Dubai is a beautiful city to visit. It is a cosmopolitan city that has been exposed to innumerable cultures. The number of languages spoken is one of the many proofs that show the cosmopolitan nature of the Dubai city. Despite this the city has succeeded in conserving its rich culture and heritage.

Since the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, Dubai has developed rapidly from an oil and gas based state to a broadly based market economy. A 30-year development plan provided for

substantial investment in education and infrastructure (transport and telecommunications) and has led to rapid growth in trade and inward investment. Dubai offers a world-class airline (Emirates Airlines), world-class tourism (over 30 five-star hotels and the world's first seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab) and world-class sporting events: The Dubai World Cup (the world's richest horse race), the Dubai Desert Classic (golf) and the Dubai Rugby Sevens.

In recent years, Dubai has established Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, providing the regional hubs for IT (notably Microsoft and HP) and media businesses (Reuters and CNN). In September 2003, Dubai hosted the 2003 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund.

The success of the Dubai economy is the result of dynamic and visionary leadership, an ultra-modern and efficient infrastructure, the absence of government bureaucracy, and a diversely skilled, well educated, multi-cultural and multi-lingual workforce. It has an abundant supply of housing for expatriate professionals, and excellent schools and centres of further education.

All this has made it one of the fastest growing cities in the region, and one of the world's most prominent centres for business and leisure.

When to Go: The city could be the perfect getaway when if you are looking for sunshine and warmth. The period between November and March is said to have the best climate and therefore the best time to visit Dubai. The early months of the year also have the attraction of the Dubai Shopping Festival where you can shop till you drop.

Getting There & Around: You can easily get to the city on direct flights, as the city has an excellent international airport that is rated among the world's 10 best airports. You can get flights from important cities of the world.

Getting around the city is also easy as you can conveniently avail of the rented cars, comfortable and reasonable taxis and numerous public buses.

Accommodation in Dubai: Being in a major tourist city you can get varied lodging options to choose from. You can access the airport from any point of the city. However, staying at Bur Dubai, located at the heart of the city, will help you to commute to the other parts of the city with greater convenience. Plenty of hotels can be found here.

Things to do in Dubai: You will find the city beautiful with plenty of attractions like the Museum, Creek, Jumeira Mosque, Wonderland, Wild Wadi, Desert Safari, Wonder Bus, etc. You can also shop extensively at the contemporary shopping complexes. Shopping is not a new trend here. You can enjoy shopping at the conventional 'bazaars' or souks too.