The Wonder that is Dubai....

A good friend of mine was trying to improve his english speaking and writing skills, and so he asked me if I could write an article for him that he can read and practice on. I wasn't sure that I was the right person to do this for him but... what the heck... I gave it my best shot.... He is my friend after all.....

And so the article goes like this....

Dubai has grown so much in the span of 3 decades of it being a nation. Undoubtedly, one, if not, the youngest and fastest growing country in the world.

From barren desert lands rose towering sky scrapers and monumental buildings. From dry sandy hills sprung forth rivers, oasis and water theme parks. Who would have thought that all of these would have been possible.... but it is.... and now Dubai has earned it's place to become one of the world's most expensive and lavish tourist destination in the world.

One of Dubai's pride and Joy would be the colossal tower known as "Bhurj Khalifa" - The tallest building in the world.... At over 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and with more than 160 stories, it stands right smack in the middle of Dubai like a monarch ruling over its dominion. It boasts a breathtaking view of the city from it's observation deck at a dizzying height well above the ground.

Another architectural wonder that could only be found in Dubai is the first and only 7-star hotel named "Burj-Al Arab". Sitting snugly on its own man-made-island out on the coast of Dubai, It never ceases to amaze travellers both on land and out at sea, with it's ever changing array of colours and hue. Burj-Al Arab is also the epitome of splendour and extravagance with its interior and decor decked in Gold. One cannot help but stare in awe at it's magnificence and opulence.

Even the malls in Dubai are exceptional.... such as the Dubai Mall with its massive area of over 440,000 square feet, hosting more than 1,200 stores and other world class attractions. The Mall of Emirates where you can find the only man-made ski resort within a mall (Ski-Dubai), the Wafi Mall which is built to look like a grand pyramid right in the middle of a modern city..... If you are a certified mall rat, then Dubai definitely is the place for you.

If you think that Dubai is nothing but a dry and desolate wasteland.... think again.... Amazing as it is, you will find the world’s most elaborate water theme parks within it’s bosom. The Wild Wadi water theme park is where you will find the tallest free-fall water slide in the world, surf-pools for all you surfing addicts, and a myriad of other water attractions. You can also check out the Atlantis water park, where you can go on a day-long adventure with your family and friends. You can choose whether you want to do the aquaventure...or discover the lost chambers.... or even swim with the dolphins..... Now who can ask for more?

Now if you are more of the outdoors –type-of guy/gal, Dubai will not disappoint you. No trip to the UAE is complete without one having to try the desert safari adventure. This adventure takes the phrase “roughing it out” to a whole new level.  Not for the queasy-stomach, the adventure starts with a drive out to the middle of the dessert, camel rides and a light snack. Then gear up cause you are about to have the ride of your life....Dune bashing is one of the most thrilling and adrenalin pumping activities you can do out in the desert. One wrong turn and your whole world will turn topsy-turvy.... LITERALLY.  Then the adventure mellows down to a night of relaxation and fun, where one can enjoy a sumptuous feast right in the heart of the desert. Your senses will be stirred with the smell of shisha, the taste of good food and the sound of hypnotic music while belly dancers enchant you with their smooth languid movements.

No matter who you are or where you are from, Dubai has something to offer you.... From it's colourful streets, such as "Sheikh Zayed Road, lined with it's multitude of hotels, Shops and Restaurants, to it's multi-cultured bars and night spots to its magnificent beaches and leisure parks.... One will never find himself lacking for entertainment and activity. Dubai will reel you in and will make you fall in love with it's exuberance and uniqueness....