Introduction
Most internationally flavoured of all seven Emirates of United Arab Emirates and shopping capital of Middle East, Dubai is a place hard to ignore. With a history that goes far back and a present that is vibrating with trade, tradition, celebration and sporting events, Dubai is an ultimate destination for many.

What to do
Sightseeing, exploring the places beyond the city limits, having some fun in the amusement parks, and shopping in the duty free shops of Dubai are some of the options that you may like to explore when you are here. There are enough opportunities to participate in the sporting events that continue throughout the year and they should not be missed.

City at a Glance

Latitude 25°16'N Longitude 55°16'E Area 3885 sq km (Administrative Zone) Population 2,262,309 Language Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi Religion Islam Telephone Code 04

History
One of the older harbours in the Middle East, the history of Dubai is as old as the Arab civilisation. For most parts of its history, it remained a place that excelled in the trade of pearl and precious stones. British established Dubai as a port in the latter phase of 19th century to do trade with India and other trading centres in the region. By early phase of the 20th century, Dubai became one of the leading trading ports in the Middle East. Pearl trade declined in the second quarter of 20th century, but by then exploration of oil had already started and that turned Dubai into one of the richest places on earth. Dubai achieved Sheikhdom when British helped Maktoum Bin Buti establish his control in the region. The royal family of Dubai is an extension of the Bani Yas Tribe, which moved on from Abu Dhabi to take control of the region in 1933.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Summer season in Dubai extends from May to October, during which temperatures reach a high of 40°C with humidity level up to a staggering 97%. October to April, are the most pleasant months in Dubai. Temperatures range between the 20°C and 30°C, making this the best time to visit this part of the world.

Attractions
Ban Yas Square
Ban Yas Square is the heart of Deira dominated by Deira Tower, where you can get good bargains on electronics, textile products and consumer products.

Dubai Museum
Occupying the Al Fahaidi Fort, the museum showcases the history and culture of the city. The biggest attractions here is a multimedia show that provides the glimpses of Dubai from the early part of the 20th century.

Bastakiya
Nearby Dubai Museum is Bastakiya district, which has got some wind towers, a culture centre and an art gallery.

The Creek
This historic focal point of the city is a natural sea-water inlet that cuts through the centre of the city. A stroll along the Creek is a good opportunity to experience the old traditions of Dubai. Do not forget to hire an abra (a motorised boat taxi) for a boat ride along the Creek.

Parks and Gardens
There are numerous parks and gardens situated in Dubai, which offer a peaceful respite from the daily rush of urban life. Some of the famous ones are Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai Creekside Park, Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar Park and Safa Park.

Other Attractions
Among new structures of the city, the World Trade Centre in Dubai is the most famous. Other famous structures are Bait Al Wakeel, Al Nasr Leisureland, Heritage and Diving Village, Al Boom Tourist Village, Jumeira Mosque, and Grand Mosque.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Dubai celebrates all the major Islamic religious functions like Eid Ul Fitr and Ramadan. Besides, Dubai organises plenty of celebrations, all year round, to attract the tourists. Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the largest in the world and offers great discounts on all type of products. Sporting festivals are organised on regular basis and some of them are already famous worldwide such as car rallies, golf tournaments, camel races, soccer matches and many more like them.

Places Nearby
If you want to experience the traditional way of life in the desert, Bedouin Village is the perfect place for you. Here, one can get some useful lessons in camel riding, enjoy adventure activities like desert safari, and relax in a luxury resort that has the environment of a village in the desert.

After Hours
Dubai has one of the best nightlife in entire Middle East. Nightclubs, pubs, and bars are the options are endless.. There are regular musical performances by the leading singers and bands from every corner of the world and they provide welcome break from the routine life for the locals and tourists alike. Dubai therefore, gives you a perfect chance to experience one of the most glittering nightlife, anywhere in the world.

Shopping
Dubai has tried consciously to market itself as a shopping destination, a prime reason for it being the host of some of the most famous shopping festivals in the world, at present. Duty free shopping in Dubai is an experience in itself. Markets like Souks, Al Ghurair Centre, Al Khaleej Centre, Bur Juman Centre, Deira City Centre, Galleria Shopping Mall, Hamarain Centre, Lamcy Plaza, and Wafi Shopping Mall display a fine collection of the very best products in the world.

WHERE TO STAY
Being an international tourist destination Dubai has the very best of accommodation options to suit all kind of visitors. Luxury hotels abound the city and provide the most efficient services. Besides, there are also a whole lot of lesser hotels for the budget travellers, which provide decent and reasonably good facilities.

WHERE TO EAT

Dubai has the best of options when it comes to food. The city presents a wide variety of eating places, which serve the best of cuisines from all parts of the world. From Thai to the Mediterranean, and from the Korean to the French, Dubai has them all when it comes to satisfying those taste buds of yours. A relaxing dinner cruise on an Australian made luxurious catamaran is highly recommended.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Dubai International Airport is a real delight for the tourists coming to the city. It has got world-class facilities, a nice hotel, and a duty free shopping complex that operates 24-hours a day. From the airport there are many options to reach city centre that include taxis, chauffeur driven cars, and city coaches. From Dubai International Airport, you can take flights for almost all the major destination in the world.

Land And Water
Cars, taxis, and buses are some of the most common means of transport between the Emirates. United Arab Emirates has got some of the finest roads in the world. You will be issued a temporary local driving license at the time of hiring a vehicle. Although, you need to have an international or national driving license depending on your nationality, photographs, and a valid passport. Local Transport
Cars and taxis are the best way to travel inside the city. Taxis are cheap and found in plenty on the roads. Only problem is that they are unmetered and their fare has to be fixed beforehand.