The city of Dubai is the largest in the United Arab Emirates and is situated on the south-east coast of the Persian Gulf. Initially a trade city, it started to gain revenue when oil was discovered in 1966. Today Dubai is a modern, global city: a significant transport hub, central to world business and iconic as a travel destination. Dubai is also home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which towers above the already impressive skyline. There is simply an endless number of activities and sights to enjoy while in the city; some of the highlights include exploring the traditional Al Fahidi Historic District which has been well-restored to reflect the heritage architecture of the city, indoor skiing in the gigantic Mall of the Emirates, and of course, shopping. Dubai hosts two huge annual shopping festivals which see flocks of retail-therapy lovers streaming into the city from across the world. For lovers of both the ancient and the new, Dubai is certainly the buzz of the Middle East and a technologically modern epicentre.
