Ban Yas Square is the heart of Deira dominated by Deira Tower, where you can get good bargains on electronics, textile products and consumer products.

Occupying the Al Fahaidi Fort, the museum showcases the history and culture of the city. The biggest attractions here is a multimedia show that provides the glimpses of Dubai from the early part of the 20th century.

Nearby Dubai Museum is Bastakiya district, which has got some wind towers, a culture centre and an art gallery.

This historic focal point of the city is a natural sea-water inlet that cuts through the centre of the city. A stroll along the Creek is a good opportunity to experience the old traditions of Dubai. Do not forget to hire an abra (a motorised boat taxi) for a boat ride along the Creek.

There are numerous parks and gardens situated in Dubai, which offer a peaceful respite from the daily rush of urban life. Some of the famous ones are Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai Creekside Park, Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar Park and Safa Park.It is also necessary to tell about wonderful parks and gardens in Dubai. All parks are very beautiful, well-groomed and have places for rest for both adults and children. Dubai Zoo is also very famous place among the tourists. "Wonderland" is the most exciting Theme Park, divided into 3 areas - Main Street, Theme Park & Splash Land. Here even adults feel themselves as in a fairyland and remember the time when were children.

Among new structures of the city, the World Trade Centre in Dubai is the most famous. Other famous structures are Bait Al Wakeel, Al Nasr Leisureland, Heritage and Diving Village, Al Boom Tourist Village, Jumeira Mosque, and Grand Mosque.Dubai provides white beaches, clear blue sea, perfect hotels and a great number of restaurants and nightclubs. This city has everything you need to have a memorable and enjoyable holiday. Undoubtedly, Dubai is one of the most developed cities in the world in tourist's field. The construction of grand tourists' objects began here in these later days. Giant investments, interesting artistic design and keeping up old traditions make these projects unique in the world. Palm Islands, named because of the shape, will be seen even from the Moon. These islands are built in the sea from the side of Jumeirah Beach and Jebel Ali. As a result the coastline increases by 120 km. A lot of boutique hotels, villas, trade centers and even oceanarium will be built there. The islands have 2 artificial bays and are connected with the mainland by 300-meters bridges. Another great plan is to build a city in the city - Dubai Marina, with the population of 150.000 people. There will be skyscrapers, villas and so-called "smart houses". Dubai Marina, called the city of the future, will have all things that people need to live.

Souks have been called "the heart of urban Arabia", and Dubai has a good selection of them. It's thrilling to browse through Dubai's famous souks. The bustling atmosphere and traditional style of doing business by negotiating, keeps shoppers on their toes throughout the whole shopping experience. These range from the traditional, dusty alleyways of the spice souk, a stone's throw from the Creek, to the most famous market of all - the Gold Souk.

A trip down to the Gold Souk will demonstrate why Dubai has also earned itself the reputation as the 'City Of Gold'. The sheer scale and variety of gold on offer (at marked down prices) will impress even the most seasoned gold trader.

Dubai has had a long-standing tradition with gold and jewellery and has the highest concentration of jewellers in the world.There is nothing quite in the world like the Gold souk of Dubai.A network of never ending Gold shops squeezed into narrow lanes,window brightly lit glinting with bracelets,necklaces and earings to form lace curtains of gold.It is at its most spectacular at night when it is a hive of activity.It is like stepping into Aladdin's cave-candy for the eyes.

The famous Souk started in the 1900,"s with a couple of retailers and has substantially over the years.For a populationof fewer than 2 million,there are more than 1,000 jewellery shops based all over the city,in the gold souks,gold parkand the malls.

Dubai imports 300 tonnes of gold from the major manufacturing centres of the world.The quality of Dubai's gold and the impressive world famous designs sets it apart from other jewellery hubs.Another reason for the growth of the gold and the jewellery industry in Dubai is the free trade environment,which makes it the cheapest place to buy gold from.

The style ranges from the truly elegant Arabain designs to tasteful Italian styles to typical indian wedding jewellery.

Over the years,the shopping festival has played a key role in promoting Dubai as the jewellery destination of the world.Keeping the tradition alive DSF 2006 will showcase designs from all over the world.Announcing the participation,Tawhid Abdullah,Chairman of the Dubai Gold and jewellery group said,"Dubai shopping festival and the Group have worked closely in the past years with a single minded objective of elevating the jewellery retail trade in Dubai as a successful example of collaborative partnership between the goverment and the private sector.This year,we will continue this relationship to offer even more benefits to members and our patron."Another unique features will be the 'twin' promotional campaign,with the objective of the reinforcing Dubai's Golden positioning.While the popular,city of the gold,will be launched in a new avtar,jewellery buyers will also get a chance to win several killos of gold and specticular diamond prizes; some of the winnings will be link to the purchase of the DSF Souvenir,specially minted gold coin.The world gold council is also partnering with the dubai gold and jewellery group in this extravagant gold promotion.

Prices are very reasonable and largely determined by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship. This souk is worth a visit even if you have no intention of buying, just to soak in the atmosphere of the bold affluence of this part of the world.

This souq is aggressively promoted during the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, which both rocket gold sales into orbit. From earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants, just about every conceivable kind of gold jewellery is on offer. Designs can be traditional or modern, bold or conservative, chunky or delicate if you have it in mind then its definitely on display. To entice you further, many different shades of gold are also available. Craftsmen can alter the composition of alloys in the gold to create pink, white, yellow or green hues in one piece.

While purchasing gold don't forget that there is always room to bargain so don't accept the first price and be sure to shop around. Also prices vary depending on whether the piece was made by a machine or a craftsman.

Le Meridien Dubai: When I visited Dubai,I stayed at a five star hotel named "Le Meridien Dubai".Le Meridien Dubai is a five star deluxe hotel built on two floors and surrounded by 38 acres of landscaped gardens. The hotel is elegantly furnished with a french accent that incorporates the individual character and flair of the local culture, making your stay a pleasure.Le Meridien Dubai is minutes away from the commercial districts and shopping centres and a short distance from Dubai International Airport. Facilities include a choice of 16 restaurants and bars, 24-hour room and laundry service, two fully equipped business centres and a state-of-the-art health and fitness club.The hotel offers 383 stylish bedrooms including a choice of 19 suites. Other features include extensive conference and banqueting facilities, which can accommodate from 10 to 1200 people.

Author: Radha Kishan