If you're toying with the idea of treating yourself to a truly exotic and affordable overseas trip, check out the planet's hottest cradle of commerce, Dubai.
It's been nearly 18 months since my last visit to this electrifying metropolis. The city is full of ridiculously ambitious architectural marvels and marvels-in-the-making. No
dream is too big in Dubai. So where does this insatiable energy to push the boundaries and dazzle the world come from?
There's no question the city's driving force is the ruling Al Maktoum family. This dynastic family has called the shots in Dubai since 1833. The Maktoums had the foresight to court foreigners to invest in Dubai with tax exemptions as far back as 1890. Their enduring sense of openness to the world has accelerated under the current ruler, Sheik Al Maktoum.
One of the city's most daring engineering feats has been the completion of the world's tallest tower, Burj Khalifa. Standing more than 828m in height, the jaw-dropping views from the observation deck redefined my concept of "panoramic".
But as much as Dubai is an architectural delight, what I love most about this emirate is the hope and confidence it projects to the world. The city resonates with the best of the West fused with the magic of the Middle East. It is a potently refreshing reminder that some Muslim nations are profoundly progressive and embrace the spirit of co-existence, diversity and harmony.
Shopping is a Dubai obsession, with the city boasting the biggest malls in the world. My favourite is the Mall of the Emirates, hosting over 400 stores and an indoor ski field, which Tom Cruise was checking out in early November.
If you are seeking cut-price bargains, head for the winding lanes that lead off the Gold Souk. Market traders will cajole you with their assorted bargains.
If you are looking for fake label items which aren't on display, be prepared to be whisked away to a nondescript apartment building storeroom where counterfeit items are sold to willing buyers in a very surreptitious fashion. This experience is not for the faint-hearted and may leave you feeling as if you have just had a close encounter with the local mafia.
And you can't visit the great sandpit without experiencing a desert safari. If thrills and spills in a 4WD take your fancy, prepare to be hurtled through mountainous dunes in rollercoaster style. The high-octane trip is exhilarating, if not a bit scary. In my case, I would say more of the latter!
Be sure to take the opportunity to ride on a camel. They are soft and graceful creatures, in stark contrast to the 4WDs!
TOP TIPS
* The sweltering desert heat can take its toll, so steer clear of Dubai in June and July when the temperature can nudge 50C. The most comfortable time to visit Dubai is in the winter months, between November and February, when the mercury averages 25C.
* Emirates is the award-winning carrier that flies from Dubai to more than 100 destinations.
* With multiple flights servicing New Zealand daily, now is a great time to check out their highly competitive airfares.
* Early-bird deals to Europe in 2011 start from $2156 return. Visit www.emirates.com/nz
East greets West
If you're toying with the idea of treating yourself to a truly exotic and affordable overseas trip, check out the planet's hottest cradle of commerce, Dubai.
It's been nearly 18 months since my last visit to this electrifying metropolis. The city is full of ridiculously ambitious architectural marvels and marvels-in-the-making. No
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