Planning TheTrip Of A Lifetime (NAPSA)—Imagine a group of picturesque, man-madeislands floating in the middle of the crystal-blue sea. Now, imagine downhill skiing at an indoorski resort, shopping, golfing or holding a business meeting at locations within minutes of those same islands. Those are amongtheactivities that millions of visitors enjoy each year when they visit Dubai, one of 4 oy LB Tw thee! pees a a cheduled to be completed in 2009, the Burj Dubai will be the the seven emirates that make up world’stallest building. on the Arabian Peninsula. The destination boasts worldclass golf courses, breathtaking cityscapes and a warm and famously welcoming culture. Perhaps Dubai is best knownfor its long Dubai Shopping Festival features world-class merchants and welcomed more than 3.5 million the United Arab Emirates (UAE) innovative and amazing sites, such as the world’s tallest hotel and hundreds of man-made islands that are home to beaches, high-end shopping, palatial villas and luxury hotels. To add to the exceptional expe- riences for tourists in Dubai, there’s even an indoor ski resort for people looking to hit the beach and then the slopes. Indeed, Dubai’s groundbreaking approaches and ideas have helped boost its tourism industry to 18 percent of the destination’s GDP, with that number expected to rise to 30 percent by 2010—and with good reason. Dubaioffers the tourist oneof-a-kind experiences. Here are some events not to be missed: Innovative Ideas The destination has become nearly synonymous with innovation. Dubai plans and hosts countless festivals, conferences and gatherings throughout the year. For instance, the annual month- visitors last year alone. More than 28 million people have visited the festival since it began in 1996. Similarly, the Dubai Interna- tional Boat Show has quickly become the largest in the Middle East, hosting more than 330 state-of-the-art boats from 720 companies. With almost 25,000 visitors enjoying the show in 2007, trend watchers say Dubai’s un- usual approaches and flawless execution have helped make the event one of the top shows in the leisure marine industry. Sophisticated Traditions Dubai also offers a traditional yet sophisticated Middle Eastern experience. For example, visitors can check out a desert safari offering camel rides, dune driving and even sand skiing. Sometours offer romantic excursions and others are fast-paced evenings of traditional feasting, music, belly dancing and henna painting in Bedouin-style tents. For more information or to arrange a trip to Dubai, visit www.dubaitourism.ae. Editors’ Note: This announcementis distributed for Levick Strategic Communications on behalf of The Executive Office of the Government of Dubai. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
