With formal records only dating Dubai back to the late 18th century, it's obvious it has come a long way since it’s early days as a small fishing and pearl diving village. Despite the traditional activities of the past giving way to modern infrastructure and its new wealth being generated more from commerce, tourism and property than the oil you would expect; The UAE is one of the worlds most exciting melting pots of cultures and 21st century surrealism. Taking center stage to the biggest, tallest,
longest and richest of everything, it's popularity as both a business and tourist destination is without doubt second to none.
Bursting out of the sea and sand it's an unstoppable machine with its wealth extending far beyond the lands of the Gulf States. In 1971 along with five other emirates and a sixth in 1972, signed an agreement to create what is known today as the United Arab Emirates. Whilst the six other Emirates are following hard in the innovative footsteps of Dubai to build their tourism and commerce presence, it has managed to muster interest and investments across the globe. Home to the only seven star hotel in the world, the tallest building in the world and the construction of several man-made islands, allegedly visible from space, it's a tremendously exciting destination for the intrepid traveller. Whether you are looking for culture, fun, adventure or a place to make money, Dubai is an iconic statement of all the great things in life.
Favoured as the destination of choice in the Middle East, it not only offers an enjoyable and safe place to stay, but liberal attitudes to what you drink and what you wear, as well as a cosmopolitan lifestyle make it extremely difficult to leave. That said, visitors must always be observant of local customs and cultures so as not to upset the traditional values of this proud nation.
With a population of barely a million and half residents, yet boasting more than six million visitors a year and growing, it offers an unprecedented array of best in class hotels, recreation facilities and shopping malls of almost anywhere in the world. Top that with beautiful beaches, year round sunshine and a safe environment and you have the perfect getaway destination for the ideal holiday, or, as many of the hundred plus nationalities do; join the expat brigade and stay to earn a living.