Dubai

General

1966, with the discovery of oil in Dubai's offshore field, was a turning point in the fortunes of the Emirates. The city rapidly transformed into a centre of commerce and communications.

As Dubai evolves, so does the contrast in the landscape become more evident. The mosques still pierce the skyline, but they have been joined by sky scrapers and luxury hotels.

Dubai is really a city made up from two cities: Bur Dubai and Deira, separated by The Creek, but linked by two bridges and a tunnel. But still, the most pleasant way to go from one side to another, as a tourist, is by "abra", the little water taxis. At Dh 0.50 a trip, this must be the best-value sightseeing in the world.

Dubai is the city that invented the Dubai Shopping Festival, the simple premise being to get people here to spend money. When you treat people like V.I.P.'s they start spending like one. However, under the surface of this ostentatious nature, there is another side of Dubai. Just head towards Heritage Village during Ramadan and you’ll witness a different Dubai, where locals take joy in their songs, dance and traditions.

Dubai is a fascinating experiment and a city like no other in the world.