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Rising from the warm shores of the Persian Gulf
and the shifting sands of the Arabian Desert,
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is the city of Dubai, the largest emirate
in the United Arab Emirates.
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For two centuries, Dubai was not much more than a tiny trading port
on the banks of Dubai Creek.
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But in less than a single generation,
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the city has become a destination
once relegated to the imaginings of science fiction writers.
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A place that defies its extreme environment, and redefines everything
we think we know about cities.
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Despite appearances, however,
the foundations for this glittering citadel are not built on sand,
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but on thousands of years of Arabic culture and tradition.
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Step through the veil of Islam at the Jumeirah Mosque,
where non-Muslim visitors are invited
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to tour the beautiful interiors
and take part in lively question and answer sessions.
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Head to the historic Bastakia Quarter
and visit the Sheikh Mohamed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
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Here you'll experience local customs, Bedouin hospitality
and enjoy home-cooked Emirati food.
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To learn more about local traditions,
go shopping, the way Arab people have for centuries.
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Follow the scent of frankincense and herbs to the city's spice market.
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Then, explore the hundreds stores in the gold souk,
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and discover
why Dubai is known as "The City of Gold".
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To explore the souks of the 21st century, head to Dubai Mall,
home to a staggering 1200 stores.
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Dubai Mall is also home to Kidzania, a miniature city
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complete with its own radio station, hospital and fire station
all run by children!
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But by far the mall's biggest attraction
is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
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Take a walk through a watery world,
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filled with over thirty thousand creatures from the deep,
including enormous rays and sharks.
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Once you've explored the depths of the seven seas,
step outside, and look to the heavens.
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Rising over half a mile into the sky
is the breathtaking centerpiece of Dubai,
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The Burj Kalifa, the tallest structure ever built.
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Three times the height of the Eifel Tower
and twice the size of the Empire State Building,
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the tip of this modern wonder can be seen
from 60 miles away.
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Take a high-speed lift to the 124th floor observation deck,
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which gives expansive views of the city...
a city that seems to grow before the eyes.
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The Burj Kalifa is particularly beautiful at night,
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especially when viewed through Dubai Fountain's dancing waters.
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Everywhere you look in Dubai,
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you'll come face to face with daring projects
which almost defy belief.
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Enjoy a few Arabian Nights at Madinat Jumeirah,
a five star resort styled upon a traditional Arabian town.
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Or sail into a sea of luxury at Burj Al Arab,
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a seven star hotel,
whose graceful curves echo the traditional wooden vessels of the Gulf.
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When temperatures climb, head to one of the city's public beaches,
like Mamzar Beach Park,
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or for a small fee, enjoy the luxurious amenities
at one of the many private hotel beaches.
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Take the family to Wild Wadi World,
and splash out on over thirty rides,
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themed around Arabian folk tales.
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Take a high-speed ride with a difference,
at Atlantis Dolphin Bay.
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Then discover even more marine creatures,
at the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
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But if you really want to cool down,
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take the chairlift to the top of the indoor mountain
at Ski Dubai.
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This ski resort in the desert,
features five ski runs,
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including the world's first indoor black diamond slope.
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Ski Dubai is even home to troupe of snow penguins,
which come out to play several times each day.
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Once you've perfected your turns on the snow,
why not try a little sand boarding.
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Whether you come for a day or stay a few nights,
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a journey into the Arabian Desert is an experience
no visitor should miss.
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Take a camel trek, meet the wildlife,
or just gaze out at the endless expanse of sands.
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This is a place so quiet,...
you can hear your own heart beat.
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It's when you're out here,
only an hour from the world's tallest building,
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that you'll truly appreciate just how miraculous Dubai is.
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That in one of the world's most inhospitable landscapes,
one of the world's most hospitable destinations can flourish.
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That from this great emptiness, a glittering oasis can rise,
and almost outshine the sun itself.