For others, riding the sand dunes in the desert or taking a tour on an ancient dhow, shopping in the countless malls or traditional souks, and dining on the food of the world or on the traditional cuisine of the Arab Gulf countries are choices visitors are offered - and the options are increasing regularly.

In the words of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, entrepreneur extraordinaire and the driving force behind most of Dubai's grand projects, "What I achieved for Dubai is only 10 per cent of my vision."

For recreation, both expatriates and tourists, golfing has become a Dubai speciality. There are now seven courses almost all created in the style of Americas' best golf resorts and more are on the way - there are five more planned in the next two years. The Emirates Golf Club, home of Dubai's Classic, has hosted such famous golfers as Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Mark O'Meara. The thousands of affluent Europeans and North Americans working in the country and golf addicted tourists, ensure that this sport will live on and even increase.

When visitors reach Dubai, they will find the city super modern, spotless - a model metropolis with uncrowded, clean sandy beaches, no taxes, free health care, virtually no crime and countless modern shopping malls, making it a shopper's paradise. Its population consisting of some 150 nationalities, makes it a cosmopolitan world city of unmatched excellence.

The Dubai's Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Director General, Mr. Khalid bin Sulayem, when discussing tourism in Dubai remarked: "Tourism has been shaping our economy and contributed enormously in giving new directions of growth and expansion for Dubai. As far as we could see, the future appears bright."

Due to heavy incoming traffic, Dubai International Airport has become one of the fastest growing airports in the world. The award winning Emirates Airline, Dubai's star emblem, is expanding by leaps and bounds, bringing masses of tourists to this playground of the Arabian Gulf.

Like the legendary and beautiful Arabian horse, Dubai is galloping ahead on its competitive tracks with a grace that dazzles the world. According to Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, Manager of Media Relations at Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, 'these massive projects are only the beginning. There will be many more'.

Dubai's building frenzy to boost investment and tourism with grandiose projects, climaxed this year when plans were unleashed to begin work on a gigantic waterfront development at Jebel Ali. A beachfront landmark, it will be larger than Manhattan and form the first phase of a larger project that will include Madinat Al Arab (City of the Arabs) and the 75 km (47 mi) Arabian Canal - the world's largest manmade canal.