Travel destinations draw our attention for different reasons, often driven by media exposure. This year (2010) Dubai expects to welcome close to 15 million international visitors.

Perhaps you are interested in international business and are already aware of the ambitious construction projects undertaken in Dubai. If you have seen the Sex and the City preview, you may also be curious about the film’s exotic and opulent setting, the neighboring emirate and capital city of Abu Dhabi.

Dubai is the center for business and tourism in the Middle East. It is the second largest of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates commonly referred to as the UAE. Covering only 1,500 square miles south of the Persian Gulf on the  Arabian Penninsula, it is an 8 hour flight from Europe and 13 hours flying time twice daily direct from New York on the award-winning luxury Emirates (airline).

All visitors are required to have a visa. However, American and Canadian passport holders may obtain a free visa, good for 60 days,  upon arrival at the airport immigration counter.

Dubai is known as a fantasyland of  magnificent luxury resorts and as a world class duty free shopping mecca. Let’s get settled and then do a little exploring . . . in the modern and cosmpolitan city of Dubai and beyond.

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