CITY OF GOLD. Review on Dubai

Dubai’s culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues. And you are sure to be charged by the genuine warmth and friendliness that greets the visitor. Dubai society is marked by a high degree of tolerance for different life-styles. Foreigners are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and, provided reasonable discretion is shown, the dress code is liberal. Women face no discrimination and may drive and move around unescorted. Despite rapid economic development in recent years, Dubai remains close to its heritage. Local citizens dress in traditional robes and head dresses. Arab culture and folklore find expression in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art. Wedding and other celebrations are colorful occasions of feasting and music. And traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and dhow racing at sea, continue to thrive.

Dubai’s many fine hotel restaurants offer a microcosm of the world’s cuisine. The choice is limitless - Gulf and Middle Eastern, Indian, Filipino, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Mexican and much more.

Outside the hotels, Dubai offers the visitor gastronomic adventure, with hundreds of small eating places scattered throughout the city. Fast-Food ranges from several big International Chains to ''Shawarma'' outlets, selling grilled shavings of lamb or chicken, mixed with salad and rolled inside a pocket of Arabic bread. By night, Dubai has something for everyone. Bars and pubs can be found in all top hotels, most of them featuring live music. There is a vast choice of Discotheques and Arabic Nightclubs. Dubai is on the regular circuit for many International Stars from the Pop Scene, Opera, Asian music and even the London theatre.

One of Dubai’s greatest attractions for visitors is its superb shopping. Being an open port with low import duties and no taxation, the city offers the bargain hunter unbeatable value. Most major brand-name products are readily available, and are often less expensive in Dubai than their country of origin. Modern shopping malls are conveniently located throughout the city, their marble walls and efficient air conditioning providing a cool welcome to customers. Whether you're looking for French fashion, Japanese electronics or Italian accessories and footwear, Dubai’s malls have it all. Shopping can be entertaining as well as profitable, and bargaining is expected. The sheer variety of goods available in the winding alleys is bewildering- from gold and the latest in electronics, cameras and wrist watches to spices, silks, house-hold appliances and sports goods. Dubai’s major shopping areas include Al Rigga Road, Karama, Al Dhiyafa Road and Bani Yas Square, not forgetting the Dubai Duty Free complex at the airport.

Attracting modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast food outlets. leading malls in the Deira district include Deira City Centre, Al Mulla Plaza, The Inter-Continental Plaza, Abu Hall Shopping Centre, The Galleria, Al Ghurair Centre, Al Warba Centre, Al Manal Centre, The center and Hamarain Centre. Dubai Malls: On the Dubai side of the Creek, The Wafi Mall, Bur Juman Centre. Al Diyafa Centre, Dune Centre, Al Hana Centre, Al Khaleej Centre and Holiday Centre are among the largest complexes. Jumeirah Malls: The Jumeirah district has Magrudy’s Shopping Mall, Markaz Al Jumeirah and The Beach Centre. Dubai Duty Free: Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport has won numerous international awards and ranks among the largest duty-free operations in the world. The gold shop accounts for about 20 per cent of the total annual turnover, while other outlets sell liquor, tobacco, electronics, computer software, perfumes, tapes, toys, textiles, leather, sports equipment, ladies and men’s wear, watches, pens, lighters, sunglasses, gifts from Dubai, books, crystal and cameras. The popular Food Plus offers everything from caviar to chocolate, and household goods to hand cream