Set aside much of what you may have ever heard about Arab states – how difficult it is to get an alcoholic drink; the need for women to wear a veil and so on. That may still be true in countries such as Saudi Arabia but in modern Dubai almost everything goes.
The ruling family realised long ago that trade and tourism were the way forward. Indeed Dubai, with its very convenient “Creek” pushing right through the city from the sea, was a trading port long before oil came on the scene.
The most obvious landmark in this city by the sea which changes almost every day, apart from the distinctive shape of the Burj Al Arab hotel, like the sail of a J-class yacht, are the man-made islands, known as The Palms, on which are yet more deluxe hotels and apartments.
If you tire of the beach and the attractions of the five-star hotels, you will find plenty to occupy you in the town itself, about 20 minutes away by taxi. There are mosques and monuments to see, shopping at every turn, not to mention sightseeing to be done.
If you are accustomed to the best quality you will find yourself right at home in Dubai, perhaps the most international and outward looking of the United Arab Emirates.
With guaranteed sun, excellent hotels, great beaches and all the sport you could wish for there are few better places to be and just a few hours away from northern Europe.
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