Shopping Capital of the Middle East – Dubai
From its roots as a small fishing village 2000 years back to the 8th most visited city in the world today, Dubai is a blend of traditional Islamic values and modern living.
With more than 70 shopping malls including Dubai Mall, the 7th largest shopping mall in the world, Dubai has rightfully earned the nickname of being the Shopping Capital of the Middle East.
Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates of the UAE and is situated on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula.
Dubai’s once oil based economy has given way to progress and modernization, making it a global venue for tourism, corporate and real estate projects, sports events, conferences and Guinness records.
Dubai’s skyline is filled with many skyscrapers including foremost the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower 828m high and holds 160 floors including the world’s highest mosque and swimming pool.
The World is an archipelago of 300 manmade islands off the coast of Dubai, one of several tourist and commerce related projects which can be seen from space.
Also known as the City of Gold, Dubai houses souk districts on either side of the creek, with the Gold souk in Deira housing over 25o retail gold shops, there is also a spice souk in Deira.
With annual sales of over $ 1 billion, Dubai Duty Free shop at the Dubai airport is perhaps one of the best in the world.
Located at the center of the man made Palm Jumeirah is the Atlantis a 1,539 room, ocean-themed destination resort with the best water park amusement, marine and entertainment attractions.
Based on the legendary adventures of Juha and Sinbad the Wild Wadi Waterpark has many exciting rides for all ages and children to enjoy.
Dubai is home to ICC and hosts many international cricket tournaments. Also hosting the Dubai Tennis Championship, Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament and The Dubai World Cup, a thoroughbred horse race annually, Dubai attracts sport persons and fans from all over the world.
The Dubai International Airport is situated 4kms southeast of Dubai and is the 15th busiest airport in the world.
The airport has all the modern facilities including over 25 food and drink outlets, 5400sqmts of duty free shopping, and transit facilities like Dubai International Hotel, Connect, Business Centre, G-Force, Health Club, Banking, Business Facilities and Internet Services.
Major car rental agencies like Asia Rent a Car, Autolease, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty, Sixt and Avis offer their services at the airport.