Dubai

Sunlight falls through the wooden beams of the Gold Souk onto gold, silver, diamonds and precious stones. It is one of the world's great gold markets, where merchants, traders, buyers and visitors come to look, sell or buy, and are caught by its timeless opulence and craftsmanship.

In the alleys of Bur Dubai, beside the Creek, once the road of merchants and traders, lies the Old Souq. Frankincense hangs in the air, and the stalls offer handicrafts, abayas, silk and cloth, saris, perfumes and the treasures of Arabian culture.

Across the Creek, dhows bring exotic spices to the Deira Spice Market every day. It is a feast of aroma and colour, with saffron, cinnamon, cumin, za'atar, dried fruits, dates and nuts from Morocco to Persia and India, in abundance.

The Creek is the heartbeat of Dubai. It runs in from the Gulf and divides Bur Dubai from Deira, and it was the hub for trading gold, spices and the catch of Arabian waters. Dhows and abras still cross back and forth, carrying people and goods from side to side and keeping alive the nostalgia of old Arabia.

Bedouin tradition is tied to the desert, and to pride and respect for horses, camels and falcons. Horses, admired for grace, loyalty, strength and beauty, are woven into Emirati culture, and they gallop as fast as the wind. Dubai has shown its love for them through equestrian excellence and breeding programmes, and the Meydan racecourse has become one of the largest racing venues in the world.

Madinat Jumeirah blends heritage and modernity, capturing the essence of an old Emirati town. Its many wind towers, the barjeels, cool the air naturally. Narrow alleys, quiet waterways and traditional souqs make it a tribute to the sights and sounds of Emirati aesthetics.

Among Dubai's many icons, the Burj Al Arab, the Tower of the Arabs, stands out along the golden beaches and emerald coast. Rising from its own island, its sail-shaped form dominates the shoreline, and at sunset it shimmers as a symbol of prestige, daring and progress, and of the country's link with the sea.

Dubai is among the Middle East's most important commercial and financial hubs. The Dubai International Financial Centre is its catalyst for growth, transactions and investment, a purpose-built free zone with a world-class exchange and a lively ecosystem of thousands of professionals and companies.

The World Trade Centre is the heart of the city's economic life, one of the largest exhibition spaces in the region and a hub for trade, trade shows, conferences and entertainment. Dubai's history is tied to its role as a natural conduit for trade and connection, and the painting looks ahead to a bright future for the region.

Beneath the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, runs the Boulevard of Downtown Dubai, about three kilometres of promenade, fountains, gardens, cafes, boutiques and entertainment, ending at the Dubai Mall. It is a vibrant, bustling place to live and to stroll.

Dubai does not stand still, and City Walk shows it. Set between the business districts and the coast, it recreates a pedestrian street with restaurants, boutiques, hotels and street artists. It is a city within a city, a calm place to stroll and meet friends and family.

Under the Burj Khalifa, the Opera House and the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain enchants residents and visitors every night. One of the largest choreographed fountains in the world, it sways and leaps to music in a kaleidoscope of colour, sound and movement.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard is a favourite of Emirati locals and visitors alike. Cafes and restaurants line the promenade, and men in embroidered kanduras with ghutra and agal pass women in abayas with sheyla, adorned with jewellery and henna. Tradition here stands for elegance, grace and respect for heritage.