Heading west out of the city, it's not long before you reach the basic facilities offered at Jumeirah's public beach and, further west still, the Jumeirah Beach Park, where landscaped areas of grass, barbeque pits and lifeguards are part of the scenery. Continuing westward, those looking for a bit of seclusion can, for a small fee, enter the private beaches allocated to the hotels that line the Gulf Coast.

More water based fun is found at Wild Wadi Water Park near the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, where rides such as the Summit Surge and Rushdown Ravine provide as many thrills for adults as for kids. For less hair-raising activities, there are quiet spots complete with loungers, and wave pools and shallow paddling areas in which little ones can splash about.
Thought the sand and water may provide opportunities for fun, it is often suggested that it's the shopping that ignites Dubai's resident's competitive streak. So completely dedicated is the emirate to its national obsession that it celebrates the glory of retail with an annual 45 day festival at the beginning of each year. Tourists may initially balk at the idea of gigantic shiny malls that are the norm here; but once you experience the summer heat, which is intense, no longer will the air-conditioned shopping centers seem quite so unappealing.

There are about 50 malls in the city and new ones spring up constantly. Worth including in any itinerary is the elegant Wafi City Mall, whose Egyptian exterior house 200 plus shops, a huge fitness center and spa, two swimming pools, an indoor climbing wall, tennis and squash courts a long with the shops. Meanwhile the incredible new Ibn Buttuta coast a staggering 379 shops and restaurants, which are divided into six themed shopping courts built in the style of 14th Century China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalucia.

For a taste of the real Dubai, head for the traditional souks. Deciding which to visit isn't easy, but for something authentically local, the Deira Gold Souk offers glittering goods that are priced by weight, and the window displays never fail to dazzle. The Deira Spice Souk is the most commonly visited, not only for its pungent powders but also for the wonderful souvenirs of saffron, frankincense and rosewater.

Part of the sport of shopping in Dubai is bartering, especially in the souks. The rule of thumb is to halve the price you've given and go up or down with the seller from there. If you keep your cool, discounts of 20 to 50 per cent are possible.

Ever more astonishing sights and activities are planned for Dubai, include the aptly named "The World"-a series of artificial islands shaped like a map of the globe. If you've ever fantasized about owning your own private island, prices range between 15 and 45 million US dollars.

There are few things you should remember before visiting Dubai. The temperatures can be intense, especially between May and October. Visitors not used to this kind of intense heat should be careful of dehydration and sunstroke. Dubai is a Muslim country, therefore skimpy clothes can cause offense. Beachwear is fine for the beach, but cover up as soon as you leave. Topless sunbathing is completely forbidden.

The Holy Month of Ramadan starts 10 days earlier each year than the last. In 2007 it began in mid-September. Practicing Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset before flocking to feast at the hotels' Ramadan tents. In daylight hours during the festival even visitors must not drink, eat or smoke in public. Some hotels, however, have a room set aside in which non-Muslims can dine.

Non-Extremist Islamic State

Unlike much of the Middle East, Dubai has a particularly liberal government. Islam is the official religion, but it is not enforced in any way. Dubai is not governed by Sharia law and experiences virtually no extremist violence. Thus, Dubai is a place where you can enjoy Arab/Islamic culture in the Middle East without fear of being the victim of a suicide bombing. Non-Muslims may still face a little discrimination, but laws like the ones that prevented them from owning property are gone. Remnants of those laws, however, such as the censorship of all Israeli websites, do remain.

History/Archeology

There are three main archaeological sites in Dubai. One includes 2000 year old graves and another contains artifacts from the 7th through the 15th centuries. Dubai is also surrounded by desert, so you can enjoy a desert safari or a trip to a Bedouin village to see how people in the area lived thousands of years ago. If you are interested in Arab architecture or history, Dubai is a good place to see it (containing several impressive mosques) because the political climate there makes it safer and more convenient for foreigners than it is in a place like Iran or even Israel.

Accommodations

No tourist town would be complete without the best accommodations. Dubai is home to the tallest hotel in world, the Burj Al Arab. It is a five-star luxury hotel built on a manmade island of the coast of Dubai and featuring beautiful ocean views in every room. All rooms are suites and range in price from $1000 to $28,000 per night. Like many Las Vegas casinos, the Burj Al Arab is something you will want to see even if you cannot afford to stay there. It is easily Dubai's most distinctive and instantly recognizable feature.

Festivals

Like any international city, Dubai is home to a variety of annual events and festivals. These include the Dubai shopping festival, the Dubai film festival, the Dubai Desert Classic (a gold tournament), Emirates World Series-Dubai World Cup (a horse-race), and the Dubai Rugby Sevens. Dubai also hosts a number of conferences from various international companies and organizations every year.

Super-Attractions

Dubai is home to some of the most impressive tourist attractions in the world. These range from the largest shopping mall in the world to the world's largest indoor ski slope, to the world's largest collection of theme parks. The city of Dubai and private investors have put billions of billions of dollars into make Dubai a serious rival to traditional resort cities like Orlando and Las Vegas.

Those who visit Dubai may be inclined to stay because Dubai City has no sales, income, or property taxes. Obviously, this is generated much interest from multi-national corporations, so there is more and more work to be had in Dubai all the time. Just realize that, as western as Dubai has become, it is still an officially Islamic state and that will affect you while you are there.

The city of Dubai, in the emirate of the same name and part of the United Arab Emirates, was portrayed as a hyper-economic phenomenon that attracts businesses, investors and tourists with money to burn. So what are some of Dubai's unique attractions for visitors with deep, deep pockets? Check out some of the city's top destinations:

The Burj Al Arab Hotel: Dubbing itself as the world's only "seven-star hotel," the 1,053-foot-tall Burj Al Arab was completed in 1999 and is built on an artificial island linked to Jumeirah Beach by a private bridge.

Designed to resemble the billowing sail of a traditional fishing boat, the Burj Al Arab boasts amenities you won't find at most "regular" hotels, including: the world's tallest atrium lobby (590 feet tall), private reception desks on every floor, duplex-level suites ranging in size from 1,800-plus square feet to almost 8,400 square feet, full-size bottles of Hermes amenities in each room, a "pillow menu" with 13 different types of pillows and quilts to choose from and a royal suite that features a private elevator, private cinema, marble-and-gold staircase and 24-hour butler service. Come with plenty of cash, though: a one-bed (king-size) suite starts at more than $2,000 per night to $4,800 per night and up.

Wild Wadi Water Park: Located near the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the Wild Wadi Water Park features "Master Blaster" slides described as "uphill water roller coasters," the tallest free-fall water slide outside of North America (sending you downward at speeds up to 50 miles per hour), surfing rides, lazy rivers, a wave pool, water games and an hourly choreographed sound, light and water show that includes a "flash flood" of some 16,000 gallons of water. Entry fees run around $46 for adults, $38 for children, with towels, lockers and snacks costing extra. And here's an extra note: Thursdays are for women only.

Deira City Center: The Deira City Center shopping area features more than 300 stores, an international food court and a Magic Planet with video games, rides, bowling, a crawling "bungle-jungle" and more.

Ski Dubai: With almost a quarter-million square feet of year-round snow coverage, the indoor Ski Dubai features five ski runs with the longest more than 1,300 feet in length. It also boasts an indoor Snow Park of more than 32,000 square feet (with bobsledding, tubing, an interactive snow cavern and observation tower), theme restaurants and retail shops. While temperatures outside can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, temps inside Ski Dubai remain at around 30 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. A ski day pass for adults will run about $74, while a children's day pass costs around $60.

Dubai Gold Souk: This market explains why Dubai is also known as the "City of Gold." You'll find gold jewelry, as well as precious stones, pearls and more, from more than 300 merchants here. The souk claims to offer some of the lowest gold prices in the world, with all pieces priced only by weight and the daily price set by the United Arab Emirates government.

A round-trip flight from New York City to Dubai can run anywhere from $435 (for non-refundable coach) to $11,000-plus (first class, of course).

For more information about destinations in Dubai, visit the Dubai government's information portal for visitors, the Dubai City Guide or the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Another attraction is the Burj Al Arab that is the world's first 7* hotel and also the world's first hotel to be built on the sea. If you are ready to fish out some money, you can reach the hotel by helicopter. But obviously it's not a hotel which "everyone" can afford. So there goes tourist attraction number 2

If you are looking for some really awesome place to see then you have to hire a helicopter because Dubai is building residential islands in different shapes example:

The World

Palm Jumeirah

In The World Residential islands, it sure would be fun to live in the area that represents your nation. That's not all. There is an underground railway (metro) being constructed and the most interesting part about it is that it is without a driver! There is a fact that more than 25% of the world's building cranes are in Dubai! So you can imagine at what rate the buildings are growing. In a large shopping mall called the Mall Of The Emirates (since Dubai is situated in the country United Arab Emirates) there is a place where you can ski.

There is a fully planned service. A snow covered slope to slide down, a cable car service to take you up, for children there are sledges to play with and ice sculptures, an ice slide and they also provide you with the required dress. Now you must be thinking that you see snow every year then why I am mentioning this. It is because the tropic of cancer passes through the United Arab Emirates and it never snows there. Even rainfall comes only between December and February.

There are more things you will get to know when you visit Dubai. So don't miss the chance to visit such a wonderful place and pack your bags quick.

Armani Casa brought designer "homeware" with it's exclusive colors and shapes. Then they gave us Emporio Armani for young adults and Armani Junior for the children.

We have Armani Cosmetics and perfume and even Armani watches and sunglasses, but the latest project for this high end designer tops the lot. Get ready for the Armani Hotel at The Burj Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Georgio Armani will oversee the content, design and style of this fabulous hotel, including the interior and amenities. It will, of course, house the Armani Fashion, Furnishing and Beauty Collections.

This is the first of several hotels planned for affluent locations all over the world. It is due to open in Spring 2009 and will have 175 guest rooms, 5 restaurants and a spa covering an area of 40,000 square meters (a pretty big spa!) The rooms will be tastefully decorated in typical Armani style, modern, understated, but fabulously rich in texture and quality.

The price per room? I couldn't find that anywhere. I guess that if you have to ask, as the saying goes, you can't afford it.

Watch out for an Armani Hotel in your neighborhood as there are plans in process for Milan, London and New York.

Step aboard a traditionally decorated dhor (cabin cruiser boat) for an evening of fine oriental dining as you drift between the banks of Dubai's most beautiful most beautiful architectural landmarks.

As you dine in romance and comfort, your dhor guide will point out landmarks located along the creek such as the towering National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Sheikh Saeed's expansive home and the charming Heritage Village.

The highlight of the moonlit dhor tour is the personalized onboard entertainment. You and your cabin-mates will be treated to a special show of traditional Arabic music and be serenaded by an authentic belly dancer as your drift through one of the most architecturally rich nations in the East.

Your evening meal includes a buffet dinner of either continental or oriental cuisine. You may also choose between soft drinks, traditional coffee, alcoholic beverages and mineral water.

The tour is approximately two hours long, from 8:30pm to 10:30pm. Rates are US $49 (Dhr. 180) for adults and US $27 (Dhs. 100) for children. Your cruise will pick you up to escort you to the creek between 7:00pm and 8:00.

Honeymooners and event planners: if you're looking for a special, private evening, you are invited to rent either half or the entire vessel for your group. The rate to rent the entire vessel is US $547 (Drs. 2,000) and to rent half of the vessel is US $231 (Dhs. 850).

There's simply no better or more personal way to acquaint yourself with Dubai than the moonlit dhor Dubai creek tour. Feel free to contact us for more information or fill out the form below to book your excursion today.

Explore Dubai's World-Famous Desert by Dune Buggy

Dubai is celebrated around the world its rich and mountainous desert landscapes. Spend an afternoon exploring the orange sands in your very own Quad Bike Dune Buggy.

Duny Buggying in the Dubai desert is one of every Dubai visitor's most memorable treats. Take off with your travel mates for 20-30 minutes of exploration. Along the way, you may encounter travelers on camels, desert towns and opportunities for sand boarding.

All participants are required to undertake a brief lesson in operating their Quad bike dune buggies. You will also be required to wear your helmet at all times.

Sign up now to experience the adventure, landscape and originality that has made Dubai world-famous and greatly celebrated.

Pamper Yourself with a Cold Scented Towel Upon Arrival in Dubai

You've traveled far to reach our desert paradise. Why not pamper yourself with a cold scented towel on your ride to your destination from the airport? We soak your soft towel in the finest Eastern scents, blended to both awaken and relax you at the end of your journey. You're in Dubai; you're in paradise!

Explore Dubai City with a Personalized Tour

Let an experienced guide share the magnificent city of Dubai with you and your travel-mates. On this special half-day excursion, we will begin our journey in Jumeira, Dubai's most picturesque and traditionally residential region.

We will invite you to explore the world-renowned Jumeira Mosque before wondering around the expansive Sheikh Saeed House. You'll have a rare opportunity to walk through the grounds that the ruling family once called home.

Pack your cameras for a scenic drive through Al Bastakiya, where we will end up at the enchanting museum located within the walls of the Al Fahidi Fort. Next, we'll board the Abra (water taxi) for a trip across the Dubai creek to the celebrated spice souk. We'll take some time to shop in the Gold souk - the most famous Dubai landmark.

Finally, our excursion will end at the market, where you'll be invited to wonder amongst the fresh fish, fruit and vegetable stands. Bring your appetite - all mouth-water products are fresh and homegrown or caught.

This man-made island structure will cover 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) in length and 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) in width and will have an area of 80 square kilometers (861 million square feet.) This island structure is being built from 80 million cubic meters (2.8 million cubic feet) of land dredged from the channel just outside the Emirate’s Jebel Ali Port, which is now being deepened to 17 meters (56 feet). So much land has been dredged up from the water’s bottom that the sand activity can be seen from the space photo of the bay.

The Palm Diera is one of several enormous projects in Dubai that is directed towards the expansion of the tourist industry in the area. Dubai’s government predicts that European tourism, through these palm island projects, will increase to about 15 million visitors annually by 2010. When completed, this incredible resort will include approximately 1200 single-family private beachfront homes, 600 multi-family residences, and aquatic theme park, shopping malls, cinemas, sports facilities, marinas, and clubs. For more information just google Palm Islands and you can check it out for yourself.