Dubai: from a land of sands to skyscrapers

Ruwanthi ABEYAKOON

TRAVEL: Flying high in the sky over the Arabian Desert your eyes will capture the vast lonely area covered with sand dunes. But outside the Dubai International Airport an astonishing view awaits the visitors.

When you step out and travel through the roads of Dubai you will be caught in a dilemma, wondering whether you are in the midst of the Arabian Desert or somewhere else in the world. Dubai has awed the world with its rapid development.

The history behind the development of Dubai cannot be over looked. Many years ago Dubai was a coastal village. People wandered around this barren land looking for water.

They derived their living from fishing, pearling and small-scale agriculture. Those who roamed the hot deserts as Nomads, with their camel herds were known as Bedouins.

Their life was a battle against wilderness of the desert. They cared for their herds in the rugged mountains and tended date palms wherever traces of water could be found.

The discovery of pearls led to the rise of Dubai as a trading city. By the late 1870s Dubai had become the

 principal port of the Gulf coast through the development of trade.

Many traders from Iran, India and around the Gulf stepped into the city to seek their fortune. In 1966 Dubai’s

 oil reserves were discovered and the first exports followed in 1969.

However Dubai has marched forward with all its might and today marvels the numerous tourists that enter the Emirates.

Dubai is a hub for business and tourism. Several massive projects are taking place transforming the land of sands into a land of skyscrapers.

Interested in the culture and heritage? A tour to Bastakiya will unfold the history of Dubai for the tourists. Dubai Museum is the most impressive place, which will take you back to the ancient times.

The Dubai museum is situated in Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in the early 19th century, is thought to be the oldest building in Dubai.

The traditional Arabian houses called barasti made out of the trunk and leaves of palm trees will remind the

visitors the history of the emirate.

The narrow corridors will lead you to the typical souq (markets), mosque, school and the galleries that exhibit traditional weapons, flora and fauna.

The earliest form of air conditioning, the wind tower, which was used to cool homes in the Gulf, can still be seen in the Bastakiya area where traditional courtyard houses can be found.

These houses were once the homes of wealthy Dubai merchants from the Bastak district in Southern Iran.

The enchanting souqs that stand on either side of the stone paths will spell bind the tourists. Dubai’s largest souq, Deira old souq is famous as the trader’s paradise. A variety of trinkets, kitchenware, glassware and textiles will attract many visitors.

The aroma of the spices will intoxicate you as you walk through tiny lanes of the spice souq. Sacks full of frankincense, dried lemon, ginger root, cardamom, nuts and traditional medicine is a rare scene that can be captured elsewhere.

One cannot resist the glittering splendour of the world’s biggest Gold souq. The rings, bracelets, earrings,

 necklaces arranged in rows will lighten up the shops even in the darkest night.

Deira covered souq will provide antiques and popular souvenirs which include the symbol of Arabic hospitality, dallah (coffeepot) and miniature camels, falcons and dhows.

Printed and plain silk, linen and cotton fabrics can be seen at the textile souq where every kind of material is

 available.

While old Dubai attracts the visitors by the traditional souqs, Dubai also has 49 world class shopping malls which makes it a paradise for shoppers.

The massive malls that reach the sky stand throughout the city. The magnificent architecture and grand interior mesmerize everybody that walks in.

Dubai does not forget to offer the tranquillity the visitors seek. One can tiptoe into the Wildlife sanctuaries or

to a bird hide to have a closer view of the 88 species of birds residing in Dubai.

Dubai is a haven for sport lovers. Numerous international events are hosted in the emirate each year, including horse races, the Dubai world cup, Dubai desert classic golf championship and tennis championships.

Scuba diving, deep sea fishing, mountain climbing, camel riding, shotgun shooting, tenpin bowling, ice skating, indoor skiing and sand skiing are some of the other exciting and adventurous activities Dubai offer.

The Creek golf and yacht club is situated close to the heart of the city. On the banks of the creek, 200 acres of land holds the standard golf course including a marina and the spectacular main clubhouse.

Out of the beach parks, Jumeirah Beach Park spills its charm featuring beautifully landscaped gardens along side. Dubai’s many recreational parks are popular among visitors as they feature a wide variety of

 amusements.

A city tour will bring forth the wonders of old and new Dubai hypnotizing the tourists and adding a bundle of unforgettable experience.

“We have to make history and approach the future with steady steps not wait for the future to come to us,”

 the Vice President and Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum once said. This vision had begun to unfold into a reality and Dubai is creating future today.

Emirates - the award winning international airline of the UAE operates 17 flights a week between Colombo and Dubai.

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