Exploring Dubai: the story of a prospering World city

Each city has a story and Dubai is definitely not one to disappoint the traveler or tourist. This New World city exists today with little or no connection to its origins as a fishing village. In just three centuries, Dubai has evolved into a synonym for prosperity as we know it. A reason for its prosperity may be its capacity to be unmarked like its desert sands over the winds of time.

The city is unique with its character being ‘unburdened by history and heritage’ making it ideal for the trader and the traveler. Dubai has housed the traveler right from 1799 when it was home to its first residents: the Bani Yas tribe originally from Abu Dhabi. Constructions during this early settlement like the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai can be visited at the present day Shindagha area.

Al Shindagha is a market area today and is the main residential district in Dubai with the neighboring Bur Dubai being the trade and business center of the present age. If you are traveling to this area, you can also visit the Dubai fishing village, Dubai Grand Mosque and the Dubai Museum. A place of stay at a convenient distance is the Citymax hotel at Bur Dubai allowing you to see these places of interest and enjoy the city to the maximum.

The city of Dubai reflects the effects of some of its British colonization in the early 19th century and in the period before its independence in 1971. It shows elements of its continuous Muslim rule in all aspects of culture particularly the strong family ethic in the Dubai lifestyle. Around this time, the Al Maktoum family assumed ruling power with Maktum Ibn Bati reigning as its first Sheikh. The city took its present day shape with areas being allocated for specific activities under the ruling families with Deira becoming the largest and main commercial center.

Residents of Dubai have more than moved from their homes of barastis or palm frond huts of those days. Home to the only seven star hotel in the world, the Burj Al-Arab, the city is the host of sporting events on its golf courses, horse racecourses and tennis courts. Dubai defines luxurious living with its many malls and tourist friendly culture with teeming activities all year round. With several hotels for tourists, there are affordable options for travelers to stay in the heart of Dubai.

Dubai has recently made a statement with its man-made islands that have villas and extensive living arrangements in an extraordinary layout of palm islands in the Arabian Gulf. To see the upcoming Palm Island projects, you can course the extended coastline of Dubai and even visit the completed Palm Jumeirah. Budget hotels that do not strain your pocket yet provide a comfortable stay can be found at hotels close to this area at Al Barsha. Situated close to other tourist attractions like the Ski Dubai, Mall of Emirates and business areas like the Dubai media city, these make for convenient options.

In all their grandeur, the palm islands symbolize the cultural significance of the Date Palm while the sail shaped seven star is another reminder of its people’s sentiment but also consider global interests by making them unique or exclusive spots. Through many of these structures, Dubai’s history is being built to reflect the aspirations of its global population in this century. Though Dubai has grown to become an urban super city with opportunities for trade and tourism for the global citizen, it remains a city in transit with an attraction for the curious traveler.