of Dubai
While
mercury levels here in Dubai now soar to a high of 42 degrees centigrade during
the day, its adaptation to high heat levels is amazing and this is why Dubai
continues to receive tourists even when temperatures are so high. In the coming
months, temperature levels will soar further but not at the expense visitors.
Dubai
is a young and cosmopolitan city that is not only a business hub but also a
sporting, leisure and holiday destination with a spate of new hotels or
restaurants opening over the past few years. One taxi driver told me, “almost
every week we hear of a new restaurant opening here.” All the international
hotel giants can be found in Dubai and more Five-star hotels have been sprouting
up which like the vast air-conditioned shopping malls that compare to the best
in the world, have continued to draw more tourists to Dubai. Also much talked
about is the sensational all-suite seven- star Burj Al Arab hotel which at 321
metres is taller than the Eiffel Tower and is built in the shape of a giant
billowing sail set on a man-made-island. Here breakfast is offered in an
underwater restaurant and pick up from the airport is by a white Rolls Royce or
even by helicopter.
Many
of the visitors come to Dubai for shopping. Prices are generally good and
electronic equipment worth millions is sold daily because items are relatively
cheaper than in most countries. For example the new Motorola V70 cell-phone that
has introduced a 360-degree revolving front flap sells here at Sterling 350 as
compared to Sterling 390 in London. However while Dubai prides itself on value
for money, not everything is a bargain but a judicious hunt for clothes or
electronic goods almost always yields a decent saving when compared to most
other parts of the world.
Apart
from white sand beaches, colorful markets and a futuristic urban skyline, Dubai
offers dramatic mountain and desert scenery.
The place offers all sorts of activities for the young and elderly
including desert safaris with expert field guides, a cruise on the creek,
different water sports, theme parks and a water park considered to be among the
best in the world.
Two
identical palm-shaped artificial islands are now being built off the resorts of
Dubai and Jebel Ali. Each island will have its own monorail system and these
will add 120 km. of beachfront to the coastline as well as around 40 hotels,
shops, marinas and cinemas.
Tourists
to Dubai do not necessarily have to spend high amounts to take part in the
luxuries offered. One can shave digits off one’s bill by settling in a
far-from-ordinary regular room in any of Dubai’s top-notch properties or good
hotels and still enjoy stellar service facilities, architectural hyperbole and
extensive sumptuousness. Food is not a problem as most of the Fast-Food
restaurants have opened here along with many restaurants that offer cuisines to
suit almost anyone’s taste. To encourage high qualities, awards are made each
year to restaurants that are ranked best by diners.
Emirates
Airlines have backed up development in Dubai with a great improvement in
service. The Airline’s Business Class Lounges are excellent, cuisine is fine
and beginning from this month, the Airline has launched a Fast Track facility in
Dubai for Frequent Flyers and to priority Class travelers. Priority Class
travelers also enjoy free chauffear driven car transport when arriving in Dubai
and London. On board, one audio channel informs passengers on what’s happening
in Dubai with an indepth background of the recent modern structures that have
been built along with one’s that are expected to be built..
The
progress of Dubai is a result of good long-term plans that have focused on
realisation of a dream city. When dream plans are backed by a resolve to achieve
along with proper implementation and the right manpower to do the job, these
becomes a reality and in the case of Dubai one can expect a much modern and
different city in five years that will make it among the best destinations in
the world. This is no mean feat for a country that enjoys harsh temperatures for
many months and for a city that few knew about 20 years ago.
Footnote: Columnist Munir Daya penned this from Dubai.