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DUBAI: CITY OF THE FUTURE


 * Some 30 years ago Dubai was a nondescript place on the map of the Middle East. Today, the second largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates is a distinctive blend of a modern city and timeless desert, blending East and West. This metropolis literally stuns a traveller with its fascinating kaleidoscope of colours and contrasts. A leading centre of business and tourism in the Middle East and the economic heart of the United Arab Emirates, it offers visitors the exotic past wrapped in a modern package of** **fashionable malls, glass skyscrapers and multi-lane highways.**[[image:erickdiaz/dubai1.jpg width="178" height="135" align="right"]]
 * Located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf between Europe and the eastern Orient Dubai has been a meeting place of people since ancient times. A leading trading hub, this once sleepy Arabian Gulf town has transformed recently into one of the most opulent cities in the world. However, with a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia, the city still retains its unique Arab flavour and personality evolved to fit into an international lifestyle.**[[image:erickdiaz/Dubai2.jpg width="247" height="164" align="left"]]
 * Today, some of the world's most noted landmarks pepper the skyline including the world's tallest freestanding hotel, world's third tallest officer tower, world's tallest all-residential tower, and world's longest pedestrian bridge between two buildings.**
 * Visionary ideas for many megaprojects are being quickly implemented as Dubai works its way tobecome the world's premier 'nation resort'. The country's officials dream big, and it always realize their dreams. Their achievements have been responsible for the prestigious Financial Times publication, fDi Magazine to name Dubai as the 'Middle Eastern City of the Future'.**
 * All this activity has sent this throbbing heart of the United Arab Emirates into an**
 * unstoppable building boom as represented by the Palm Islands - three partially completed enormous manmade islands** **resembling palm trees that will add some 520 km (323 mi) to Dubai's coastline. One of the most important building sites in the world, the Palm Islands project is mind- boggling in its scope that can only be described as a legend in the making. It is a fantastic conception - islands, resembling palm trees, rising** **from the sea as if by magic to change forever Dubai's skyline. Self-declared the 'eighth wonder of the world', they are, besides the Great Wall of China, the only manmade structure that can be seen from outer space. One of these islands has been completed and the other two are due in the next few years.**


 * [[image:erickdiaz/dubai5.jpg width="247" height="164" caption="30 years ago"]] || [[image:erickdiaz/Dubai6.jpg width="248" height="164" caption="Dubai Now"]] || [[image:erickdiaz/dubai4.jpg width="272" height="149" caption="Dubai for the future"]] ||

***A great way of seeing Dubai is to take a tour of the Creek by traditional dhow. Some of Dubai's major landmarks can** ** be viewed from this waterway. **
 * // IF YOU GO: //**

***Major international chains are well represented in Dubai with many other reasonably priced** ** accommodations. The best time to visit is from mid January to mid during the month-long ** **'Shopping Festival' with its street parties as well as its shopping sales and bargains.**

***No travellers should leave Dubai without going on a desert safari with its sand duning, camel riding and desert feast.**

***For other activities, attend some of the horse racing and camel racing events held during the** **cool winter months.**

***Dubai is a shoppers' dream world. The most popular gifts visitors take back home are: Arabian coffee pots, silver and wooden miniature dhows, gold jewellery and Persian carpets.**

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Author: Habeeb Salloum, September 2006. To see more information about this article visit: [] REVIEW OF THE MOST POPULAR FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN BARCELONA
 * Accommodation suitable for families in[[image:apartamentos2.jpg width="190" height="127" align="right"]] Barcelona. **

**Not many people think of a holiday apartment rental but it offers many advantages over a hotel - and can work out cheaper for families. You have self catering facilities, and all the mod cons of home.**

**Family Friendly Hotels **

** On the link below we have created a list of "Family Friendly" hotels. These are hotels that are specifically suitable for families. They have rooms that can accommodate 4 or more people and some have self-catering facilities. We ****have specified in our reviews what each hotel provides. You can click on the name of any one of the hotels and read our in-depth review of it. We have also provided secure online booking links to each hotel if you would like to make your reservation. **

**Parc de La Ciutadella **

 **Metro: Ciutadella Vila Olimpica (Yellow Line, L4) About 5 minutes walk from the metro. **

** The main park in the center of Barcelona is called Parc de La Ciutadella. It offers a number of activities that are great for families. The park has a lake in the center where you can hire a small row boat and paddle around to your hearts content. There are plenty of open spaces for the kids to run around and explore. Barcelona Zoo is also situated in the Park (see below). **



**Barcelona Zoo **


 * Metro: Ciutadella (Yellow Line, L4) about 10 minutes walk. ****<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Official Web Site ** : **<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Tel: +34 90 245 7545 **


 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> Barcelona Zoo is based in the Parc de la Ciutadella (see above) the best way to find it is to go to the park and to follow the signs to the Zoo. The zoo has a wide variety of animals on show and along with a restaurant, picnic area, a shop, electric cars, ponies and a mini-train. To get a full listing of the facilities and operating hours click on the official web site link found above. **


 * <span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Magic Fountain of Montjuic **

**<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Metro Espanya (Green Line, L3) and (Red Line, L1)10 minutes walk (Walk towards MNAC - the Catalan art museum that you will see between the two large towers at Placa Espanya. **

**<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Water and music extravaganza each night. We have provided a comprehensive photo guide to the magic fountain of MontJuic along with further information on this fabulous Barcelona attraction. **

**<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Barcelona Beaches **

 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">There are 4 main beach areas all within easy access from the city center. **

**<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Chocolate Restaurants in Barcelona: "Chocolate Churros" **

 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Here in Barcelona you can find a very special thick chocolate drink that is accompanied by small shortbread. Together they are known as "Churros and Chocolate". Popular not only with families but anyone who loves chocolate. We have put together a review of some popular Granjas (Chocolate Restaurants) that serve Churros and Chocolate. **



<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: right;">Author: Tourist Guide <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: right;">To see more information about this article visit: <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 80%; text-align: right;">[]