Dubai is a treasure trove of historical attractions and there is perhaps no better place to delve into the land's past than at the Dubai Museum housed beneath the 180-year-old Al Fahidi Fort in Bur Dubai.

The Bastakiya district is a step back in time, with traditional courtyard houses and wind towers. Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House is one of the oldest houses in the city, as well as one of the best examples of traditional Middle Eastern architecture. Built entirely of stone along medieval Fatimid lines, the Jumeirah Mosque and its two minarets are unmistakable. Other historical attractions in the city include the Grand Mosque, the Juma Al-Majid Cultural and Heritage Centre, the Dubai Heritage Village, the Tower of Arabs and Majil's Gallery.

The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) provides visitors with legendary shopping, camel racing, mountains, beaches, deserts and oases. Dubai is a futuristic metropolis boasting year-round sunshine that has become a playground for the rich and famous. Of the seven emirates, Dubai is second only to Abu Dhabi in size.

Dubai has a multitude of superb outdoor attractions, from championship quality golf courses and spas to water sports and desert adventures to be enjoyed. Spectators can enjoy a host of premier sporting events such as the world's richest horserace, the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al-Sheba; the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, the Dubai Tennis Championships, Rugby Sevens, the Emirates Grand Prix powerboating; the UAE Desert Challenge, and of course, camel racing.

Enjoy a fascinating Abra water taxi ride across the Dubai Creek to the myriad shops at Deira's Shindagha quarter famous for its textiles and electrical goods.

Dubai is popularly referred to as the 'City of Gold' because of its famed Gold Market, and shopping in all its forms - from vast malls to bustling markets - has long been one of Dubai's principal attractions. One popular legend suggests that the name 'Dubai' may have derived from 'Daba,' meaning a prospering or flourishing market. Dubai's famed markets are located on both sides of the creek, with the colourful Spice Market enticing shoppers with its exotic aromas, and the enormous Gold Souk dazzling with every form and standard of precious metals and glittering jewels.

"Visitors can enjoy all the international pursuits - golf, watersports, horse racing, polo and nightlife. Plus there's the attraction of the desert itself, with the opportunity to be part of an Arabian adventure."