Established as a small fishing village in 1833 , Dubai , the most populous of the 7 nations making up the United Arab Emirates , quickly became an international trading hub due in part to an active maritime industry . The discovery of oil in 1966 led to Dubai ’ s explosion on the world scene as a premium luxury tourist destination ripe with extravagant interiors and innovatively-conceived exteriors . From man-made islands to heaven-reaching structures to indoor ski resorts , Dubai offers whatever you can imagine for your ultimate getaway . To say that you ’ ve truly lived the Dubai experience , there are a few spots you must hit :
Burj Al Arab , Jumeirah The symbol of Dubai , the iconic , sail-shaped Burj Al Arab stretches 321m in the air from its own man-made island just off the Emirate ’ s coast . It is luxury personified : think 24 karat goldplated interiors , an
“ underwater ” restaurant and aquarium , Swarovski crystal-encrusted ceilings , statuario marble walls and floors ( the marble of Michelangelo ’ s sculptures ), and even a pillow menu offering guests 17 unique options for resting their heads !