Historically speaking Dubai began as a small fishing
settlement. Around 1830 the settlement was taken over by a branch of the
Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa Oasis led by the Maktoum family who still
rule the Emirate today. The Burj al Arab is an impressive hotel which
is rated as 7 stars and is built on a man made island. It can be seen
as you enter the city from the West and its unmistakable palm tree like
shape cannot be missed. Another place to visit is the gold souq (bazaar)
where you can see storefronts lined up one after the other with gold jewelry
everywhere.
Four wheeling on the dunes and "wadi bashing"
are some other things vistors can enjoy. These activites involve driving
up huge sand dunes and through springs called "wadis" in 4WD
vehicles, mainly Toyota Land Cruisers. It is a great way to experience
the desert from within the comfort of a luxury vehicle. You can even opt
to spend the night in traditional bedouin tents in the desert. But becareful
when they serve you a hot cup of tea it is full of sugar also boiled with
sugar.
Nightlife in Dubai has improved dramatically over the
years, with bars and restaurants open to the public in many of the hotels;
each speciaslising (Churchills in City Centre Hotel for example offers
a traditional English feel) on a different theme with greater or lesser
success. But beware, although Dubai is one of the few Emerates that allow
the sale of alcohol it is illegal to carry alcohol on the street unless
you have a lisence to do so.
Taxi's are a cheap and effective way to get around the
city. There are two types: City sponcered Cabs (dusty yellow) and private
hire cabs (any shape or colour). If you decide to get into a private cab,
haggle the price before closing the door.
Air-conditioning is everywhere and turned up high; you
may want to carry a jumper with you when you go shopping in a mall.
The city is geared towards tourism and it offers a large
number of activites and sights. The rules are quite relaxed and it is
probably the best and most clean city to visit in the Middle East.
