Palm Jumeirah
Dubai offers visitors the shopping heaven with uncounted bargains, the relaxing atmosphere in the luxury hotels and fairy-tale apartments, and the mystery of the East in red sand dunes and camel racing.
The area of present Emirates has been habited for over 5000 years, but although settlement Hatta near Dubai is over 2000 years old, the nomadic tribes did
not leave any significant buildings in Dubai until the 19th century when the energetic family Maktoum from Abu Dhabi took control over the new forming port in the mouth
of the river today called Dubai Creek. Sailors, fishermen and peal catchers enjoyed tax free market trading their goods to merchants on Souks, which still exist in Deira area of the city, including famous Gold and Spices markets, where still you can find your enormous bargain.
The discover of oil fields brought prosperity to the whole area. The main deposits are located on the area of Abu Dhabi, which became the most important of seven emirates making the Union in 1971. Having no oil deposits on its territory, Dubai benefited as the transit point for oil shaft equipment, and in 1979 finished the biggest port in the world Jabal Ali designed especially for oil tankers. The international sea port had been followed by the air one, which became the main airport for the whole Emirate’s traffic.
Dubai consistently develops the image of the trade city with hundreds of meetings, expositions and international shows commenced here every year.
Although the worldwide recession and overinvesting slowed down the enormous speed of development, every year there are more and more new architecture challenges
which have one in common they are the highest, the biggest or simply the first in the world.
Almost immediately after finishing seven star hotel Burj Al Arab became the icon of the city, but with the same speed was put into the shadow of Emirates Towers.
The buildings along Sheikh Zayed Road were overpowered again this time by the highest structure in the world – Burj Dubai.
And there is more. enormous Wild Wadi water park, Ski Dubai with real snow, Dubai Marina with Manhattan sky line, and the new fashion, the artificial islands, The Palm and The World,
where most of the residences were already bought up by world celebrities and soccer players.
Surrounded by the 21st century modern glass and steel buildings Dubai does not forget about its roots. In Al Bastakiya there are several old houses, the museum and Heritage Village
present the exhibitions dipicting the life of merchants from the past, and the Jumeirah Mosque is sometimes opened for non-Muslim visitors, which can enlarge their understanding of this religion.
Both the tradition and top branded hotels with enchanted interiors await for the visitors.
[photo courtesy of Michael Foley Photography]
