Dubai, one of the seven emirates and most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is to the Middle East what Hong Kong is to Asia: a capitalist jewel buzzing with activity. Located along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula, the city of Dubai is sometimes called "Dubai city" to distinguish it from the emirate.
Most visitors to the region stop here for at least a day to browse the shops, eat in the restaurants and soak up the atmosphere of a city oozing wealth and a general air of self-satisfied confidence. Split into two by a long creek, a water taxi is an ideal starting point for orientation purposes and an opportunity to admire the modern, palatial architecture, the hallmark of a successful Arab state. There isn't much here that isn't glistening new. Even the traditional souks that attract thousands of visitors each year are packed with up-to-the-minute gadgets and the latest designer wear.