United Arab Emirates

In 2006, more than a quarter of all the world’s cranes were stationed in Dubai, working on the construction of the city. And yes, while those booming days are over, Dubai, and the entire United Arab Emirates (UAE), is not only still a burgeoning city for investment but also for tourism.

Now we’ll be honest: we’ve only been to Dubai and not to any of the other 6 ‘emirates’ that make up the UAE: Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah,  Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. But that city is a great flagship for the entire region, as the ‘city of gold’ is absolutely crammed with awesome things to do. Everything is bigger and better in Dubai, and even if you’ve only got one day there on a layover, you should absolutely visit.

Dubai particularly is a hotbed for travellers, notably since it’s a layover point for Emirates Airlines, who offer so much global connectivity through their network. But, before tourism, it was actually built on the fortunes of oil. And, before that, on fishing, farming and pearl diving!

Nowadays Dubai is all about desert tours, and viewing skyscrapers, and indoor skiing, just to name a few things you can do while in the city. And, if you do visit, don’t be surprised to be surrounded not just by other tourists but by thousands of expats! At last count, Emirati nationals are outnumbered by six to one in Dubai!