Dubai

History of Dubai:-

The first human settlement in the history of Dubai was in approximately 3000 BC, when the area was inhabited by nomadic cattle herders. In the 3rd century AD, the area came under the control of the Sassanid Empire which lasted until the 7th century, when the Umayyad Caliphate took control and introduced Islam to the area. The area was sustained by fishing and pearl diving for a thousand years, with the first records of the town being made in 1799 when the Bani Yas clan established it as a dependency of Abu Dhabi. Dubai became a separate Sheikhdom in 1833, when the Al-Maktoum dynasty of the Bani Yas clan (initially from Abu Dhabi) took it over peacefully. The invention of artificial pearls in 1926 and the Great Depression in 1929 caused a collapse in the international pearl market, which resulted in Sheikh Saeed looking for an alternative source of income and Dubai becoming one of the leading re-export ports in the world. In 1966, oil was discovered in Dubai, which changed the country beyond recognition and led to Dubai becoming the vibrant, modern, business-centred city-state it is today.

Today, Dubai is an important tourist destination and port (Jebel Ali, constructed in the 1970s, has the largest man-made harbour in the world), but also increasingly developing as a hub for service industries such as IT and finance, with the new Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Transport links are bolstered by its rapidly-expanding Emirates Airline, founded by the government in 1985 and still state-owned; based at Dubai International Airport, it carries over 12M passengers a year.

Dubai attractions:-

1.City of Dubai Parks:

Dubai offers a pleasant variety of parks and family attractions. The Wild Wadi (top right) is a water amusement park greatly enjoyed by all family members.

Along with the theme parks, there are playgrounds, landscaped gardens and the Dubai Zoo. Families have picnics along the various waterway parks that include various fun activities for one and all. Creekside Park (middle) is a popular destination that includes rides in the water taxis that provide transportation across the Creek all day long.

2.Dubai Gold souks:-

The Covered Gold Souk in Deira is Dubai's most famous gold market. Designs range from 22 carat Indian extravaganzas to delicate18 carat Italian pieces. Prices are based on weight and craftmanship and fluctuate frequently.

The Sharjah Blue Souk is another popular gold market only 15 minutes away from downtown Dubai.

There are also lots of jewelry shops in Dubai's many modern malls. This is, after all, one of the largest retail markets for gold in the world.

3.Dubai  persian carpets:-

Dubai is just across the Gulf from Iran, so the supply of Persian carpets is considered one of the best outside of Iran. Prices are also good if you know a bit about carpets and bargaining. If you don't, this is a good opportunity to take the time to learn about designs, quality, origins, and of course prices.

The Blue Souk (Central Market) in Sharjah (below) is famous for its carpet and gold shops. Be sure to visit the Tabriz Carpet Exhibit and talk with Attif Hellal (Right). Mention Dubai Top 10.com and you'll get a good show and low prices.

4.Big Bus Tour in Dubai

Conventionally, big bus tours can only be seen in London and it’s one of the highlights of your tour per se, but since Dubai is a one stop city, you can always count on them to have everything that you need, including the famous big bus tour.

5.Desert Safari in Dubai

The golden sand of the Sahara desert holds its own unique charm and offers a mesmerizing experience to the visitors of Dubai. Explore the remotest of the desert regions by taking up the desert safari that includes the Private Safari, Hajar Mountains Safari, Desert Wonder Safari, Hatta Safari and the Private Overnight Safari. It is very important to carry ample amounts of water during these desert safaris as fighting the heat & dehydration can be a major issue. Such safaris have since long been amongst the must-visited places in Dubai.

6.Global Village Dubai

Located in Dubailand, the Global Village is the world's largest leisure, tourism and entertainment project. It is the first premier cultural, entertainment and shopping destination in the region, with diverse cultures, theater, art, commerce and cuisine gathering from across the world.

7.Art Galleries in Dubai

The art scene in Dubai and the UAE is rapidly increasing over time and due to the inherited favor for beautiful scenery, art galleries in Dubai are becoming world recognized. Artists from different regions of the Middle East and other countries are displaying their art works in galleries in Dubai, making this a one stop city and truly a city to remember.

8.Sheikh Zayed Road

The striking new Etisalat head quarters buildingis taking shape close to the Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout beside Shaikh Zayed Road. There is no part of Dubai more impressive than Shaikh Zayed Road, which stuns newcomers to the city with its glitzy designs. Among the most impressive buildings is the Emirates Towers office and hotel complex.

9.Dubai Museum

Dubai Museum includes archaeological objects such as pottery, stone and metallic items, stone engravings, and skeletons which were discovered during digs in the Emirate of Dubai (Hatta, Al Soffoh, Al Qusais, and Al Jumeira). Some pieces date back 4000 years.