Years ago, Dubai was considered a small fishing village on the edge of desert. In recent years, the landscape of Dubai has changed dramatically, and Dubai Tourism has grown exponentially during this time (especially over the past 5 years).

Much of this growth has to do with the vision of the ruling family of Dubai. Their vision was to make Dubai the number one tourist and financial center in the region and eventually the world and they began to develop into a reality in 1994 with the start of construction of the Burj Al Arab, the only 7-Star Hotel in the World. The Sheikh sought to establish an iconic structure to grace the Dubai Skyline and become a symbol of the city. The symbol –  the sail of a “Dhow”, a traditional-style boat frequently seen in the Arabian Gulf.   Its doors opened in December of 1999. Soon after, innovative ideas to increase Dubai’s coastline and beachfront property came in the form of plans for the development of The Palms (Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and Palm Deira) and The World Islands, bringing with it outside investors. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum passed away in 2006, however his son Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum continued to carry out the vision. The first of the Palm Trilogy, also known as the 8^th Wonder of the World, Palm Jumeirah is complete. It hosts the Trump Dubai Hotel and Tower, and the soon to open (Oct. 2008) Atlantis Hotel which will include the Aquaventure Water Park and many other attractions. The completion of Palm Jebel Ali is targeted for next year, and Palm Deira, which will become the largest man-made island in the world, by 2020.  The First Phase of The World Islands was completed in January of this year, with Phase 2 – the development of the infrastructure and housing, already underway. 

To add to these amazing undertaking, Dubai is also in the process of completing the World’s Tallest Building, Burj Dubai, scheduled to open in June 2009; and Dubailand, a multi-themed amusement park is slated to open in 2010 with Universal Studios, Ernie Els Golf Course, Formula 1 Theme Park, Dubai Outlet City, Plantation World, and the Global Village. On its completion, targeted for 2018, Dubailand will also house Legoland Dubai, Marvel Entertainment Park, Tiger Woods Championship Golf Course, Six Flags Dubailand, Aqua Dunya Water Park, Hit Entertainment Park, and City of Arabia with one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It is estimated that Dubailand will be 20 % larger than DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida. 

Dubai is also known as the shopping mecca of the region. With over 30 shopping centers to choose from, tourists can enjoy everything from posh designer shops to traditional-style souks, and everything in between. There are also plenty of family activities to enjoy. Tourists can enjoy Wild Wadi Water Park in Jumeirah Beach, or to “cool down” tourists can experience Ski Dubai, the first indoor Ski Resort in the region, located in the Mall of the Emirates. For evening entertainment, Deira offers a number of night clubs for one to enjoy.

Dubai offers many first-class hotels and resorts in which to choose. In addition, you will be amazed by all that Dubai has to offer. Dubai Tourism is expected to grow at a 10% rate each year, and this is a conservative estimate. Under its present plan, Dubai is sure to be the top Tourist Spot in the World!

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