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."