Dubai is one of the seven states which make up the United Arab Emirates. Dubai has a long-standing trading tradition that has brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and neighbouring regions. Today, Dubai plays host to an increasing number of visitors from the West and the Far...

Dubai is one of the seven states which make up the United Arab Emirates. Dubai has a long-standing trading tradition that has brought visitors from throughout the Middle East and neighbouring regions. Today, Dubai plays host to an increasing number of visitors from the West and the Far East. The city attracts travellers seeking something new and different, offering international facilities combined with the adventure of the Middle East, and exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Dubai is also the undisputed 'sports capital of the Middle East', hosting world class international events that attract some of the biggest names in their respective sports, whether in golf, tennis, horse racing, rallying powerboating, rugby, or sailing. 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 that 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 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. 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 city to visit in the Middle East.

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