Nowadays when we think of the Middle East, many thoughts come to mind—mainly it being a place of great conflict. The idea of traveling there for a vacation hardly sounds like a way to relax in a place of enjoyment. However, there is a hidden gem among the sand that has been quickly becoming a travel destination hotspot in recent years that is not only safe, but is the definition entertainment and luxury.
Dubai, a city that is part of the United Arab Emirates and home to more than a million people, surprisingly enough does not generate its revenue based on oil, but instead on economic development and tourism. Dubai has been able to make this transition through its creativity, innovative thinking and determination to be a world leader in business and hospitality. Dubai is a hub for such businesses as IBM, Microsoft and Oracle. It is also home to the Burj Dubai, a building that will soon be the tallest in the world.
The Burj Dubai currently stands at 123 stories and will be the first home to the Armani Hotel and ultra-luxury Armani Residences, which will feature the Armani Casa line of home furnishings. The Armani Hotel located at Burj Dubai will become the flagship for a new international chain and will incorporate various Armani fashions, furnishings and beauty collections; it is set to open in 2008. Burj Dubai will also be home to “The Residences,” which are luxurious Arabesque quarters that celebrate the ancient heritage of the region.
Two other high profile luxurious hotels in Dubai include the Burj Al Arab and Kempinski Dubai. The Burj Al Arab, built to look like a billowing sail standing at over 1000 feet, provides its guests with a chauffer driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers who provide around-the-clock attention. The Kempinski Dubai is a 5 star hotel that is part of Mall of the Emirates, the largest mall outside of the US at more than 731,000 square feet. The Kempinski Dubai offers views of Ski Dubai, the Mall of Emirates indoor skiing destination, a state-of-the-art health and fitness club, spa, Ayurvedic centre, swimming pool and tennis courts.
The Mall of Emirates offers days of entertainment all on its own. The Mall of Emirates features Ski Dubai, Cinestar a 14-cinema complex, Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, Fine Dining, Magic Planet—a two story indoor amusement park and is home to more than 450 retailers. Many of these retailers are the best of the best in the fashion industry: Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, BCBG Max Azria, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton to name a few.
Everything mentioned above is only a small glimpse at what Dubai has to offer anyone seeking a luxurious vacation. This city has made an amazing transformation and travelers looking for something new and different get to reap the benefits.
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