Dubai

© Roy Digital Design

Dubai's wealth comes from trade, although oil is also bringing in respectable quantities of Dollars. Most people visit the city for its duty-free shopping possibilities. There are thousands of small shops, mostly owned by Indian expatriates. Dubai has colorful souks where people from all imaginable races do their trading business. There is not anything particularly special to see in the city, but the city's bustling souks and waterfront make it a very interesting place.

Together with 6 other emirates, Dubai forms the United Arab Emirates. The emirate of Dubai has always tried to minimize the power of the central government and has maintained a high level of independence. Dubai organizes most of the country's high profile tournaments, such as tennis, golf and desert rallies. Most of Dubai's wealth comes from importing goods and exporting them to other countries, rather than selling them at home, but the emirate has some oil reserves as well.

The city of Dubai is divided into two parts by al-khor (the Creek), an inlet of the Persian Gulf. The northeastern part of the city is called Deira, while Dubai is actually on the other side of the creek.

The city center is in Deira and so are most of the hotels. There is a lot of activity going on at the creek's waterfront. Wooden dhows are loaded and unloaded with thousands of small items, that are then shipped to places as far away as Mumbai (Bombay). If you follow the creek land inward, you will come to the docks where all those vessels are built and maintained. Most of the city's souks (including the famous gold souk) and small shops are situated in Deira as well. Cheap electronics are found in the Beniyas Square and copies of expensive watches are on offer everywhere.

Small wooden vessels will take you to the other side of the creek, where the bus station and the Dubai Museum are located. The museum has an exhibition on the city's history, as well as Bedouin life and musical instruments. It is housed in the 19th century Al-Fahaidi Fort, probably the city's oldest building. The fort has been used for many years as the residence of Dubai's rulers and as the seat of government.

If you walk along the creek's waterfront you will probably be offered a trip along the creek on an abra (a motorized water taxi). This is a very good way of exploring the area around the creek.

Another good way to get an idea of what Dubai looks like, is to head for the World Trade Center, 4 km (2.5 miles) south of the center. A visit to the viewing gallery on the 37th floor will provide you with excellent views over Dubai.

Some of the old covered souks have been restored and give an idea of what the souks once looked like, with beautiful woodwork and the Gulf's unique air-conditioning system of so-called wind towers.

The cheaper accommodation is mostly located in and around Deira's souk. Expensive hotels can be found on various locations throughout the city. Nightlife is expensive, but at least alcohol is available. Most clubs and discos are near, or in the expensive hotels. Dubai has a good network of public transportation and is connected to most other cities in the country by buses, minibuses and shared taxis. The two parts of the city are connected by boats, bridges and a tunnel, all crossing the creek.

Dubai is 130 km (82 miles) northeast of Abu Dhabi. The two cities are connected by a 4-lane motorway. Dubai International Airport is some 10 km east of town.