About Dubai
Sandwiched between Europe and Asia and with Africa forming one boundary, Dubai is the second largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates. This melting pot of culture, with a modern ethos is poised to be one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century. Dubai is located on the western side of Dubai Creek in the northeastern part of the UAE. A strategic location coupled with oil resources and its long-standing expertise in trading, have helped the country evolve into a truly 21st century destination. The local rulers promoted a system of liberal taxation and introduced state of the art telecommunications and infrastructure, in a move towards creating a world- class business environment.
The city is linked to all major capitals and cities in the world by air. Dubai has become the chief port and commercial centre of the UAE and oil drilling has displaced most other traditional occupations.
Location & Attractions
Palace of Sheikh Saeed
This ancient palace is a fine example of the region's traditional architecture. The Palace was built by Sheikh Saeed, former ruler of Dubai and grandfather of the present Ruler, Sheikh Maktoum. The palace with its wind-towers and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard is situated on the banks of the Creek.
Dubai Museum
Housed in Al Fahidi Fort, the museum is another imposing building. It once guarded the landward approaches to the town. Built in the last century, it has been extensively restored and refurbished.
A large underground display area provides a fascinating insight into the culture and life of the citizens of the city down the ages. Visitors may walk through life-size dioramas, complete with sound effects, featuring various everyday scenes and activities from the past. Also on display are artefacts from excavations in the emirate, including objects found in graves made 3,000 or 4,000 years ago at Al Qusais.
Jumeirah Mosque
The mosque is the largest and one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai. It is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture and is one of the most photographed sights of the city. It is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief.
The Creek
The Creek is a seawater inlet winding its way through the heart of the city. The Creek is the historical focal point of life in Dubai. Rows of traditionally shaped wooden dhows can be seen lining the banks of the Creek or setting off for Iran, East Africa and India, just as they have for generations.
Abras
The most picturesque way to cross the Creek is by Abra -- the traditional water taxi that has survived the advent of motorcars and buses. The short journey across the waterway from the glass-and-steel office blocks of Deira to the old-world souks of Bur Dubai provides a fascinating glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage.
The Souks
The souks (traditional Arabian markets) offer a charming contrast to Dubai's many modern shopping malls. Teeming with life, they spill across row upon row of alleys offering the legendary lures of the east as well as the best bargains in electronics, cameras and watches. Amidst the aroma of eastern spices and a profusion of gold, silk and Persian and Afghan rugs, visitors can soak in the mystique of old Arabia.
Traditional Architecture
Not far from Dubai's modern office blocks and hotels, a number of wind-tower houses still stand as a reminder of the graceful and resourceful architecture that pre-dated the arrival of electricity and air-conditioning. The greatest concentration of these attractive buildings is in the city's Bastakiya district in Bur Dubai. The vents facing each direction at the top of the wind-tower draw cool air into the interior of the house and provide relief from the oppressive summer heat.
Palaces
A drive past the impressive beachfront palaces of Dubai's ruling family is a feature of many city tours. The drive offers visitors a glimpse of these gracious modern buildings with their landscaped gardens.
Festivals Eid is the major festival of this state and is celebrated to mark the end of the period of austerity, Ramazan.
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