Dubai is surprisingly rooted in older realities. Beyond the ‘international' skyline, the visitor quickly senses that this is a city with a Bedouin past. The smell of spices from the souks, wooden dhows plying the creek, the wind towers of the restored Shindagha Waterfront establish the Arab pedigree of Dubai's pearling origins. Equally, the call to prayer five times a day, the discreetly-clad local populace and the inherent concept of hospitality show how Islam still informs daily life despite the exuberant expression of modern wealth.

Dubai's flights-of-fancy projects are funded primarily by black gold. Oil was first struck in 1966 and it gave the founding fathers of the city, the Maktoum dynasty, the wherewithal to invest in a diverse economy of trade, manufacturing, and more recently, tourism. Yellow gold is now the colour of the city, from the flamboyant interior of the iconic Burj al-Arab, to the spangled rows of bangles in the city's gold souks.

The city centre is marked by the Dubai Creek which is flanked by the two main sightseeing areas of Deira and Bur Dubai. Further flung areas of interest include Jumeirah Beach and Palm Islands.

Deira, on the right bank of the waterway, is the business and commercial heart of the city and is also home to the best shopping, including myriad souks. Deira is also the most atmospheric part of Dubai for a spot of aimless wandering, with rambling streets bustling with the city's cosmopolitan residents and visitors.

Across the creek, the quieter but more historic Bur Dubai is home to Dubai Museum, Grand Mosque and Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's House.

Dubai Creek is an attraction in its own right, whether visitors choose to take the traditional dhow cruises along its length or just to stroll along the Bur Dubai promenade admiring the city's modern skyline.

West of Dubai Creek lies Jumeirah, marked at its northern end by the beautiful, rose-tinted Jumeirah Mosque. Jumeirah is famous for its beach - a long strip of sand fringed by the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf - and a growing number of luxury hotels, including the Burj al Arab. 

Still taking shape off the coast of Jumeirah are the Palm Islands. Built on land reclaimed from the sea, these three islands, fashioned in the shape of date palms, will become the new focus of the city when complete. The nearby World Archipelago, in the shape of the world's continents, will be another draw to the area.

Another ambitious scheme beyond the city limits is Dubailand, a giant theme park in the desert that the emirate's movers and shakers aim to turn into the city's number one tourist attraction.