"DUBAI - A HOTCHPOTCH OF CULTURES" Top 5 Page for this destination Dubai by Escadora7

Dubai Travel Guide: 4,036 reviews and 9,286 photos

JULY & AUGUST 2005 - DUBAI WAS GREAT !

Time to return to the place where it all began...

... the first awkward face-to-face meeting
... the first dance
... the first kiss
... the first friendly competition

Ash: A little secret ...

The first time I was to pick up Eva from the airport, she walked right past me .. Argh!! It was almost like she was running out of the airport. So I backtracked a bit and waited but didn't go up to her just yet!

She got out of the airport, set her airbag down, looked around her all overwhelmed, trying to make sense out of the commotion ....... Till I came into focus.

Then there was that beautiful smile again, the one I knew so well from her photographs, and I recognized her mouthing the word 'Hello'.

The rest as they say is history!

Here is the link to the last Dubai VT meeting pics:

OFFICIAL VT PICS

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The Creek

A Little History:

Archaeological finds suggest that humans have been living in the area of Dubai and its surroundings since 3000 BC - the Bronze Age Magan civilization. Early economy relied on pearl-fishing, small scale agriculture and fishing. This was eventually followed by a boom in copper trade.

Around 1830 the Maktoum family (from a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis) took over the area, and has been ruling the emirate to this day.

In the late 1800's, Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum granted tax concessions to foreign trade, and thus lured many businesses to switch their base of operations from Iran and Sharjah to Dubai. His desendant, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, recognized the importance of the Creek and began modernizing and improving the facility, thus attracting even more trade. Thus it was trade - not oil - that became the foundation of Dubai's wealth. (Today 90 % of the GDP are from the non-oil sector.)

In 1966, with the discovery of oil, Dubai had another upswing: The oil revenue allowed development of an economic and social infrastructure.

The Emirates:

In 1968 the British withdrew from the UAE area, and the Sheikhs realized that joining forces would give them a stronger voice.

In 1972 the United Arab Emirates was founded. The country would now be composed of 7 Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. Of these, Abu Dhabi is the richest due to it's oil reserves (10% of the worlds total), followed by Dubai (trade, manufacturing, toursim). Each of the Emirates retained a certain degree of autonomy, and has input in the election of the leaders of the federation.

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Buildings and Projects in Dubai

Emirate Towers

The construction-boom in Dubai is ongoing - so are the events to lure tourists and the public. Following is a PARTIAL list of new and ongoing projects in Dubai:

Projects:
- Burj Al Arab Hotel
- Dubai Palm Island
- The World Project
- Hydropolis Underwater Hotel
- Dubai Festival City
- The Emirates Mall (incl. Snow Dome)
- Dubai Mall
- Dubailand
- Dubai Heritage Vision
- 280 of the leading hotel chains
- Convention Center
- Global Village (DSF)
- Cruise Ship Terminals
- Al Minsaf (luxury creek cruiser)

Events:
- Dubai Summer Surprise (DSS)
- Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)
- Over 50 international exhibitions per year
- UAE desert challenge

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Pros and Cons

Pros:Modern, clean, and most of all: SAFE
Cons:The heat can kill you!
In a nutshell:It's too new and sterile - but it certainly grows onto you!

Last visit to Dubai: Dec 2004
Intro Updated Oct 18, 2005
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Reviews (80)

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Comments (28)

BruceDunning Oct 9, 2010 at 12:59 PM Report Abuse

You in depth knowledge of the city and its sites are very well done and the pictures equally fantastic. Out daughter and new husband are on a honeymoon here now, so I thought I would see what others say.
Tsepan Aug 29, 2009 at 1:10 PM Report Abuse

Funny day, in funny park in 29.8. Greetings to group of 3´s young and cute ladies. Smilling pretty, look´s...maybe next time:) Sorry for spaming!
blint Apr 2, 2008 at 5:34 AM Report Abuse

Five star local custom tips :)
Nitesurfer01 Feb 10, 2008 at 11:50 AM Report Abuse

Hi there. I'm reading your post from Dubai; they're great. Quick question: I'm going from NJ, USA. Also, for the Desert Safart through Net tours you did, Did u NEGOTIATE before the tour or after the tour for payment?? Kindly let me know.
MarianneRules Dec 15, 2007 at 9:06 PM Report Abuse

Dubai fog...now thats cool!
Dramaqueen2 Oct 23, 2007 at 2:06 PM Report Abuse

Great tips - will be visiting with hubby in June. Look forward to trying out the restaurants! #Thansk
Heavens-Mirror Jul 16, 2007 at 7:52 AM Report Abuse

Great pages on Dubai. Only 3 weeks until im there :) Cant wait now. Stacey xxx
Marisola Jun 17, 2007 at 7:01 PM Report Abuse

Nice pages on Dubai. I'll be there in July. I'm glad to hear it's a safe place!
Cielo_Algaeed Apr 2, 2007 at 7:17 AM Report Abuse

I've been wanting to have that special designed bear as my souvenir from Dubai but unfortunately, the bear factory are already closed both in City Center and Burjuman.
80-bettyboo Feb 12, 2007 at 12:00 AM Report Abuse

I am off to Dubai in July, sounds like a great place, your tips are very helpful. I can't wait to go to those ladies nights :)