Sign in with Facebook"Dubai, United Arab Emirates" Dubai by SWFC_Fan
Dubai Travel Guide: 2,418 reviews and 6,506 photos
Dubai has developed from a small town into an ultra-modern metropolis in the last half century.
While oil revenues were initially the catalyst for this phenomenal growth, Dubai is no longer dependent on oil production for its prosperity. In fact, today less than 10% of Dubai's GDP derives from oil, and the city has established a diversified economy in which tourism and consumerism play a vital role.
The city of Dubai is split by a creek, with Deira on one side and Bur Dubai on the other. The luxury beach hotels are situated several miles from the city, in the area of Jumeirah.
Dubai already exhibits some stunning architecture, such as the Burj al Arab hotel, the Emirates Towers, the Dusit hotel and the National Bank building, but future developments promise to be mind-blowing!
One such major development is that of Palm Island, a residential, commercial and beach district which is in the process of being built. The development is to be shaped like a palm tree and will stretch from the shore near Jumeirah. Around 150km of extra beach will be created and the luxury beachside apartments have already been snapped up by the likes of the Beckhams and Tom Cruise, so rumour has it.
Other developments in the city include a marina with luxurious apartment blocks, which is to be connected to the creek by flooding the land around it; the world's largest shopping mall, complete with a huge aquarium; and the world's tallest building.
Despite all this development, the core of Dubai is still traditional, with bustling souks,(dedicated to gold, spices, fruit and vegetables amongst other items). The presence of dhows being loaded with goods for exporting to Iran, Pakistan, India and other countries in the region, also conjures up images of the city's past as a major trading centre. And, of course, the abras (wooden water taxis) which transport locals and tourists across the creek are anything but modern!
Dubai is a fantastic city, with a forward-looking outlook. It has successfully modernised and developed an infrastructure that is capable of sustained development in future, but has also managed to retain its traditions.
I will be amazed if Dubai does not become one of the world's key cities in the 21st century!
- Pros:Year-round sunshine, futuristic architecture, opulent malls.
- Cons:Stifling summer heat, beer restricted to hotel bars.
- In a nutshell:THE city of the 21st Century!
Reviews (29)
Iranian pastries in Deira
Restaurants
(9)
I called in at Iranian Sweets to buy some cakes during my visit to Dubai in December 2006. I had walked past this cake... more travel advice
Indian food on Al Rigga Road
Restaurants
(9)
I ate at Akbar's Indian Restaurant one lunchtime during my visit to Dubai in December 2006. This small Indian... more travel advice
Filipino food throughout Dubai
Restaurants
(9)
Golden Fork is a Filipino restaurant chain with a number of branches throughout Dubai, as well as in other major cities... more travel advice
Chinese food on Al Rigga Road
Restaurants
(9)
I ate at China Star Restaurant one evening during my visit to Dubai in December 2006. This restaurant forms part of the... more travel advice
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Comments (24)
No - we thought we'd play with you like a cat and ball of wool - tempt you and then watch you fall away!! ;-P Gillybob greetings
Jonathan, fabulous page with great photos. I must admiat that up to now I haven't visited any place in this part of the world.
Just had to chime in that I also love Chinese Palace! My favorites are Palace Combo (with Orange Chicken) and Beef Noodle Soup. I agree that it is better than what you would expect for fast food.
fantastic tip Jon, i really enjoyed reading and very useful..i will try to catch the sunset around the creek and liking the idea up to 51st floor for Vu's Bar!
Dubai looks very glamorous!
Oooooooooooo!!! Someone is going up upmarket! Lap it all up mate!
haha..we just said goodbye to the raining season. so now the weather is extremely hot and dry. i can eat lots icecream. wanna competition? u will lose for sure .
found that coconut again and enjoyed the tour around Dubai thanks, esp the xlnt food tips which you seem to regularly excel at! watched an xlnt docu a while ago about the clever Dubai Sheikh's strategies to keep the revenue coming before the oil runs out.
Dubai seems to be different from everything we saw in lfe, eh? There we see a new conceipt of rich people! Funny that people seems not to like going to the beaches!;)
Great pages and sounds like you love Dubai! I am planing my trip to Dubai in July, your pages helped alot. I can't wait for free drinks for ladies :)