Southwest Dubai

The Burj Al-Arab is the world's tallest hotel, standing 321m high, and located on its own artificial island on the Dubai coastline. The Burj Al-Arab Hotel was designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail. At night, the exterior of the Burj Al-Arab is a sight to behold as the choreographed colored lighting show changes every 30 minutes.Burj Al-Arab is an architectural masterpiece, an ambitious undertaking by Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed that opened in 1999. It is the world's tallest structure with a membrane façade, the outer wall is made of a woven, Teflon-coated fiberglass cloth.One of the restaurants in the Burj Al-Arab (Al Muntaha meaning "highest") is located 200m above the Persian Gulf and is accessed by a panoramic elevator. Another restaurant (Al Mahara, Arabic for "The Oyster") is accessed via a simulated submarine voyage and features a large seawater aquarium.The Burj Al-Arab is a luxury hotel with 202 duplex suites, these are not ordinary rooms. It is one of the most expensive hotels in the world to stay in with the least expensive suites ranging from $1,000 to over $6,000 a night and the most expensive suites can cost over $15,000 a night.The interior of the Burj Al-Arab is exquisite with dancing fountains, swirling carpet designs, plenty of gold trim, enormous aquariums and an atrium that could hold the Dubai World Trade Center.

Majlis Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef was the summer residence of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum. Built in 1955, Majlis Ghorfat was constructed of gypsum and coral rock. The majlis is open to the public and gives visitors a glimpse into the rapid development of Dubai. Visitors can also better understand the opulence of the wealthy men of Dubai through the many displays.This two-story home has been restored and still maintains much of the beautiful decor. The first floor was the reception area where the Sheikh would receive guests and listen to their complaints and ideas.The Majlis Gardens feature a reproduction of an impressive Arab irrigation system. The Ghorfat Um-Al-Sheef was used as a date palm farm at one time and the Majlis Gardens, complete with wind tower, were later added by the Dubai Municipality to educate visitors on local culture.Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum was a visionary who led Dubai from an unnoticed city into a prosperous future. Sheihk al-Maktoum saw to the dredging of the Dubai Creek, to allow bigger boats, which boosted trade relations. He developed schools, hospitals, residential areas and hotels as well as the addition of the Dubai Airport. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum lasting legacy is the attitude of religious and social tolerance in Dubai.

The One & Only Royal Mirage Resort is located on a private section of Jumeirah Beach. The resort has three separate hotels - the Palace, the Arabian Court and the Residence.The One & Only Resort is sheltered in 60 ac of landscaped gardens and offers many restaurants, a fitness spa, over 250 rooms and suites - some with private entrances.The Arabian-themed architecture at the One & Only Royal Mirage Resort blends fantasy and tradition on a royal scale.The leisure facilities include swimming pools, a water sports center, tennis courts and putting green.

Madinat Jumeirah, the Arabian resort, was built to resemble an ancient Arabian citadel. A tribute to Dubai's heritage the Madinat Jumeirah features authentic Arabian themes including countless wind towers, a maze of paths and waterways, courtyard summerhouses and a traditional souq.Guests of the Madinat Jumeirah arrive in an abra (a traditional water taxi) to stay at one of the luxury hotels. There are plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment possibilities within Madinat Jumeirah including the Madinat Theater for musicals, Dome - the waterside café or Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the vibrant market.Visitors can wander through Madinat Juneirah to admire the Arabian-inspired architecture or venture to one of the many vantage points for a view of the water.

Wild Wadi is a popular state-of-the-art water park with 12 ac of pools and rides. There are 30 rides including the Jumeriah Sceirah, the tallest and fastest free fall slide outside the United States. The Summit Surge uses high-powered water jets to transport people simultaneously uphill and the Wipeout Flow Rider allows thrill seekers to surf a tube wave nearly three meters high. For visitors' looking for a tamer ride, check out the lazy river or visit the Wadi Wash, a sound, light and water show.Wild Wadi provides for a great family day with most rides generally child-friendly.

Jebel Ali is the largest residential development outside Dubai City, located 20 kilometers southwest along the coast it is best known for its free zone and port. Jebel Ali is the world's largest man-made harbor and the biggest port in the Middle East with 67 berths. The town of Jebel Ali was originally built for construction workers who work on the port.The biggest appeal for tourists is the undeveloped coastline of Jebel Ali. The beach area runs for 15 kilometers along the Arabian Gulf.Shelters along the expanse of beach offer shade and showers. The beach area of Jebel Ali is also the only location where you can barbecue on the beach.