The Dubai we see today is the product of the last 20 years of intensive development. In days gone by, Dubai was a small trading port, clustered around the mouth of the Creek. By the turn of the 20th century, Dubai was a sufficiently prosperous port and attracted settlers from Asia and The Gulf . The souk (market), situated on the other side of the Creek, was also thought to be the largest on the coast, with an array of about 350 shops. The international trade which flowed from Dubai's cosmopolitan contracts was the basis of rapidly increasing prosperity. This gave the city an early start in development before the beginning of oil production in the late 1960s. However, like other towns along the coast, Dubai trade suffered due to the competition in the 1930s from the Japanese cultured pearl industry, and by adverse effects of the Second World War. Dubai managed to maintain contacts and increase mercantile skills and was able to maintain the ability to profit from favorable conditions in trade with Persia and India after the 1939-45 war.

Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates or states, each with its own unique character and personality, but yet united with a common goal and destiny. The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, Ras Al-Khaimah and Fujairah. While rapid development has been mainly facilitated by the discovery of oil and its commercial production since the 1960s, oil revenues in Dubai have always been a fraction of those in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai's growth therefore has depended partly on the inhabitants' own entrepreneurial abilities. Dubai, unlike Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, is only one substantial town. The Emirate of Dubai covers 3,900 square kilometres and the population (estimated at 889,518 in 1990) is largely concentrated in Dubai town. This has enhanced the popularity of a number of oases which provide a welcome break at weekends from the competitive commercial life of the city. The Emirates is mainly desert, with sand dunes ranging from near white along the coast to a deep orange inland near the mountains, and in places dotted with a scrub of desert bushes and even some large trees. 

Dubai attractions
If you feel the need to escape the heat of the city, then a one-and-a-half hour drive along a good asphalt road will lead you to Hatta, the most easterly of Dubai's territories. This pleasant green and cool valley is a small enclave in the dramatic, arid range of the Hajar Mountains, and is completely surrounded by land belonging to Oman, Ajman and Ras al-Khaimah. Here, you will stumble across the charming Hatta Fort Hotel, secluded in its beautiful gardens and offering you a warm welcome. Relax by the pool while the breathtaking mountains and valleys sit quietly behind you.

Alternatively much nearer to Dubai, and only about 20 kilometres inland are the twin oases of Khawanij and Awir. Reached in 25 minutes from the town centre and secluded in attractive wooded dune lands, these oases have been extensively developed over the past 20 years and boast fine country houses with superb gardens for some of Dubai's leading families. The districts' ample water supply has enabled local enthusiasts to create gardens and grounds so lush and colourful that you'll find it hard to believe that this is still Arabia.

From timeless tranquil desert to the lively lanes of the souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for everyone. In a single day, one can experience everything from rugged mountains and smooth sand dunes to sandy beaches, blue sea and lush green parks; from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts and from ancient houses with traditional wind towers to ultra-modern sky-scrapers and shopping malls. Dubai is both a dynamic international business centre and a laid-back tourist escape and a city where the modernity of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era. It is these contrasts that give Dubai its unique flavour and personality; a cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle, yet with a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia.  

Dubai Food & Drink
Food & Drink Specialities of Arab cuisine include hummus (chickpea and sesame paste), tabbouleh (bulghur wheat with mint and parsley), ghuz i (roast lamb with rice and nuts), warak enab (stuffed vine leaves) and koussa mashi (stuffed courgettes). Makbous (spicy lamb with rice) and seafood with spicy rice are also popular. Local fruit and vegetables are increasingly available and one can find excellent local fish. Hotels serve both International and Arab food and there's also a number of Chinese, Indian and other speciality restaurants. Frozen foods from all over the world are available in supermarkets, so it's safe to say you'll never be without!

All the Emirates, with the exception of Sharjah, permit the consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims. It is illegal to drink alcohol in the street or to buy it for a UAE citizen. Ayran (a refreshing yoghurt drink) and strong black coffee are served on many occasions.

Dubai Nightlife
There is a great choice of nightclubs and bars located in major centres and entertainment ranges from comedians straight off the circuit in London to Arabic singers and dancers and international pop stars and DJ's. Bars are found in all of the top hotels so if you're thirsty for a sophisticated cocktail in a 5 star lounge, or you're simply after a pint of your favourite in one of the English-style pubs, then look no further. Some hotels also have discos. Traditional dances are performed on public holidays. Most large towns have cinemas showing English-language films.

Dubai Shopping
Customs duties are low and therefore luxury goods are cheaper than in most countries. The Dubai duty-free shop is one of the cheapest in the world. Souks sell traditional local leather goods, gold, brass and silverware. Shopping hours: Daily 0900-2100. Shops close for prayers Fri 1130-1330.

Dubai Special Events
To give you a flavour of things to come, the following is a selection of special events taking place in the United Arab Emirates in 2005:

• Jan 10 Dubai Marathon .
• Jan 15-Feb 15 Dubai Shopping Festival
• Feb 17- Mar 2 Dubai Tennis Open
• Mar 6-9 Dubai Desert Classic (golf tournament)
• Mar 27 Emirates World Series: Dubai Cup (horse race)
• Jun UAE National Sailing Championships
• Jun 1-Aug 15 Dubai Summer Surprises (shopping festival)
• Dec 4-10 National Day Festival
• Dec 5-7 Dubai Rugby Sevens .