Dubai

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the U.A.E.

It is one of the most visited cities in the world, ranking 7th in 2010.

Its economy is built around tourist activities and shopping.

The world's largest shopping mall is in the city, though should you grow tired of shopping there, then there are another 70 shopping malls throughout the city to experience.

As the desert sun sets, the city lights start to fill the twilight with an array of colours.

Stroll about the city after dark, watch the dancing waters or visit one of the high rise towers and see the city from above.

The real snow slopes of Ski Dubai is part of the Mall of the Emirates, one of the biggest shopping malls in the world.

Ski Dubai has an indoor snow mountain with 5 graded slopes, including the first indoor black run of over 400 metres in length.

The area also has a snow park with toboggan and sled runs, giant snowballs and ice caves.

Check out life in the desert, try quad biking over sand dunes or camel riding into the sunset, or sit by a campfire and partake in a cultural experience of dance, food and song.

The Dubai Aquarium located in the shopping mall has the world's largest high transparency acrylic panel - which allows visitors easily see the vast array of sea life.

The aquarium also wins the title of largest suspended aquarium in the world. The tank houses thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species, with over 400 Sharks and Rays including the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world.

The Jumeirah Mosque is the only mosque in Dubai which is open to visits from non-Muslims.

The Mosques cultural centre hosts meetings every Sunday, Tuesday Thursdays and Saturdays.

Check locally for the current times. The tours last about 90 minutes. Respectful dress is required.

Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek that extends someway into the city, dividing the city into the Deira and Bur Dubai areas

The abra boat is a traditional wooden boat of the region.

Rather than taking the metro or walking to the souks and markets try one of these boats and cross the creek in style.

Dubai shopping is not just about Malls - but shopping of another kind takes places in the many souks and markets.

The Gold Souk is located in Deira business district.

The souk at any one time could have over ten tons of gold in the stalls, vaults or stores Close by to the gold souk is the fish and vegetable markets.