Described as the pearl of the Gulf, an oasis in the desert, America in the Middle East, the shopping capital; Dubai has several interesting surprises for visitors... Dubai attracts 7 million visitors attention each year (more than twice of the country’s population) from all around the world. Even though the business and shopping purposes are the majority of visits, the numbers of the travelers are not less. While Dubai was a small fishing port, the fate of Dubai has changed after oil was found in the land in 1969. Dubai was under the patronage of England in those years but England withdrew from the Middle East after a while and the oil land became a part of United Arab Emirates in 1971. Considered to be one of the most advanced cities in the world today, Dubai leads a calm and luxury life in always politically up-and-down Middle East. Arabic is the official language in the country where English is also widely spoken. Total population’s only 17% percent is Arab (from Emirates), the remaining majority is Asian (Muslim countries mainly India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Iran and the Philippines, Thailand , China ), partially African ( Somalia, etc.) and from various Western countries. English being the common language is understandable for that reason. From Skyscrapers to Artificial Islands Located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates capital is Abu Dhabi but the second largest emirate Dubai is much more popular. Things have been said for Dubai is not enough. First the city is very modern and clean. Skyscrapers almost speak to you as well as the shopping centers and the hotels ... Artificial Palm island project continues to expand. Right after the first one gets so much attention, two more artificial islands were projected. Another one is ‘World Islands’ which is a group of small artificial islands constructed in the shape of a world map. Boulevards, squares and many other landscapes are flowered beautifully... Along with Izmir, Sao Paula and Yekaterinburg, Dubai is a candidate for Expo 2020. So, we have to mention about the skyscrapers that before one’s construction is over another one starts. Highest one of those buildings holds the title of the tallest building in the world. Purchasing your ticket online in advance is useful if, you will be watching Dubai from 830 meters high Burj Khalifa’s 124th floor. Otherwise you have to wait for a very long time or pay four times higher price instead of $ 30. Oil is not everything! For one of the world’s leading oil producers UAE, the importance of oil isn’t as high as it is thought. Oil share in national income is only 7%. Tourism and commerce is more advanced in the country... Each year corresponding to the anniversary of the UAE, a shopping festival is held around the world in the first week of December. World’s most ambitious brands are competing with each other at the major shopping malls such as Emirates, Wafi City and City Center. These places also serve as entertainment centers. For example, while Mall of the Emirates is famous with it’s artificial ski center, the world’s largest shopping mall Dubai Mall attracts attention with the Olympic-size ice rink and underwater zoo and aquarium that hosts more than 30 thousand sea creature. Dubai’s iconic Burj al Arab Hotel is located at the beach called Jumeirah. This beach is open to women only certain days of the week. Famous sever-star hotel constructed in the shape of a windsurf can be seen for a fee. Beaches are full and in international standards, prohibition of alcohol is limited with sales, so bringing from the airport or drinking in bars / restaurants is allowed! What to do? The “desert” that modern skyscrapers, shopping malls and artificial greens are built on can only be seen from a bit outside of Dubai. The miracle created there in the desert really amazes. Also the desert is at the service of tourism. Desert safari arranged with 4x4 vehicles continues with a meal in a Bedouin tent in accompanied by traditional music. If you want to see Dubai from the sky, all you need to do is go to Jebel Ali which is 45 minutes away from the center and attend half an hour sea plane tours. Because of it’s cosmopolitan nature, you may find dishes from around the world in restaurants of luxury hotels in Dubai, from fast food to small traditional restaurants in the old town, numerous options are waiting for you. Besides Arab Doner Shawarma, Indian Biryani and coffee you may try one of Dubai ‘s popular flavors, shisha... From the Arabian Peninsula’s first subway line to air-conditioned bus stops, taxis serving only for women, the latest technology water taxis and the tube passage between Dubai Creek’s two sides (Al Shindagha Tunnel ) all kinds of transportation options are available in Dubai but travelling with traditional boats named ‘abra’ is definitely something you should try. Traditional Markets The only place that reflects the traditional culture is the Dubai Creek area. Other than the abras connecting Deyr and Bur Dubai areas, used in other emirates especially for transporting loads to Iran and the Bur Dubai area of providing transport or used as floating restaurants ‘dhows’ are interesting to see. Attracted attention of both locals and foreign, traditional markets ( Souk Markets) makes a great movement in both banks. Traditional architecture can be seen well in Dubai Culture Village on the opposite bank. Tower – chimneys that provide ventilation of wooden buildings were remarkable. Hot and dry desert climate UAE, is only 4 hours away by plane from Turkey. Except the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and union established by Saudi Arabia) visa is required for all countries including Turkey. But Emirates, UAE airlines such as Air Arabia and Turkish Airlines can manage to set visas during ticket purchase. The ones who have enough time during transit journeys connections to the Far East can purchase their visas at the airport or in advance via internet.