Dubai

Although located in a historically rich trading region, Dubai has humble roots as a small fishing village. A dramatic transformation leading up to the 21st century has left Dubai with a continually expanding skyline, man-made islands and cosmopolitan culture. Today it remains the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and a leading player of the Middle East, as well as a pioneer in social, cultural and economic change.

Although Dubai is rooted in Islamic tradition, it’s really a dynamic and multicultural city that expresses itself in many different ways. It’s the first city in the Middle East to make the UNESCO list of creative cities for design and its global outlook has turned it into the glamorous playground it is today. It should come as no surprise that Dubai is a haven for shoppers, spanning well-known designer shops, the world’s largest mall and the Deira Gold Souk.

When in Dubai, the most effective method of transportation are ubiquitous metered taxis, while the local metro will get you to the most popular neighborhoods. Dubai is a popular tourist destination around the year, just keep in mind that the desert summers are dry and scorching hot. One thing to note is that the city essentially shuts down during the month of Ramadan, which changes every year, so plan accordingly. Although Dubai has top-notch restaurant options from all corners of the globe, don’t miss out on traditional Emirati cuisine which over time have been infused with spices and ingredients from trading partners such as India, Morocco and Persia.