Dubai is the second largest of the emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates. In the 1950s, it was a tiny coastal village. Now it is a huge modern city with a population of over 700,000. It offers an excellent modern lifestyle and is known around the world as a top tourist destination.

Dubai has something new for everyone. Holiday-makers can enjoy a relaxing break, and people looking for adventure can find something new and exciting. The excellent hotels and facilities make it a popular place for business conferences and exhibitions.

Dubai offers many unusual holiday experiences. Visitors can go on a desert safari or drive in the sand dunes in a four-wheel drive, watch camel racing or learn how to hunt with falcons. They can also try sand skiing. More relaxing is a cruise in a wooden dhow in the Gulf or a visit to the old city markets. There are many opportunities to take photographs. The traditional architecture is amazing, and there are many magnificent palaces and mosques. Visitors can visit a Bendouin village and see camels and herds of goats. There are beautiful desert oases and the best sunsets in the world.

It is said that Dubai is the shopper’s paradise. Many people come to Dubai for the shopping. Visitors enjoy everything from modern malls to traditional markets. Low custom duties mean that many products are less expensive than products bought in other countries. While Dubai’s official language is Arabic. Many shopkeepers speak English. Bur Juman Centre and Al Ghurair Centre are places that every shopper should try. (Adapted from “IELTS Target 5.0” by Chris Gough)