Dubai
Dubai is a melting pot. It is home to many nationalities
from all parts of the world and a place where you can walk
down the street and not feel completely out of place. There
are stories that Dubai really got its start from the pirates
and smugglers who sailed the seas in ancient times. Perhaps
it’s true… Maybe not. But what I know for a
fact is that Dubai is made up of a fearless people who have
deep pockets, big dreams and a generous, hospitable attitude.
When you think Luxury, think Dubai.
If you’re planning a trip to the Middle East, you’ll
definitely want to stop over in Dubai. Plan for at least
a ten day stay. Anything less won’t be enough and if
you can spare more time, you’ll certainly want to.
Some of the places you’ll definitely want to put on
your itinerary include –
» Cruise
down the Dubai Creek in a local wooden dhow. The dhows are
used for transportation and trade among many other things.
» Buy some jewelry at the Dubai Gold Souk – the
choice and glitter of the designs is boggling and the prices
are really great too!
» Dine in the revolving restaurant on top of
the Hyatt Regency hotel in Bur Dubai. You’ll get a
panoramic view of the city. It’s beautiful.
» Visit the Burj Al Arab, a seven star hotel
designed to resemble a billowing sail. The Burj is known
as the world’s tallest hotel and stands on a man-made
island.
» Arrange
for a helicopter ride to view the budding Two Palm Islands
not far from the Burj Al Arab.
» Go wadi bashing in the desert. It’s a
sport on its own!
» Plan to spend a few days just visiting all
the different shopping malls. Dubai has plenty — in
fact, it’s known as the shopping hub of the Arabian
Gulf and it certainly deserves the title!
» Take a camel ride and camp out in the desert
under a blanket of stars, enjoy a delicious barbeque
followed by a titillating belly dance performance!
» For a real taste of Islamic art, visit the
Jumeirah Mosque, one of the most beautiful ones I’ve
ever seen.
» Attend the races at the Nad Al Sheba for a
thrilling experience! They host the richest horse race
held anywhere in the world – the Dubai World Cup.
» If you enjoy golf, you’ll want to put
aside a couple of mornings for that. The Desert Miracle,
home of the PGA European Tour, hosts two of the city’s
finest must-see courses. The Dubai Creek Golf & Yatch
Club, (one of my favorite places for lunch) is a gorgeous
resort incorporating a championship golf club, marina,
more than a few high-quality restaurants, several high-end
residential villas and the Park Hyatt Dubai Hotel.
» Hop over to neighboring country of Oman (it’s
not far) and visit the city of Nizwa. There’s a really
impressive 17th century fort there you won’t want to
miss seeing. It’s known to the largest in the Arabian
Peninsula.
» You’ll
want to visit the 16th century Portuguese-built forts of
Jalali and Mirani that stand guard at the entrance of Muscat
Bay.
» The natural springs of Thowarah
» The oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz
» Visit the neighboring Emirate of Al Ain, known
as the Garden city, ringed by red golden sand dunes.
» You’ll also want to visit the neighboring
Emirate of Sharjah, known as the Pearl of the Gulf. A
premier destination known for its impressive architecture,
Sharjah is home to the King Faisal Mosque, reputed to be
the largest in all of the Emirates.
» Also add to your list a visit to the Fort of
Sharjah where you can view the residence of the ruling
family, built in 1820.
» Ask the concierge at your hotel about places
like Hatta and Khor Fakhan. Hidden away in the mountains,
these little towns aren’t necessarily on the maps with
the large tour guides but if you can find someone to
drive you up, you’ll enjoy another taste of the true
flavors of United Arab Emirates.
You can have a lot of fun in the UAE if you’ve
got the time to truly enjoy the Arabian experience. The sights
are breathtaking, the luxury is addictive and the people
are fantastic and very hospitable. It’s sure to make
you want to stay forever!
(photos courtesy of bestselling
Harlequin Presents author, Susan
Stephens. For another great Sheikh romance, read Bedded
by the Desert King.)
