Dubai

Sun, sand and shopping may be most travelers' motivation for visiting Dubai, and this cosmopolitan Arabian city certainly satisfies with year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, easily accessible desert sands, and superlative shopping in bustling souqs and opulent malls. Yet Dubai offers so much more. Dubai Creek, the city's chaotic heart, is the place to start exploring "Old Dubai," with a trip on an open-sided abra (water taxi), a stroll along the dhow wharfs where all manner of intriguing goods are uploaded on traditional wooden boats bound for Iran, and a wander through the atmospheric lanes of the Persian Bastakiya neighborhood to ...

Sun, sand and shopping may be most travelers' motivation for visiting Dubai, and this cosmopolitan Arabian city certainly satisfies with year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, easily accessible desert sands, and superlative shopping in bustling souqs and opulent malls. Yet Dubai offers so much more. Dubai Creek, the city's chaotic heart, is the place to start exploring "Old Dubai," with a trip on an open-sided abra (water taxi), a stroll along the dhow wharfs where all manner of intriguing goods are uploaded on traditional wooden boats bound for Iran, and a wander through the atmospheric lanes of the Persian Bastakiya neighborhood to admire the old courtyard residences, home to an ever-increasing array of contemporary art galleries. Visits to whimsical Dubai Museum, the Heritage and Diving Villages and Jumeirah Mosque are musts, before heading along Jumeirah Beach to experience "New Dubai." Here, some of the world's most luxurious resorts are home to superb restaurants, al fresco Arabian Nights-inspired bars, stylish dance clubs, and of course, the sail-shaped "seven star" Burj Al Arab hotel.

About the Expert

Lara Dunston and Terry Carter have traveled to over 60 countries and written more than 40 guidebooks for Lonely Planet, DK, Rough Guides, Footprint, and others on destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and South America.