The Emirate of Dubai is the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates but has the biggest population at over 2.1 million inhabitants. Size has been synonymous with Dubai as it continues to build the first, largest and the biggest constructions in the world. Dubai’s dynamics are always transient and ever-changing with its constant urge to construct something better and bigger than the previous. If there was a Palm Island, Nakheel thought of the World Island. Burj Al Arab seemed too timid when Burj Khalifa cropped up, distancing itself to being a loner in the crowd. Dubai constantly dwells in a suppressive competition with itself trying to magnetize tourists to a dreamy world of attractions and unheard of luxuries. The emirate’s scoring points lie in its entrepreneurial abilities to create the inconceivable found in its tourist attractions, landmarks, shopping centres, nightlife and hotels. Although it strictly safeguards its traditional practices, it allows space for other religions to breathe, a rare quality amongst the conservative Arab world. Thankfully, it has been successful in shielding itself from extremism, much-needed for it to survive. Today, Dubai has emerged as a cosmopolitan metropolis that has grown steadily to become a global city and a business and cultural hub of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region.

History

The history of Dubai can be traced back to the year 1830 when it was taken over by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis, led by the Maktoum family, who still rule the emirate today.

In 1894, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, exempted foreign traders from taxes, making way for Dubai’s modern development – starting with local merchants selling items like pearls, fish, spices and dates. Traders from India and Persia were also attracted to Dubai because of the liberal attitudes of the rulers, and soon began to settle in the growing town, which developed a reputation as the leading commercial centre for the region. Trade was based around the safe, natural anchorage of the Creek, which was and still is the visual and commercial heart of the city, with numerous dhows still sailing to other countries.

Dubai is simultaneously a dynamic, international business centre and a relaxing tourist destination. These features make Dubai a truly cosmopolitan place to live; but the rich history of the emirate also provides a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. At the same time, Dubai is a very tolerant and welcoming place for foreigners, with visitors free to follow their own religions. Drinking alcohol in hotels and licensed health and sports clubs is permitted for non-Muslims.

Dubai Today

The Emirate of Dubai is the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates but has the biggest population at over 2.1 million inhabitants. Size has been synonymous with Dubai as it continues to build the first, largest and the biggest constructions in the world. Dubai’s dynamics are always transient and ever-changing with its constant urge to construct something better and bigger than the previous. If there was a Palm Island, Nakheel thought of the World Island. Burj Al Arab seemed too timid when Burj Khalifa cropped up, distancing itself to being a loner in the crowd. Dubai constantly dwells in a suppressive competition with itself trying to magnetize tourists to a dreamy world of attractions and unheard of luxuries. The emirate’s scoring points lie in its entrepreneurial abilities to create the inconceivable found in its tourist attractions, landmarks, shopping centres, nightlife and hotels. Although it strictly safeguards its traditional practices, it allows space for other religions to breathe, a rare quality amongst the conservative Arab world. Thankfully, it has been successful in shielding itself from extremism, much-needed for it to survive. Today, Dubai has emerged as a cosmopolitan metropolis that has grown steadily to become a global city and a business and cultural hub of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region.

What To See

• Burj Khalifa | A sky-high experience

Standing at an eye-watering 828 metres high, the Burj Khalifa is hard to miss. The tallest building on the planet naturally dominates the Dubai skyline, but the true majesty of the building is best appreciated up close ? or, even better, from inside. On a clear day, the view from the observation deck on level 125 is absolutely stunning, bettered only by that of the view from the luxurious At The Top Sky Lounge on the 148th floor. And for those who would like to linger for a meal in the clouds, At.mosphere lounge on level 122 is the place to be.

• The Dubai Mall | A mini metropolis

Minutes away from Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Mall. To call the sprawling development merely a shopping mall is doing it a massive disservice. Even an entire day spent here isn’t enough to see it all. As well as its more than 1,200 shops and 150 restaurants, the venue is also home to: an indoor theme park; an ice rink; a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton; a huge indoor waterfall; a luxury hotel; a choreographed fountain bigger than the one at Las Vegas Bellagio; and a giant aquarium and underwater zoo, featuring sharks, stingrays, penguins and many more exotic animals.

• Dubai Creek | Step back in time

Dubai may be famous for the glitz and glamour of its sky-high towers, but the real heart of the city is, and always will be, the Creek. The saltwater estuary is the original site where the Bani Yas tribe settled in the 19^th?century, and its waters were vital for what used to be Dubai’s main forms of economy: pearl diving and fishing. Today, the area is awash with the history of the emirate, as it is home to the Dubai Museum, as well as the labyrinthine alleyways of the gold, spice and textile souks in Deira. While at the Creek, a ride across the water on a traditional?abrais a must ? and at an unbelievably cheap one dirham per person for a one-way ticket, it’s easily the best-value tourist attraction in the city.

• Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) | Walk The Walk?

For lovers of sun, sea and sand, a visit to Jumeirah Beach Residence is a must when stopping through Dubai. An almost two-kilometre-long stretch of pure white sands with The Walk – a row of cafes, restaurants and shops – running perpendicular to it, it’s no surprise that JBR is always buzzing with activity. The area was made even better recently, as new development, The Beach, was completed. With 45 cafes and restaurants set across four distinct plazas, as well as a purpose-built running track, kids’ water park and even an open-air beach cinema, JBR now has something for everyone.

Where To Eat

• Zaroob Restaurant and Caf Lounge

Zaroob has become a popular hangout for young, trendy Middle Easterners, with its edgy approach to Lebanese/Jordanian street food. It offers Arabic fast food favourites in a very rustic, unrefined and urbane atmosphere with its concrete floors, galvanised steel siding and graffiti decals.

Centrally located on Sheikh Zayed Road, they also offer delivery service and the prices are pretty good for Dubai too! Lots of mezze and dishes with freshly baked bread punctuate the menu. Go for the funky atmosphere with modest expectations of food and service and you will not be disappointed.

• Baker & Spice

This affordable organic gem in the Souk Al Bahar area has great views of the Burj Khalifa and hearty, homey dishes like Red Shakshouka, which is essentially eggs baked in tomatoes.

Almost everything is made in-house, which is a staggering task considering this includes the jams, crisps and pastries that you can buy to snack on later. Order the Grilled Wild Prawns with Parsley and Lime Pesto, if youre craving seafood. Their salads (I like the taster plate, which gets you four types to try) and the house burger are also really good.

• Noodle Bowl

Fancy a bit of authentic Chinese Cuisine?? Interested in sampling Malaysian Cuisine? Well you are in luck as we have just the spot for you. Noodle Bowl is Dubais most accessible Chinese restaurant ?and certainly one of the best on offer. As far as Malaysian food goes, they are the best place for Malay and Chinese Malaysian Cuisine, hands down. Whenever you see Chinese people dining in a Chinese restaurant, you can be assured that the food suits their palate. It was that observation that led us to the restaurant in the first place, some years ago.

Opened by first time restaurateur and former businessman Michael Teng in 2006, Noodle Bowl has gained the respect and patronage of esteemed residents and residents looking for authentic Cantonese, South East Asian or otherwise known as Strait Food.

• Karachi Darbar Restaurant

This is fast, efficient homestyle cooking from the spice loving countries of India and Pakistan. With dishes full of thick, flavoursome sauces and traditional foods cooked in traditional vessels, this is as authentic as it gets. A simple spot with delicious and very affordable food from colourful curries to soothing lassi. Karachi Darbar is a favourite of Dubai residents who are looking for the spicy thrills of Pakistani and Indian fast food. The great thing about fast food from this region is that it is not fast at all. Prepare to see stews on the menu and freshly made breads as even humble restaurants from the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent cook real food in very traditional ways and all from scratch.

When you go to a place like this, your expectations must be modest. The setting is very basic. It is a clean cafeteria with staff who speak broken English but are fluent in Urdu, Hindi and other languages.? But the menu is no language barrier.? The dishes are named in English and are very tasty and sometimes highly spicy.

• Bu Qtair Restaurant

If you love to discover simple, uncomplicated, delicious, cheap street eats,all it takes is a good 45 minute trek/walk from the public beach beside Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach hotel.

If your concept of dining out means regal interiors and fancy cutlery and crockery, make the effort to don some jeans and sneakers for an authentic culinary experience and get ready to smack your lips!

• Shake Shack

Shake Shack is the favourite burger spot of well travelled Emiratis and residents even though they are among the most expensive.? It is a calorie laden treat best served hot (burgers and hot dogs) or cold (ice cream custards and milkshakes. They have a great well trained? and helpful team with members who add personality to the casual but cool experience. With locations now in three of the most popular malls in Dubai, you can be sure to find one near you.

DM Certified, ?100% Halal Ingredients, Cleanliness Grade: A

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