If you’re after a holiday of sun, sea, sand and surf, with plenty of options for refined wining and dining, or simple fare, this truly cosmopolitan, safe city fits the bill . . . with plenty of room to spare. You can also be assured of superb entertainment, whether at a bar or at the theatre.

Dubai enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Winters are glorious, with low humidity and daytime temperatures hovering at the 30°C mark (18°C at night). Even during a summer’s night, temperatures rarely dip below 30°C.

More and more people are becoming aware of this slice of Arabia through its exposure on the world stage, along with the intense global marketing efforts of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Emirates airline, which, with a seemingly bottomless pit of money at their disposal, have been able to enthuse and extol the virtues of the city without restraint for several years.

The nuts and bolts

Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country founded in December 1971. Covering an area of some 83,600 square kilometres across the Arabian Peninsula, the country consists of Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate and the location of the nation’s capital; Dubai, the second-largest emirate at some 3,885 square kilometres, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ra’s al-Khaimah and Fujairah. With the city spanning little more than 50 kilometres from end to end, you certainly don’t have to go far to find everything you’ll ever need within a stone’s throw.

The language of the land is Arabic, although English ranks alongside, especially in business, and is spoken by most . . . to varying degrees. Dubai can be seen as one of the most integrated and multicultural cities in the world.

The hype

Dubai has been a huge PR success. It has been able to present itself as a moderate, liberal enclave of peace and prosperity. In recognising its supplies of oil were finite , Dubai has sought to invest in opportunities that reduce its dependence on the black gold. As such, it’s wooed the world by creating an infrastructure that’s esoteric, eccentric, practical, an infrastructure that wholly embraces concepts whose origins can be traced to the REM sleep of some of the world’s most creative architects.

According to the Gulf News, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and the country’s Prime Minister and Vice-President revealed his vision for Dubai to reach the status of the world’s most powerful cities and outrun them in every aspect and at all cost; and lead the world in the race towards globalisation.

Over the past decade Dubai has constantly strived to distinguish and set apart itself from all parts of the world. Using imagination, diversification, and of course endless amounts of cash, Dubai has achieved the goal of luring individuals and businesses half way around the world to settle or visit in this distant gulf city. The key to success has been the constant expansion and development which is backed by the U.A.E Government. These development projects range from building on land, to growth into the Gulf.

The Palm, Jebel Ali & Jumeirah

The twin palmshaped islands off the coast of Dubai are the luxurious and unique seaside communities of The Palm, Jebel Ali and The Palm, Jumeirah. These manmade

islands are considered the eighth wonder of the world and can be seen from space. Each development will contain 50 luxury hotels, 2,500 exclusive residential beachside villas, 2,400 shoreline apartments, two marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities, health spas and cinemas.

The Palm, Deira

This is the third and last development in The Palm series by Nakheel. The Palm, Deira will merge Dubai's oldest district with the new iconic image of the palm. Located close to historic landmarks and trading ports of Deira Corniche, the Palm, Deira will be a revolutionary addition to the Dubai's booming freehold property development market.

InternationalCity

The International City encompasses businesses, residences and tourist attractions and is made up of six key areas, including The Central Districts, Dubai Gates, The Dragon Mart, The Residential District, Lake District and the Forbidden City. International City is a melting pot of the diverse cultures and lifestyles that lend Dubai its cosmopolitan air.

Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)

The Residences in DIFC are located on Park Boulevard and consist of two stunningly beautiful towers comprising of a unique combination of commercial, residential, leisure and retail space in an ultra modern environment. The aesthetically designed 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments offer panoramic views of the financial hub, its parks, cafes and entertainment facilities.

Dubailand

Dubailand has been designed to appeal to the widest tourist segments across genders, age groups, world regions and activity preferences. Dubailand has been planned and designed using leadingedge expertise across a spectrum of disciplines. A unique multifaceted development of pure family entertainment and education, with universal appeal, Dubailand will incorporate a critical mass of attractions, an endless mix of day and night activities and a variety of accommodations to encourage longer visits and overnight stays. Dubailand features six theme worlds: Attractions & Experience World, Sports & Outdoor World, EcoTourism World, Leisure & Vacation World, Retail & Entertainment World and Downtown.

Dubai's Promise to Foreign Investors