Monday, April 14, 2008
A Brief history of Dubai
A trip to Dubai transports you on a journey through time. Although the early history of the area is not very well documented, archeological discoveries suggests that, as long as four thousand years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai. It is also believed that the natural sheltered harbour afforded by the Dubai Creekwa a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. In recent years, archeologists have unearthedhundreds of artefacts, including pottery, weapons and coinage, that point to civilised settlements dating back to the third millennium B.C. These historic finds have been carefully preserved and are now permanently housed in the Archeolo- gical Section of Dubai Museum. Modern Dubai, however, traces its origins to the 1830’s. At that time, the small fishing village on the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was settled by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirates today. By the late 1870’s, Dubai was often referred to as the principal port on the Gulf coast and, by the turn of the century, was reputed to have had the largest souks in Arabia. Pearling which was the mainstay of the city’s prosperity for many years, succumbed to the development of the cultured pearl in the 1940’s. But Dubai’s enterprising merchants bounced back, developing a thriving trade in gold and other commodities. Much of this history is carefully preserved in myriad forts, mosques, palaces and other historic monu-ments, which are on the itineraries of many organized tours. Archaeological Sites There are four main excavation site in Dubai, at Al Qusais, Al Sufooh, Jumeirah and Hatta. The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2,000 years. The Jumeirah site reveals artifacts from the 7th to 15th centuries AD. These sites are not yet open to the public. However tourist or tour operators may obtain a special permit from Dubai Museum to visit the digs. Bur Dubai Creekside The buildings lining the Bur Dubai side of the Creek provided the main panorama of the old city. The traditional facades of these buildings have been restored to their original state, with wooden windows, decorative gypsum panels and screens.
Welcome to the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort
Commercial Life
The museum's realistic lifesize static displays provide an insight into the traditional occupants of Dubai. Those have included dhow building, fishing, pearl diving and trade. Indeed, the export of fine pearls was a major factor in Dubai's rise to prominence as a trading centre.The Creek has always been the lifeline of Dubai, providing a safe harbour to mercantile and fishing vessels, as it does even today. Visitors to the museum can view a splendid diorama depicting the old charm and bustle of commercial life along the banks of this fabled waterway.Souks have been often referred to as the real heart of Arabia, and nowhere is this more true than in Dubai. The city's famous souks have, since the late 19th century, attached merchants and traders from as far afield as India, Iran, the eastern coast of Africa and beyond. At the museum, you can experience all the atmosphere of a soul in the 1950s, as you stroll through a labyrinth of spice stores, pottery and carpentry workshops and rows of shops, including tailors, grocers, textile merchants and date-sellers.Domestic Life
Traditional Dubai houses are considered to be among the finest examples of Gulf architecture. The earliest houses were constructed with humble building materials, including the leaves and trunks of palm trees (areesh), rocks and earthen clay. As flourishing pearl trade brought greater prosperity in the latter half of the last century, however, these gave away to houses built of stone and adorned with magnificent wind towers, the world's earliest form of air conditioning.
The museum's realistic lifesize static displays provide an insight into the traditional occupants of Dubai. Those have included dhow building, fishing, pearl diving and trade. Indeed, the export of fine pearls was a major factor in Dubai's rise to prominence as a trading centre.The Creek has always been the lifeline of Dubai, providing a safe harbour to mercantile and fishing vessels, as it does even today. Visitors to the museum can view a splendid diorama depicting the old charm and bustle of commercial life along the banks of this fabled waterway.Souks have been often referred to as the real heart of Arabia, and nowhere is this more true than in Dubai. The city's famous souks have, since the late 19th century, attached merchants and traders from as far afield as India, Iran, the eastern coast of Africa and beyond. At the museum, you can experience all the atmosphere of a soul in the 1950s, as you stroll through a labyrinth of spice stores, pottery and carpentry workshops and rows of shops, including tailors, grocers, textile merchants and date-sellers.Domestic Life
Traditional Dubai houses are considered to be among the finest examples of Gulf architecture. The earliest houses were constructed with humble building materials, including the leaves and trunks of palm trees (areesh), rocks and earthen clay. As flourishing pearl trade brought greater prosperity in the latter half of the last century, however, these gave away to houses built of stone and adorned with magnificent wind towers, the world's earliest form of air conditioning.
Entertainment in Dubai
Birding Breaks
For birdwatchers, Dubai has something really special to offer, a tidal wetland right on its doorstep, Within a few minutes of the center of town. The city skyline forms a backdrop for thousands of flamingoes, herons,ducks and shorebirds, which Feed and rest on the mudflats on their migration between Asia and Africa. Within an hour’s drive of Dubai live some of the region’s rarest species, inhabiting deserts and mountains which have not yet Changed in thousands of years. Over 400 bird species have been seen in the United Arab Emirates Since records began and it is possible to find nearly 200 of them during a short stay in the country. Lying on the blue waters of the Southern Gulf and backed by the majestic desert, Dubai offers Visitors year-round sunshine and five- star luxury… plus the adventure of a unique Arabian Experiences. One of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a place of fascinating Contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, East and west, old and new. Known in the region as the city of merchants, Dubai has for generations, welcomed seafarers and Traders to its shores. Today this tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on. The streets are clean and safe and travelers are sure to be charmed by the city’s warmth and friendliness. Dubai has something for everyone- from the holiday-maker simply seeking a relaxing break away From the clouds and crowds, to the active tourist looking for a new and exciting experience. The city Has superb facilities for sports, shopping, dining and entertainment.
A Selection Of Species Likely To Be Found
Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularisThis species is present in large numbers offshore in the Arabian gulf. They make an impressive spectacle as thousands of birds fly up and down the coast in close formation, the sheer numbers sometimes taking an hour or two just to fly past. The species is endemic to Arabia and the Emirates alone hosts 15% of the world population. They breed in tight colonies on undistrurbed Gulf islands, usually taking advantage of abundant fish stocks to feed their young.Arabian Experiences
Desert Safaris, dune driving and wadi-bashing.
Moonlight Arabian barbecues in thr street complete with traditional entertainment.
Camel Racing and falconry.
Cruises exotic of traditional wooden dhow or modern cabin cruiser on the Dubai Creek and into the Gulf.
The exotic sights and sounds of traditional commerce in the bustling souks and on the Quays of the Creek.
Photographic opportunities galore- elegant mosques, sumptuous palaces, brightly dressed children, majestic camels, ancient windtowers, dusty villages and dramatic sunsets.
For birdwatchers, Dubai has something really special to offer, a tidal wetland right on its doorstep, Within a few minutes of the center of town. The city skyline forms a backdrop for thousands of flamingoes, herons,ducks and shorebirds, which Feed and rest on the mudflats on their migration between Asia and Africa. Within an hour’s drive of Dubai live some of the region’s rarest species, inhabiting deserts and mountains which have not yet Changed in thousands of years. Over 400 bird species have been seen in the United Arab Emirates Since records began and it is possible to find nearly 200 of them during a short stay in the country. Lying on the blue waters of the Southern Gulf and backed by the majestic desert, Dubai offers Visitors year-round sunshine and five- star luxury… plus the adventure of a unique Arabian Experiences. One of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a place of fascinating Contrasts, a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, East and west, old and new. Known in the region as the city of merchants, Dubai has for generations, welcomed seafarers and Traders to its shores. Today this tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on. The streets are clean and safe and travelers are sure to be charmed by the city’s warmth and friendliness. Dubai has something for everyone- from the holiday-maker simply seeking a relaxing break away From the clouds and crowds, to the active tourist looking for a new and exciting experience. The city Has superb facilities for sports, shopping, dining and entertainment.
A Selection Of Species Likely To Be Found
Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularisThis species is present in large numbers offshore in the Arabian gulf. They make an impressive spectacle as thousands of birds fly up and down the coast in close formation, the sheer numbers sometimes taking an hour or two just to fly past. The species is endemic to Arabia and the Emirates alone hosts 15% of the world population. They breed in tight colonies on undistrurbed Gulf islands, usually taking advantage of abundant fish stocks to feed their young.Arabian Experiences
Desert Safaris, dune driving and wadi-bashing.
Moonlight Arabian barbecues in thr street complete with traditional entertainment.
Camel Racing and falconry.
Cruises exotic of traditional wooden dhow or modern cabin cruiser on the Dubai Creek and into the Gulf.
The exotic sights and sounds of traditional commerce in the bustling souks and on the Quays of the Creek.
Photographic opportunities galore- elegant mosques, sumptuous palaces, brightly dressed children, majestic camels, ancient windtowers, dusty villages and dramatic sunsets.
Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches Golf Club – formerly known as The Desert Course, Arabian Ranches, was built as a true 18 hole, par 72, desert style grass course, a signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. Miss the immaculate grass of the fairways and greens and you enter the “sandy waste”, with its indigenous shrubs and bushes. All standards of golfer will also appreciate the GPS (Global Positioning System) yardage service available on every golf cart.
The Spanish Colonial style Clubhouse boasts the Ranches Restaurant and Bar, with a terrace overlooking the panoramic scenic views over the 9th and 18th holes, a great place to meet and try the international menu. Within the Clubhouse there are 11 luxurious Guest Rooms with spectacular views overlooking either the Golf Course or the Lake, each en-suite room is beautifully furnished. Step out of your room, hop onto your golf cart and drive or walk straight to the first tee, totally refreshed for your game of golf. The perfect setting for any golfer.
Arabian Ranches Clubhouse is open 24 hours, 7 days a week for your reservations. With the best rates in town for both Golf and Guest Rooms, we recommend you book early. You can also visit the website and request your bookings on line at www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com
The fully qualified Golf Professionals at the Golf Academy, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank, offer a variety of teaching programs for either the beginner or the more experienced golfer wishing to improve their game. The well-stocked Proshop also offers the latest in golfing apparel and hardware for all your golfing needs.
Architect Ian Baker-Finch, who knows all about links courses after his triumph in the 1991 Open at Royal Birkdale, believes the Arabian Ranches Golf Course is a unique challenge, “I spent many days on the site walking though the sand dunes with the camels before deciding on the best use of this unique property. I love the natural desert terrain. My hope is that you will love the natural flow of the holes through the sand dunes and wonderful desert landscape.”
Overall Arabian Ranches Golf Club gives you an all round unforgettable golfing experience.
Arabian Ranches Golf Club – formerly known as The Desert Course, Arabian Ranches, was built as a true 18 hole, par 72, desert style grass course, a signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. Miss the immaculate grass of the fairways and greens and you enter the “sandy waste”, with its indigenous shrubs and bushes. All standards of golfer will also appreciate the GPS (Global Positioning System) yardage service available on every golf cart.
The Spanish Colonial style Clubhouse boasts the Ranches Restaurant and Bar, with a terrace overlooking the panoramic scenic views over the 9th and 18th holes, a great place to meet and try the international menu. Within the Clubhouse there are 11 luxurious Guest Rooms with spectacular views overlooking either the Golf Course or the Lake, each en-suite room is beautifully furnished. Step out of your room, hop onto your golf cart and drive or walk straight to the first tee, totally refreshed for your game of golf. The perfect setting for any golfer.
Arabian Ranches Clubhouse is open 24 hours, 7 days a week for your reservations. With the best rates in town for both Golf and Guest Rooms, we recommend you book early. You can also visit the website and request your bookings on line at www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com
The fully qualified Golf Professionals at the Golf Academy, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank, offer a variety of teaching programs for either the beginner or the more experienced golfer wishing to improve their game. The well-stocked Proshop also offers the latest in golfing apparel and hardware for all your golfing needs.
Architect Ian Baker-Finch, who knows all about links courses after his triumph in the 1991 Open at Royal Birkdale, believes the Arabian Ranches Golf Course is a unique challenge, “I spent many days on the site walking though the sand dunes with the camels before deciding on the best use of this unique property. I love the natural desert terrain. My hope is that you will love the natural flow of the holes through the sand dunes and wonderful desert landscape.”
Overall Arabian Ranches Golf Club gives you an all round unforgettable golfing experience.
Sports in Dubai
The Classic Golf DestinationDubai is the pioneer of golf in the Middle East with championship standard grass courses to challenge the skills of even the most experienced players.
Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches Golf Club – formerly known as The Desert Course, Arabian Ranches, was built as a true 18 hole, par 72, desert style grass course, a signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. Miss the immaculate grass of the fairways and greens and you enter the “sandy waste”, with its indigenous shrubs and bushes. All standards of golfer will also appreciate the GPS (Global Positioning System) yardage service available on every golf cart.
The Spanish Colonial style Clubhouse boasts the Ranches Restaurant and Bar, with a terrace overlooking the panoramic scenic views over the 9th and 18th holes, a great place to meet and try the international menu. Within the Clubhouse there are 11 luxurious Guest Rooms with spectacular views overlooking either the Golf Course or the Lake, each en-suite room is beautifully furnished. Step out of your room, hop onto your golf cart and drive or walk straight to the first tee, totally refreshed for your game of golf. The perfect setting for any golfer.
Arabian Ranches Clubhouse is open 24 hours, 7 days a week for your reservations. With the best rates in town for both Golf and Guest Rooms, we recommend you book early. You can also visit the website and request your bookings on line at www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com
The fully qualified Golf Professionals at the Golf Academy, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank, offer a variety of teaching programs for either the beginner or the more experienced golfer wishing to improve their game. The well-stocked Proshop also offers the latest in golfing apparel and hardware for all your golfing needs.
Architect Ian Baker-Finch, who knows all about links courses after his triumph in the 1991 Open at Royal Birkdale, believes the Arabian Ranches Golf Course is a unique challenge, “I spent many days on the site walking though the sand dunes with the camels before deciding on the best use of this unique property. I love the natural desert terrain. My hope is that you will love the natural flow of the holes through the sand dunes and wonderful desert landscape.”
Overall Arabian Ranches Golf Club gives you an all round unforgettable golfing experience.
ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUBFor reservations call: +9714 3663000Fax: +9714 3663355Email: teetime@arabianranchesgolf.aeEmail: rooms@arabianranchesgolf.aeWebsite: www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.comDubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Opened in January 1993, Dubai’s second world class golf course in the centerpiece of a 80-hectare sports and leisure complex that also incorporates a 115-berth marina. It is located close to the city centre and Dubai International Airport on the banks of the Dubai Creek.The Course
The main championship 18-hole, par 72 course is 6,839 yards in length.
Three ornamental lakes and a further three seawater hazards are a feature of the course.
Cunning dog-legs along the immaculate fairways challenge both amateur and professional alike.
The 9-hole, par 3 course, fully floodlit, is a unique facility to practice the short game, day or night.
Facilities
Designed in the shape of the billowing sails of a traditional Arabian dhow, the 45-metre high clubhouse captures the essence of Dubai’s sea-faring traditions.
Bars and function rooms overlook the ninth and eighteenth greens, while the Fairways restaurant combines quality cuisine with breathtaking views of Dubai.
Golf Academy, High Tech Studio and a double ended driving range with instruction from six PGA qualified professionals.
Well stocked professional shops.
The separate yacht club incorporates the “Aquarium”, a seafood restaurant, as well as the popular “Board walk”, and the new “Boardwalk Café”.
Tennis courts and gymnasium with teaching programmes are also available.
Deep sea fishing with the yacht club’s own “Sneakaway” fishing boat.Rules of Play
Visitors are welcome on a “pay-as-you-play” basis.
All players must have a handicap of 28 or less for men and 45 or less for women.
Players should adhere to the dress code, which requires proper golfing attire at all times.
All golf courses in Dubai are spikeless.
Arabian Ranches
Arabian Ranches Golf Club – formerly known as The Desert Course, Arabian Ranches, was built as a true 18 hole, par 72, desert style grass course, a signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. Miss the immaculate grass of the fairways and greens and you enter the “sandy waste”, with its indigenous shrubs and bushes. All standards of golfer will also appreciate the GPS (Global Positioning System) yardage service available on every golf cart.
The Spanish Colonial style Clubhouse boasts the Ranches Restaurant and Bar, with a terrace overlooking the panoramic scenic views over the 9th and 18th holes, a great place to meet and try the international menu. Within the Clubhouse there are 11 luxurious Guest Rooms with spectacular views overlooking either the Golf Course or the Lake, each en-suite room is beautifully furnished. Step out of your room, hop onto your golf cart and drive or walk straight to the first tee, totally refreshed for your game of golf. The perfect setting for any golfer.
Arabian Ranches Clubhouse is open 24 hours, 7 days a week for your reservations. With the best rates in town for both Golf and Guest Rooms, we recommend you book early. You can also visit the website and request your bookings on line at www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com
The fully qualified Golf Professionals at the Golf Academy, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Bank, offer a variety of teaching programs for either the beginner or the more experienced golfer wishing to improve their game. The well-stocked Proshop also offers the latest in golfing apparel and hardware for all your golfing needs.
Architect Ian Baker-Finch, who knows all about links courses after his triumph in the 1991 Open at Royal Birkdale, believes the Arabian Ranches Golf Course is a unique challenge, “I spent many days on the site walking though the sand dunes with the camels before deciding on the best use of this unique property. I love the natural desert terrain. My hope is that you will love the natural flow of the holes through the sand dunes and wonderful desert landscape.”
Overall Arabian Ranches Golf Club gives you an all round unforgettable golfing experience.
ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUBFor reservations call: +9714 3663000Fax: +9714 3663355Email: teetime@arabianranchesgolf.aeEmail: rooms@arabianranchesgolf.aeWebsite: www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.comDubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Opened in January 1993, Dubai’s second world class golf course in the centerpiece of a 80-hectare sports and leisure complex that also incorporates a 115-berth marina. It is located close to the city centre and Dubai International Airport on the banks of the Dubai Creek.The Course
The main championship 18-hole, par 72 course is 6,839 yards in length.
Three ornamental lakes and a further three seawater hazards are a feature of the course.
Cunning dog-legs along the immaculate fairways challenge both amateur and professional alike.
The 9-hole, par 3 course, fully floodlit, is a unique facility to practice the short game, day or night.
Facilities
Designed in the shape of the billowing sails of a traditional Arabian dhow, the 45-metre high clubhouse captures the essence of Dubai’s sea-faring traditions.
Bars and function rooms overlook the ninth and eighteenth greens, while the Fairways restaurant combines quality cuisine with breathtaking views of Dubai.
Golf Academy, High Tech Studio and a double ended driving range with instruction from six PGA qualified professionals.
Well stocked professional shops.
The separate yacht club incorporates the “Aquarium”, a seafood restaurant, as well as the popular “Board walk”, and the new “Boardwalk Café”.
Tennis courts and gymnasium with teaching programmes are also available.
Deep sea fishing with the yacht club’s own “Sneakaway” fishing boat.Rules of Play
Visitors are welcome on a “pay-as-you-play” basis.
All players must have a handicap of 28 or less for men and 45 or less for women.
Players should adhere to the dress code, which requires proper golfing attire at all times.
All golf courses in Dubai are spikeless.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
EVENTS AND INCENTIVES
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EXPLORE TURKEY 4x4
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