Dubai is the tourist town par excellence. It has the only seven-star hotel on the planet. Plans to create an archipelago called The World, which will recreate at the five continents, and whose lands are being acquired by celebrities and millionaires. A mixture of Islam, art and opulence, the so-called City of Gold where he was surprised by looking. This is not a city in another world, but sometimes it seems to be
Arab Emirates, have existed since three decades ago, but today is the world's economic powers. This country was transformed from a small kingdom of nomads to wealthy oil power. It goes on the way to becoming one of the touristic and financial centers in the world, and already has a face that dazzles: Dubai, the jewel of the Arabian Gulf and one of the most amazing cities in the Middle East.
In fact, we should call it emirate like his six fellow federal forming the United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi (the largest, Dubai is the second largest), Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. While all share the fact of being a sort of oasis in the desert of Rub andalusia Kahli, one of the most arid in the world, the difference is that each has its own governor and its own laws.
The Dubai project was nothing but a small human settlement on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, supported by fishing and trading of precious stones. It had always ben a dominated community, by the Turks at first, then by the Mongols, the Portuguese and finally the British. They were in the area until 1971, when most of the kingdoms (except Qatar and Bahrain) have agreed to unite and form the United Arab Emirates.
The architect of this was the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who ruled Dubai until his death in November 2004. Under his mandate, in November 2004. Under his tenure, the emirate became a sophisticated city with a powerful economy, which relies not only on oil but also in trade and tourism.
The beginning of any visit to the city is the Dubai Creek, a canal that goes from the sea and divides into two.
On the north is Deira, the commercial and traditional, and Bur Dubai on the south, where are mixed historical city with modern neighborhoods.
This city is not easy to navigate on foot, but can walk on the waterfront to board a water taxi or open, and thus avoided cues of bridges and tunnels. Work until midnight and a ten-minute journey costing thirty cents on the dollar. Now, if you want something more comprehensive to navigate the channel, Creekside Leisure trips of an hour ago in dhows, traditional fishing boats suitable andalusia tourism ($ 10).
It is advisable to go in Deira, the center of trade and the souks, the traditional markets. For twenty dirhams ($ 6) you can smoke shisha, the famous Arabic water pipe with nice essences snuff. Here you can also try some local food such as falafel (fried balls made from mashed chickpeas and sesame seeds), labbouleh (soaking maize and mixed with tomatoes, onions, mint and parsley) or Koussa Mahshi ( stuffed courgettes). You will not find pork. It is forbidden by Islam. The coffee is served gahwa traditional or no sugar and is a symbol of welcome and hospitality.
Dubai is also known as the City of Gold, so if windows or if you want to watch your wallet holds go to Gold Souk (Nr. Intl Hyatt Regency, Deira). It is a maze of shops selling gold jewelry and gemstones. Or go to the covered souk and the Deira Tower, ideal for carpets and spices.
Jumeirah neighborhood is lavish homes, luxury hotels and night life. It has excellent beaches and one of the most beautiful mosques in the Middle East. It is the only one that can be visited in Dubai. Jumeirah in some 400 hotels and 75 percent, five stars. The most famous is the Burj Al Arab, whose peculiar shape stands out miles away. Is on an artificial island, is the world's tallest hotel and the only seven stars hotel, because of the variety of services it has.
If those coincidences of life does not have three thousand dollars a day to stay there, at least know that you can see it from the beach. Seem then that is not in the Middle East, between dunes and camels. No way. You are in Dubai.
