media City and the world famous Emirates Golf Club. After an hour of sweating it out at the hotel's gym or at the tennis court, head straight to this bar. Indulge in one of the delectable cocktails listed on the menu. And then go for a walk to the serene beach or go for yet another dose of exercise. And don't worry if you are not a hotel guest, all are welcome!

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest city of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most modern cities in the world and the center of government in the UAE. Abu Dhabi is headquarters to a number of oil operating companies and embassies are based here. With only 420,000 citizens in the entire emirate, each has a theoretical net worth of $17 million, and Abu Dhabi has been described by CNN as the richest city in the world. The city features large gardens and parks, green boulevards, high-rise buildings, international luxury hotel chains and opulent shopping malls.

Long viewed as a staid bureaucratic outpost lacking in neighboring Dubai's pizzazz, things started to change in 2004 after long-time ruler Sheikh Zayed passed away and his son Sheikh Khalifa took over. In a bid to attract tourism and investment, land sales to foreigners were allowed, restrictions on alcohol were loosened and several massive building projects are under way, with the upcoming $28 billion cultural zone of Saadiyat Island and its centerpieces the Guggenheim and Louvre Museums scheduled to open in 2011.

Text courtesy of Wikitravel. http://wikitravel.org/en/Abu_Dhabi

Some of Dubai's prettiest beaches are located along the Jumeirah strip. This long stretch of beach is lined with palm trees and has plenty of lifeguards on duty. Jumeirah Beach is especially appealing to women, as they have their own days to bask in the hot sun without the unwanted male attention. Next to the beach is the Jumierah Park, which provides a nice break from the sun and sand to eat lunch or gather with friends.

The Wafi Shopping Mall offers something for everyone. The Wafi has over 200 shops for fashion, electronics, watches, and jewelry such as Claires, Chinese Palace, and Tanagra. Services, dining, events, entertainment and more for your whole family - it's waiting for you at Wafi shopping mall.

High up on the 10th floor of the Al Khaleej Hotel is the Velvet Lounge. Infused with ornate elegance, the place has a harem-like ambience with cushions and divans making up the decor. Soft lighting adds to the sensual feel, which is perfect for a relaxed evening. Just sit back with your drink and enjoy the Dubai skyline. The music, a blend of lounge and fusion, serves as a marvelous accompaniment to the food, which is predominantly Mediterranean. An amicable and efficient staff is at your beck and call. This one fits the bill nicely!

Live entertainment provides musical accompaniment to your excellent Lebanese dining. You will enjoy a variety of traditional fare. Plenty of grilled specialties, fresh fruits, and the finest vegetable plate, make for a tasty menu. You can end your meal with any number of mouth watering Lebanese sweets, and wash it down with a cup or two of robust and rich Arabic coffee. Or you can take a couple of heady lungsful on the always popular and ever-present sheesha. What more do you need?!

If you are up for some adventure, then a desert safari should be on your agenda when you're in Dubai. With evening and night safaris, you can pick a time that suits you best. Once you arrive at the camp, you'll even get to ride on a camel; you can then sit down and watch the blazing sunset, enjoy some barbeque dinner and get entertained by a belly dancer. If you take the night safari, then you will spend the night under a million stars and in the pleasant breeze of the desert wind. The safari should cost you about $92 inclusive of dinner, dance and soft drinks.

When the Dubai Zoo first opened, it was little more than a couple of monkeys, horses and a fish tank. Although a relatively small collection, the zoo boasts of a few unique traits. It's the oldest of its kind on the Arabian peninsula, the first Arabian zoo to breed the chimpanzee and the Arabian wild cat and has an impressive collection of endangered species, including Bengal and Siberian Tigers, Arabian Wolves and Scimitar-horned Oryx.