Captivating Contrasts

From the timeless tranquility of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors.
The emirate embraces a wide variety of scenery in a very small area. In a single day, the tourist can experience everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts and from ancient houses with windtowers to ultra-modern shopping malls.
The emirate is both a dynamic international business centre and a laid-back tourist escape; a city where the sophistication of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era.

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Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai coastline. At night, it offers an unforgettable sight, surrounded by choreographed colour sculptures of water and fire. This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer. It is classified as Five Star Deluxe hotel and includes 202 duplex suites. One of its specials is the Assawan Spa & Health Club situated on the 18th floor with magnificent views over the Gulf. More about the Burj Al Arab

Rising 39 floors above the city, the Dubai World Trade Centre’s office tower houses the regional headquarters of many of the world’s largest corporations. Alongside, a modern conference centre and seven exhibition halls host an active programme of international trade fairs that attract exhibitors and visitors from all over the world. More about the Dubai World Trade Centre

Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum, was built around 1799, and once guarded the landward approaches to the town. Renovated in 1993 for use as museum, its colourful life size dioramas vividly depict everyday life in the days before the discovery of oil. Galleries recreate scenes from the Creek, traditional Arab houses, mosques, the souk, date farms and desert and marine life. More about the Dubai Museum

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

Opened in January 1993, Dubai’s second world class golf course in the centerpiece of a 80-hectare sports and leisure complex that also incorporates a 115-berth marina. It is located close to the city centre and Dubai International Airport on the banks of the Dubai Creek. Designed in the shape of the billowing sails of a traditional Arabian dhow, the 45-metre high clubhouse captures the essence of Dubai’s sea-faring traditions. More about the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food outlets. Dubai's numerous shopping centers cater to every consumer need. Cars, haute couture clothing, jewelry, electronics, furnishing, sporting equipment, and any other goods will likely all be under the same roof. More about Shop Till You Drop

Water Skiing

The warm waters of the Gulf and year-round sunshine make Dubai an ideal location for water- skiing. Facilities and locations are perfect for both beginners and advanced skiers. Dubai’s reputation as a water-skier’s paradise is well established. Each year the Dubai Water Sports Association invites top performers from Europe and the United States for a week-long competition and Festival. More about Water Skiing

Expatriates and foreign visitors - both male and female - can enjoy a relaxed and pleasant life style in Dubai. There is virtually no crime, the city is clean, there are few traffic jams, apartments and villas are modern and spacious and, surprisingly to many, the climate is not only tolerable, but also extremely pleasant for most of the year. More about Dubai's Life Style

Bird Watching

For birdwatchers, Dubai has something really special to offer, a tidal wetland right on its doorstep, Within a few minutes of the center of town. The city skyline forms a backdrop for thousands of flamingoes, herons,ducks and shorebirds, which Feed and rest on the mudflats on their migration between Asia and Africa. Within an hour’s drive of Dubai live some of the region’s rarest species, inhabiting deserts and mountains which have not yet Changed in thousands of years. Over 400 bird species have been seen in the United Arab Emirates Since records began and it is possible to find nearly 200 of them during a short stay in the country. More about Bird Watching

There are three main excavation sites in Dubai, at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah. The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2,000 years. The Jumeirah site reveals artefacts from the seventh to 15th centuries. Though not yet open to the public, tourists or tour operators may obtain a permit from Dubai Museum to visit the digs. More about the Archaeological Sites