Dubai: A Thrilling Convergence Of East And West

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 96
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Dubai is a striking combination of state-of-the-art modernity, historic majesty and breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors marvel at the contrast between the small, quaint villages and the sumptuous residential districts. Watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea is like watching a sunset for the first time, no matter how many you may have seen before. Fine, white sand sparkles from the desert dunes. To the west, the Hajar Mountains create a jagged skyline, their peaks rising as high as 1,300 meters. From these mountains issue the wadi ? lovely streams formed by winter rains, some of which feed rock pools that last all year.

Visitors are equally delighted by the emirate''s shopping opportunities. Westerners who have grown weary of homogenized shopping malls are invariably invigorated by the dazzling spectacle of the Mall of the Emirates. Each mall is a unique experience unto itself ? from the Dubai Mall to the Deira Centre to the Bur Juman. But one can make even more surprising finds ? at remarkably low prices ? in the souks: tiny marketplaces in narrow streets where vendors cluster together according to their ...
... specialties. Spice souks, meat souks and jewelry souks provide visitors a chance to pick up small treasures of the Eastern world. Trinkets and seasonings are certainly fun to buy as souvenirs and gifts - but you''ll definitely want to seek out the gold souks. Dubai is well known as one of the cheapest places in the world to buy gold.

Sports fans will be happy to discover that the people of Dubai take their athletic events seriously. Visit between the months of October and April and you are in for a special treat: camel racing. Between these months such races are held every Thursday and Friday from eight in the morning to two in the afternoon. The emery is home to great horse racing as well: the Dubai Racing Club is the largest in the country. But Dubai isn''t just for spectator sports. Adventuresome Western athletes will inevitably be tempted to try their hands at sand dune skiing, an exercise in exhilarating speed down the steep dunes in the heart of the Arabian Desert.

The safari is a staple of any visit to Arabia. Some people elect to take their own four-wheel drives out on the sand and go ?dune bashing? through the desert, but those without experience are urged to arrange a professional safari tour. There are many safari tour agencies; most offer overnight, full day or half day safaris. Evening safaris are by far the most popular ? you get to avoid the blazing desert heat. Safaris tend to be a unique blend of wild adventure and peaceful communion with nature. Guides will be glad to do your ?dune bashing? for you ? tearing across the sand dunes at exhilarating speeds. You can also visit goat farms, ride camels, watch belly-dancers perform and picnic on authentic Arabian meals.

Dubai is more than just an emirate: is an enchanting, unforgettable experience you won''t want to miss. Bonny Kominek wrote this article while on a holiday booked with Dialaflight who provide flight to Dubai and other desinations.