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Arabian Nights

Jamie Loizou explores the rapid transformation of Dubai as a holiday destination…

This report is about the destination Africa/Indian Ocean. Search for cruises visiting this destination

It is hard to believe that a century ago Dubai was little more than a desert-strewn wilderness where Bedouin tribes roamed the sands. Its origins as a dust filled fishing village have all but been forgotten since the discovery of “Black Gold” in 1966. In the last few years Dubai has transformed itself from an oil rich state of The United Arab Emirates to a genuine holiday destination. In 2003 it welcomed over five million visitors, one million more than Australia – confirming its place as a world player within the tourism field. So why on earth do people flock to Dubai in there millions each year?

For us Europeans the year round guaranteed good weather is of huge appeal especially during our cold winter months. The best time to visit Dubai is in the winter, between October and May. The temperature during this period is in the eighty Degrees Fahrenheit range, which is comparable to the lovely warm heat we so often enjoy whilst cruising the Mediterranean in the summer. In the summer months Dubai’s temperatures rocket to levels often well in excess of one hundred degrees and although the hotels, restaurants and shopping mails are well equipped for the heat with air-conditioning, when out in the full glare of the sun this is often energy sapping. Along with the beautiful warming winter temperatures there is very little rain, which is often experienced in other winter sun destinations.

In addition to the fantastic, virtually guaranteed good weather, the standard of hotels is excellent. Jumeirah Beach, which is home to the main body of beach front hotels, is perfect for those demanding five star luxury or more. Home of the Ritz Carlton, Grand Hyatt Dubai, One & Only Royal Mirage and Shangri-La this stretch of beach almost certainly boasts more luxury hotels per grain of fine white sand than anywhere in the world. And this exclusive list fails to mention the most famous of them all – the six star Burj al Arab. This beautifully constructed building houses 202 suites and although the décor may not be to everybody’s taste the standards of service and quality of the rooms is undeniable. The hotel itself is world renowned for it innovative look and distinctive architecture. This has been the catalyst for Dubai’s pioneering and dramatic programme of development – which in itself is becoming a draw for tourists.

In recent years Dubai has cemented its place as a world leader in ground breaking construction. Its mammoth projects such as the three Palm Islands; “Jumeirah”, “Jebel Ali” and the newly announced “Deira” and its hugely ambitious project “The World” are not only changing the face of Dubai, put putting it on the international map. “The World”, for instance, will consist of around 300 private artificial islands divided into four categories – private homes, estate homes, dream resorts, and community islands. The development will cover an area of 9 kilometres in length and 6 kilometres in width and will be visible from space. The only means of transportation between the islands will be by boat. The project will cost an estimated $US 1.8 billion and is scheduled for completion at the end of the year. This has led the hotels to become even more ambitious with what they will offer the discerning traveller. Kempinski is currently building its first five-star hotel in Dubai with an indoor ski slope. However, this idea seems tame in comparison to Hydropolis, the world first underwater hotel, due for completion at the end of 2006.

If you aren’t an admirer of great feats of engineering, then the excellent shopping is one of the biggest attractions. Dubai has made shopping largely tax free with the view to rival the centres of Hong Kong and Singapore. This makes hunting for bargains like shooting fish in a barrel. The cool air-conditioned malls make shopping for designer goods a pleasure. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of the suoks, Dubai’s traditional markets, then gold jewellery and Persian rugs are superb value and there is always the possibly of haggling for the best price, which can spice up even the most mundane of shopping expeditions. There is a wealth of these suoks specialising in everything from spices and perfume to antiques and gold.

Dubai’s suoks are a ‘must do’ as part of any city tour and it is as part of an organised tour that would be the recommended way of seeing Dubai, which is not a destination designed for exploration on foot. Other places of interest include the Grand Mosque, Al Fahidi Fort, Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s House and the Dubai Museum. A highlight of any tour is a trip along the Dubai Creek on one of the traditional dhow cruises. For the more adventurous, a dune safari or excursion out to one of the many Wadi’s gives a great alternative to the city, with Dubai’s Desert and Mountains offering a reminder of Dubai’s traditional past and a refreshing change to the modern cityscape. As well as a city tour, going to the races – Dubai is home of The Dubai World Cup, which is the world’s richest horse race – or playing a round of golf on one of its world class courses will also help occupy your time.

Dubai has also opened its doors to the cruising community and is becoming incredibly popular as a gateway for Middle Eastern voyages – which are tipped to be the next big cruising destinations. Places such as Bahrain, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Muscat are now far more accessible and because the flight to Dubai is only 6 hours these itineraries are even more appealing. And few days either side of a cruise staying in five star luxury will help enhance any trip.

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