Dubai may exude a general aura of glitz, glamor and gob-smacking building projects, but many underestimate the simple good fun that can be had on a Dubai holiday. Here are the top five entertaining Dubai activities.

Dune Bashing

Bundle yourself and your friends into a four-wheel drive and hold on tight as the driver fearlessly speeds you off onto the dusty desert dunes for the bumpiest ride of your life!

This is an exciting Dubai excursion, not for the faint-hearted, although thoroughly enjoyed by many children – it really depends on your propensity for adventure. Dune bashing can be combined with a number of other desert-related Dubai activities such as quad biking, camel rides, barbecue and belly dancing for a truly fantastic day out.

Wild Wadi

The Wild Wadi water park is part of the Jumeirah Beach Resort. Residents of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel have unlimited access but anyone can visit for a real Dubai holiday treat.

You’ll feel like a carefree child as you battle the 1.5 metre wave machine, swish through endless tunnels and water shoots and – if you’re feeling brave – mount the largest water slide outside North America – all in the brilliant sunshine!

Additional benefits to this Dubai excursion include Wild Wadi snacks including tasty burgers – made all the more delicious by ravenous swimmer’s hunger – and a host of unusual extras such as surfing machines and an 18 foot waterfall that goes off every ten minutes to scare the kids! The fearful should watch out, though, for the rather scary ‘tunnel of doom’.

Champagne Brunch

Most Dubai residents work hard from Sunday to Thursday – then party hard on their treasured days off! Friday brunches, which take place all over the city, are a very chilled afternoon out and sociable Dubai luxury holiday activity. Most start around 12pm and go on until at least 3pm, sometimes into the evening.

Yalumba restaurant’s indulgent champagne brunch at Dubai’s Le Meridien Hotel is renowned for its unlimited Bollinger champagne, sushi, lobster, a la carte options and sinfully sweet desserts. This is one of the swankiest Dubai activities and guests often dress up for an afternoon of glamorous mingling in the sunshine.

Shopping at the Mall of Emirates

It seems as though nothing can exist in Dubai without being the largest, tallest or best of something, and Dubai’s Mall of Emirates is no exception. This mammoth building – the mall takes around 6.5 million square feet – has the title of the largest shopping mall in the Middle East.

The Mall of Emirates is a popular meeting place and is packed with a huge variety of shops, from designer gear to local goods to your regular high street outlets, as well as a large supermarket and plenty of spots to eat, drink and take part in yet more extraordinary Dubai activities. The perfect place to shop your heart out on a Dubai luxury holiday.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai offers the super-surreal experience of skiing in the desert on real snow and – if you’re brave – charging down the world’s first indoor black run slope! This mountain resort-themed ski centre is massively enjoyable as a special Dubai excursion or simply as part of your shopping trip, as Ski Dubai is actually inside the Mall of Emirates.

One of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world (no surprises there then), with 22,500-square metres of indoor ski area, Ski Dubai is kept at a chilly -1º to -2º. But don’t worry – the necessary thermal gear is handed out to visitors at the entrance, along with a set of skis or a snowboard. Afterwards head to Ski Dubai’s stylish St Moritz Café to top off this luxury Dubai holiday experience with après-ski cocktails or a slap-up meal.

Dubai is arguably the most well known of the seven emirates (sovereign states) that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is situated on the coast of the Persian Gulf and is bordered by the emirates of Abu Dhabi to the south and Sharjah to the northeast; Dubai also shares a border with Oman in the southeast.

Dubai is the second largest of the emirates in size, and has the largest population of any of the emirates in the UAE, approximately 1.5 million. This population is largely metropolitan in Dubai (sometimes called Dubai City to distinguish it from the emirate), which is the largest city in the UAE.

Dubai was the first of the emirates to allow freehold ownership of property to non – UAE (United Arab Emirates) or GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) citizens. Prior to a decree issued by crown prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom (the ruler and prime minister of Dubai and the Vice President of the UAE) in 2002 foreigners were only able to rent or take 99-year leasehold over property. The properties available for foreign ownership are in areas of Dubai that have been designated by the government for this purpose.

The decision by the government of Dubai to diversify the economy and focus on service and tourism industries in addition to the traditional oil based economy has seen many exciting and unique property developments announced, constructed and in various states of construction throughout the city and the emirate. Dubai city is currently one of the world’s fastest growing cities; and is rapidly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

The Palm Island developments and The World are two totally unique concepts in property development that have excited the imaginations of people all over the globe. These two separate developments – both the ideas of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom to increase tourism to Dubai, involve the construction of man made islands off the coast of Dubai in the Persian Gulf. The three islands of the Palm Island Development alone will add 520 kilometres of beaches to Dubai City.

The palm Island developments consist of three islands The Palm, Jumeirah, The Palm, Jebel Ali and The Palm, Deira. The three islands are actually man made peninsulas, shaped like palm trees with trunks and fronds surrounded by crescent shaped breakwater islands. The developments will house between them exclusive water front villas and apartments, restaurants, shopping malls, health spas, sporting facilities, water theme parks, marinas and over one hundred luxury hotels. Property owners began taking residence on Palm Jumeirah in 2006; the completion of the entire three-island development is expected by 2015.

The World development is a 300-island man made archipelago off the coast of Dubai in which the islands form the shapes of the worlds’ continents and from the air the entire development looks like a map of the world. Once the land reclamation to form the islands is completed (the expected completion date is 2008) the owners of the various islands will be free to commence construction of their developments or properties on their own private islands.

This week I learned even more about my beloved field of hypnosis: Agatha Christies work has been identified as being extremely hypnotic!

Stories are brilliantly powerful and a most engaging way to communicate.

Pretty much every culture, religion and tradition has storytelling as a teaching component, many traditions pass their history on through stories. I remember hosting a story telling evening with a wonderful man from the Chippa-Waa Cree nation, he is a metis from a nomadic shamanic tribe in Canada.

He learned his people’s history in stories, he also learned about life and humour through stories, he laughed and cried at stories told by his elders each evening in much the same way that I laughed and cried in front of the TV as a youngster!

Parables from the bible are another wonderful example;

I can remember that following a truly brilliant training course I attended by here in Bournemouth that I had a very problematic client who was extremely difficult and I had concerns about. I discussed this with the trainer and he told me one or two stories, one of which was a parable from the bible. He did not tell me directly what he thought I should do, rather, he guided me through stories and metaphor and it helped wonderfully.

In addition to bible parables, we can look at Sufi stories, fairy tales, Native American storytelling, Norse sagas, Indian Puranas (stories of wisdom), children’s fables – they all have stories as an integral part of them.

These aren’t just random stories. They’re often used to teach people valuable moral principles and life lessons. And they’re stories designed to have a specific effect upon the listener.

Why do they work so well? They work because they engage both the conscious mind (the linear, sequential mind) and the unconscious mind (the emotional, symbolic mind). A story has both a linear, logical sequence and emotional and symbolic content. Engaging the mind at both the levels is an extremely powerful way to communicate. Imagine how that can develop rapport, enhance relationships, increase sales and much more.

This brings me on nicely to my main topic today. A metaphor is also a story. A metaphor is a covertly hypnotic way of talking about something without talking about it. Let me explain that:

“Never try to teach your pet dog to sing. It wastes your time and irritates your dog.”

If you wanted to get the message across to someone that they were going to a lot of effort that would only result in problems and frustration, you might use the dog quote. Firstly, it is a more gentle way of introducing an idea. It is much softer than saying “You’re just wasting your time. Don’t bother doing it.” It’s softer because you’re talking about something without talking about it directly. Do you see what I mean?

Equally, I tend to open my speaking events with stories about myself and my experiences. If I were to stand up and say:

“hello everyone, I am Adam Eason and I am windswept and interesting and extremely funny!”

That would make me look full of myself, conceited and ridiculous (Even if it is all true!!). I have job enough trying to make sure I don’t appear that way! If instead, I decide to mention an incident that happened to me while speaking in Dubai last year that I responded to in a witty way, then it shows me to be well-travelled, quick witted, successful and other things, without me having to actually spell those traits out to my audience.

Both of my books to date open with chapters telling a story from my life to illustrate a point and introduce myself and my take on the subject. That is how important I think stories are to our communication.

Why is it then, that I think metaphors and stories are so Powerful?

In order to explain why metaphors and stories are so powerful, let’s get into the roles of the different parts of the mind. (For a fuller understanding of this, read my article Hypnosis Explained)

Part of the role of the conscious mind is to analyze incoming information to determine whether or not the incoming information agrees with your current beliefs, behaviour patterns and attitudes.

When new information disagrees with current beliefs, the new information is often ignored or rejected. We call this part of the mind the critical factor.

When you’re using metaphors, telling stories or using other covert hypnotic language, we don’t want the person’s conscious defence systems and resistance to be activated. One way to make sure we successfully avoid this trap is to avoid activating the critical factor.

If we avoid the critical factor; the analytical, reasoning, evaluating, judging part of the mind is subsequently relaxed, allowing new information and ideas to more easily enter the subconscious/unconscious mind, with less emphasis on previously held beliefs.

When the critical factor is inactive, new ideas are accepted more easily.

When the critical factor is relaxed and the mind of the listener is fully engaged by a story, we can get the same results that a good hypnotherapist achieves in their office!

In short, a good compelling story puts a person in a trance state; it keeps the critical factor out of the way and gets them concentrating powerfully on an idea. The unconscious mind recognizes the parallels between the story and the listener’s life and applies the lessons of the metaphor or story.

There are lots of ways to either bypass the critical factor or avoid it in everyday life. For example, people often suspend their judgement in favor of an authority figure’s judgment. I know I would believe everything my doctor, Dad or early school teachers told me as a young man. Things they told me I just accepted as the truth without thinking; this is bypassing the critical factor.

Daydreaming and hypnosis are other ways that we bypass the critical factor intentionally. Becoming involved in a story is a natural way to bypass the mind’s critical factor.

As you all know, my first love is hypnosis. One famous definition of hypnosis is: The bypass of the critical factor of the mind and the establishment of acceptable selective thinking. Let me explain how metaphor and stories, conversationally, can accomplish the same thing.

I have mentioned the critical factor bypass but what’s acceptable selective thinking?

Well, selective thinking occurs when a person concentrates fully on an idea. A stage hypnotist might ask a person to concentrate on the idea that a raw onion tastes as good as an apple. (That does make me laugh to think about!) A hypnotherapist might ask a client to focus on the idea that they’re accomplishing a personal development goal. With the critical factor out of the equation, the unconscious mind concentrates on those ideas so completely that they become the subject’s reality!

What can get in the way? When the subject doesn’t want to do it! If they don’t want to accomplish the goal (or eat an onion!), their critical factor may be activated and then fight the suggestion. That’s one reason it is known as acceptable selective thinking.

So, how do we keep the critical factor out of the way and at the same time get someone concentrating powerfully on an idea?

A powerful, compelling story (a metaphor) does just that. The critical factor does not get activated because you’re not talking about them! Yet the unconscious mind gets involved emotionally. In other words, the mind concentrates on the ideas presented in the metaphor (acceptable selective thinking). The unconscious mind is also a lot better than the conscious mind at spotting symbolism. So, if a metaphor is symbolic of a situation in a person’s life, the person will relate the story to their situation. You don’t even have to consciously point it out! Their unconscious mind does that for you! Cool eh?

Coming up, I am going to explain how to design your own metaphors, when and how to use them and much more. Look out for that article (part 2) very soon.

For now, think about your own stories from your own life; when did you overcome great odds to achieve something? What is something really self-deprecating or humorous that happened to you? Describe a time when someone you know acted with great kindness to you. I will tell you how to use these stories to enhance your communication, develop better relationships and create more success in your life in that next article.

Jack Rouse Associates (JRA) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The group of designers, writers, producers and project managers based in Cincinnati, Ohio, named by the Wall Street Journal as “one of the world’s more prominent design firms”, promotes its ability to conceive, visualise and realise exceptional experiences for museums, corporations and entertainment clients worldwide.

As part of this global ambition, JRA is proactively developing business in the emerging markets and has been involved with a number of recent high profile projects:

• HarborLand, Ningbo, China – This new theme park, part of an urban development in Ningbo, China, opened in Feb 2006 with a master plan and design created by JRA. As a first step in the master planning and design process, JRA created a fairy tale story around which the park is being developed. The story is inspired by the Phoenix, the mythological firebird and a symbol of happiness in Chinese culture.

• Guangdong Science Center, Guangzhou, China – JRA provided overall exhibit design for the children’s portion of this 450,000 sq ft science centre, set up in Guangzhou in 2007.

• Restless Planet, Dubailand, Dubai, UAE – Projected to open in 2008, Restless Planet will blend entertainment and natural history experiences in a first-of-its-kind destination. JRA is currently managing the overall design and production of Restless Planet, including development and oversight of all attractions and media. It is being linked with the Mall of Arabia, which is currently the largest mall under construction in the world. Working with London’s Natural History Museum, and other experts, the team is developing a synergy of architecture and experiences that take guests on “the world’s ultimate theme ride back into the mists of time,” enabling them to explore Earth as it was millions of years ago. From rides that plunge visitors into the world of giant sauropods and terrifying raptors to special zones exploring the prehistoric past and links to the latest discoveries, Restless Planet will combine breathtaking theme park experiences, enhanced by dramatic lighting and audiovisual effects, with cutting-edge educational content.

• Al Kaheel Park, Dubai, UAE - When completed, Al Kaheel Park will become the most comprehensive equine tourist attraction ever built. It will extend over almost 9.1 million square feet of preserved desert landscape. The mixed-use development will have real estate and commercial components. JRA has been hired as part of the consultant team and will provide attraction planning and design for the complex. Al Kaheel will be an educational theme park and working horse farm dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse.

• Ferrari Theme Park, Abu Dhabi, UAE - Built around the legendary Italian company, the theme park will consist of family rides, driving school and virtual simulations as well as retail merchandising. JRA is providing design and co-ordination.

Keith James, President, JRA, has been at the center of cutting-edge projects within the themed entertainment industry for more than 30 years and has been instrumental in opening new markets in India, the Pacific Rim and Eastern Europe for JRA. Blooloop talked to him about JRA’s approach to developing business in the emerging markets and asked him to reflect on JRA’s 20 years in the business:
Which markets are you targeting?
“Right now we are focusing on museums, theme parks and attractions, halls of fame, corporate visitor centres and sports venue interactive zones. Geographically we are looking to the Middle East, China, Russia and when the occasion arises, the USA. We simply go where the work is.”
How are you developing your business?
“We have an ongoing marketing effort that includes tradeshows, advertising, PR the Web site, referrals and our relationship with current and past clients but more importantly our closely-knit industry results in numerous referrals from friends and other companies.
We are always sensitive to the culture of the countries we pursue. We meet clients, endeavour to understand their needs and satisfy those needs. As a company we are client sensitive instead of JRA sensitive. Luckily the approach works both ways for the USA and foreign countries.”
Do you structure work proposals differently from country to country?
“Each proposal depends upon the client needs rather than what country it is from. Again, the differences between HarborLand and Restless Planet are determined by the client’s relationship with qualified local buyers and requirements of the project itself. Either way, we always work closely with people the client assigns to us.”
How do emerging markets’ requirements differ from the North America?
“We look closely at the culture and maintain a sensitivity to the culture that’s local to the project. For example, in some countries there’s less emphasis on thrill rides than in the US. Typically there is an independent market analysis that helps us determine the program mix. Food and menus are always different.”
Are there any lessons you’ve learned from working in these new markets? Any surprises?
“One thing learned is that universally people want to have a good time in a clean and safe environment. With new markets we recognize it’s important to understand the culture of the region socially and business wise. We always develop a product jointly with the client. Collaboration is a MUST.
Speed in the Middle East to establish business is a challenge more than a surprise. Some areas of the world are trying to skip generations and land squarely in the 21st Century and when this happens, you have to be careful not to lose the established foundation of experience when you make that leap. After all, these are businesses that need to be successful.”
What have been the key changes in the Industry over the last 20 years? How JRA has responded and what changes do you foresee in the future?
“Technology has grown in leaps and bounds. However, one on one experiences in our projects are still important and we have to make sure people have a personal relationship with the message. As our CEO, Jack, once said, “the first interactive was two people talking,” and we have to make sure we don’t lose sight of that in our technology. The blending of our industries of sports, museums, theme parks and corporate visitor centres are a notable change. 20 years ago museums would not have talked to theme park people and now those lines between them have gone away. Now they are able to learn from each other and explore areas they might not have looked at before from the audience perspective.
We always emphasise the people in business and the audience itself.”

They say that travel is about the journey, not just the destination. But if youve ever arrived at your destination only to find out that your hotel room is dingy, dirty, and miles from all the action, its time to take matters into your own hands.An increasing number of hotels are positioning themselves to be more than just a place to sleep they are the action.You may have heard of the ice hotel in Sweden or even funky spots like the Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, Idaho €¦ but here are few more unusual hotels to inspire your next trip.1. To the LighthouseLove all things nautical? Then try sleeping in a lighthouse. There are actually dozens of lighthouses around the world that welcome overnight guests, but at Browns Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, Washington, you get to be the lighthouse keeper.This 30-foot concrete structure is perched by Commencement Bay and the keepers dwelling (at right) was recently restored for overnight stays. Guest participate in the keeper program, in which they maintain the lighthouse and hold public tours. This job is designed for at least two people, and six maximum, making it a great educational experience for families. Rates range from $500-$700 per week. 253-927-2536, www.pointsnortheast.org2. Go Climb a TreeIf it seems like the days of kids clambering up trees and running around outdoors are a thing of the past, skip the sedentary vacations and force them out and up.The Cedar Creek Treehouse is a private mountain retreat in the woods of Mt. Rainier, located 50 feet up in a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar tree.Owner Bill Compher built the treehouse himself, making it large enough to accommodate up to five people.Theres a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, not to mention skylights and an observatory 100 feet up that offers great views from all around.Though its a safe climb up, kids under 10 are not allowed inside the treehouse. Rates are $250 for two people, and $25 for each additional guest. 360-569-2991, www.cedarcreektreehouse.com3. All Aboard the Romance TrainTo conjure up the romantic days of train travel, why not cozy up inside an actual train car for the night? The Northern Rail Traincar B&B in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is made up of connected rail cars with 18 guest rooms.The Porter Suite sleeps two and includes a dinette and a private bath for $109-$139. Located on 160 acres of forested land (about 25 minutes outside of Duluth), you have access to Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls, plus outdoor activities like hiking and golfing. 877-834-0955; www.northernrail.net4. Were You Raised in a Barn?Located on the Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, is a quirky little spot designed for two. The Big Red Barn Getaway is a real barn built in the 1890s which has been renovated into a tiny inn.Youll be surrounded by miles of unspoiled nature (and may even catch sight of a Bald Eagle). The historic Victorian seaport of Port Townsend is a 10-minute walk away, and Fort Worden State Park is only two minutes away, with gorgeous beaches and plenty of hiking trails. 360-301-1271, www.BigRedBarnGetaway.com5. How About a Yurt?Ever slept in a yurt? Even know what a yurt is?These round, canvas dwellings were created by Mongolian nomads more than 2,000 years ago; its an ingenious structure that sits sturdily on the ground and often can fit several people at once.Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, has 16 yurts along the ridge above the Pacific Ocean, four of which can fit families. Youll have the best ocean-view room in town. Rates are $170-$270 for two to four people, including a waffle breakfast. 877-424-4787, www.treebonesresort.com6. Batting Around in a CaveYou may not know that there are several underground hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey (a region in the middle of Turkey not too far from Ankara), but the most highly touted one of all is the Gamirasu Cave Hotel, which is located inside a restored, thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat. There are 18 exquisitely adorned rooms, some of which were actually monk cells, which are carved into the cave or built with volcanic rock.Dont worry, there is running water. Room rates range from about $110 for a double room to about $500 for a deluxe suite. www.gamirasu.com7. Digging the Dug-OutThe Australian outback is filled with opal mines and dugouts galore so dive in and experience one first-hand at the Desert Cave Hotel located within the sandstone of Coober Pedy.The hotel boasts 19 underground rooms, and about 30 rooms above ground for those who prefer not to live troglodyte-style. Also underground are casinos, shops featuring locally mined opals and Aboriginal arts and crafts. Rooms are about $150 a night, not including meals or a cave tour. www.desertcave.com.au8. Sleeping in the PipelinesIf you ever wanted to brag that you slept in a drainpipe, read on €¦ Daspark Hotel in Lintz, Austria consists of three concrete drainpipes in the middle of a park.Inside each one is a teensy room built for two, with a double bed, a lamp, a small storage space, and even power outlets. Food, toilets and showers are all located nearby.If youre concerned about sleeping in a public park, rest assured that the drainpipes are all locked with a safety code. And best of all, you get to determine your own rates. www.dasparkhotel.net9. Sleeping with the FishesWith both China and Dubai building underwater hotels called the Hydropolis, sleeping under water seems to the wave of the future. China is hoping to have its land-based HydroTower component open by the Olympics, but if you cant wait until then, visit the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge.This underwater hotel is actually a research lab in Key Largo, Florida, but regular landlubbers are invited to spend the night. Youll actually have to scuba dive your way into the hotel, but theyll give you all the necessary training. An overnight visit costs about $475 and includes diving gear and unlimited dives if youre certified. 305-451-2353, www.jul.com10. Doing TimeThe new Liberty Hotel in Boston has been making headlines as a former jail-turned-luxury-hotel. After a five-year renovation program that cost upward of $150 million, the Charles Street jail has maintained some precious features that pay homage to its history such as a restaurant called Clink, and a bar called Alibi housed in the former drunk tank.But if youre looking for a more, well, authentic prison experience, youll have to jet yourself over to Latvia to the Karosta Prison. Located in Liepaja (about three hours west of Riga), this former Soviet detention facility was once known as the prison that nobody escaped from.Today, it welcomes (if thats the right word) visitors to spend a night for about $16.Guests play the role of a prisoner, complete with ex-Soviet military guards berating and ordering you around, cold iron beds, and toilets that remain uncomfortably close to their original state. http://www.karostascietums.lv/1/EN/newsBy Managing Editor Sarika Chawla for Peter Greenberg.com.sPeter Greenberg is a preeminent expert on travel. His focus is on the journey, providing insiders tips and recommendations to an increasingly savvy and demanding traveler. Peter is also author of The New York Times best-selling series, The Travel Detective, which uncovers secrets the airline, hotel, cruise and rental car industries dont want consumers to know. Check out Travel Hotels for more insider information.

Arabic Online Markets: Open Sesame!!

As you might know from having visited MSEO.com, we have a fully staffed office in Hazmieh (Beirut), Lebanon. Our Lebanese team is in charge of the development for all of our Arabic SEO campaigns. Over the years of working with such a talented team of multilingual professionals (most of them speak English/French fluently as well), I have learned a lot about the Arabic online world.

Our Arabic SEO branch is extremely active within the Arabic IT communities. They exhibit this year at the GITEX 08 in Dubai, promoting our World Tour Seminars (I happen to be the speaker at those events/SEO workshops). Our next four events, in November 2008 and January 2009, will be held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Bahrain. I am not writing this in an effort to promote our SEO Seminars, but rather wishing to bring your attention to our targeted destinations: Gulf countries only. Whats going on with such geo-targeted marketing effort?

Well, over the past years, I have developed a personal friendship with Mr. Nadim Sarkis, who happens to be the Director of our branch in Beirut. Aside from being one of the utmost qualified professionals I have ever met in our line of industry, Nadim has truly introduced me to the Arabic online world: an online platform way too often misperceived by the rest of the world.

Getting involved with Arabic Search Engine Optimization has been a fruitful strategic move for MSEO.com (please visit the Arabic version of our website by clicking on the following link: http://www.mseo.com/ar ). It has also allowed me on a personal level to be introduced to a wealthy, educated, and courteous online platform! When covering all cultural and technical ramifications involved, marketing a website to the Arab online community often turns out to be the most profitable Global SEO action of all!

In September 2007, while visiting the GITEX in Dubai, I went on a helicopter ride to see what is, by far, the most incredible and unprecedented real estate development ever conceived by mankind. Like many, you might have seen various documentaries on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Gulf urban hotspots. Anyway, my helicopter pilot conveyed the fact that over 60% of all the construction cranes in the world were present in Dubai (I confirmed such fact by researching on the internet). Perhaps you knew that already, but think about it this way: We are talking about the wealthiest group of individuals in the world who happen to depend almost 100% on imports…imports of goods…imports of services…but also imports of talent, technology, etc.

Arabic online search engines have greatly matured over the years, building the strongest and most efficient communication with the Arab online community. Of course, when starting to interact with Arab online business professionals, cultural ramifications need to be respected. I advise you to do a little research concerning business etiquette and other cultural dos and donts when presenting your products and/or services on Arabic search engines. Most of all users who will find the Arabic version of your website will have the ability to communicate with you in English. However, when communicating with someone in Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, it is not Hi, howre you doing? – The average casual American approach will not be welcome! Once again, the Arab online community is financially opulent and features a group of respectful and educated businessmen.

However, the Arabic online world is much more than the Gulf Region. It is the full MENA deal and more (MENA = Middle East & North Africa). From Egypt to Morocco, from Jordan to Lebanon, without forgetting the millions of Arabic native speakers elsewhere around the world, Arabic is by far an online platform I would recommend to anyone ready for a financially rewarding ride!!

Aside from business, when traveling through the Arab world, you will eat better I mean, MUCH better than in any country where English is the native tongue (and, no, I did not refer to the U.S. or the U.K. … maybe I should not think so loud!). Okay! Better food, but also superior hospitality. We are speaking about the Orient and Oriental hospitality is definitely one notch above what we experience in the Western world.

Anyway, since I am at the stage of expressing my appreciation for such a sophisticated community, I will take this opportunity to conclude with the following statement: Our Lebanese people were the best we could find in the Arab world and, on a personal note, I will say that Lebanon also offers the best food of the Arab world. Honestly, the Lebanese rule in the kitchen…there is nothing like eating out in Beirut! I do realize that I should apologize for getting distracted from the Arabic SEO subject, but I just cannot think of my team in Lebanon without associating business with pleasure!!

Mathias Levarek, Ph.D.
SEO Consultant for http://www.mseo.com

A nifty combination of old world charm with an ambiance of modern sophistication makes Dubai Culture Village an unparalleled world-class property development. Intended to enhance the UAE’s position internationally in the fields of art and culture, the Dubai Culture Village property development blends the rich heritage of Dubai with ancient Middle Eastern history. The result is an awe-inspiring mix of Arabic and old Dubai architecture with fascinating sculptures, pottery and murals adorning facades of buildings and street corners.

Salient Features of Dubai Culture Village

An ambitious project by any standards if only because of its exceptional conglomeration of old and new, Dubai Culture Village offers residents a harmonious medley of ancient and modern features in one admirable package.

Take a look at some of the salient features of the Dubai Culture Village property development:

- Creekside souks reminiscent of ancient Dubai

- Historic wind towers

- Waterways topped with bridges

- Cobble stone walkways that contrast starkly with smooth as glass roads in modern Dubai

- Unique sculptures evocative of ancient Arabic cultures

- Wide open spaces that are far-removed from most modern developments

- A hodgepodge of restaurants and cafes serving an endless variety of cuisines

- A dockyard exhibiting the construction of the traditional dhow

The Master Plan of the Dubai Culture Village Property Development

Dubai Culture Village has been demarcated into commercial, residential and retail zones with provisions for entertainment and hospitality sub-zones. All zones and sub-districts are supported by world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities.

Residential Zone: The residential zone features traditional low to medium-rise buildings offering studio apartments and loft-style apartments with work areas in addition to one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments. In direct contrast to the old-world exteriors, residents enjoy contemporary, state-of-the-art interiors that that lack nothing by way of modern comforts.

Commercial Zone: The commercial zone features schools and cultural institutions as well as academies for learning art, dance, music and a wide range of crafts.

Retail Zone: In addition to art and craft galleries, designer boutiques, trendy coffee-shops and luxury hotels, the focal point of the retail zone is a rustic souk offering Arabic herbs, spices, antiques, miscellaneous crafts and rare book shops.

A tourist landmark attracting art and culture lovers from all corners of the world, the Culture Village property development adds to the diversity of the art and cultural scene already prevalent in Dubai and the UAE region. Exclusive developments including the Iris Amber, D1 Tower and Palazzo Versace cement Dubai Culture Village’s reputation as one of the most desirable residential locations in modern day Dubai.

Why Property in Dubai is so Hot

To the nay-sayers who predicted that the Dubai property market was a bubble just waiting to burst, it has proved to be a costly mistake. With a plethora of facilities and tax benefits to foreigners the Dubai property continues to zoom skywards and looks set to continue in that direction for years to come.

Foreigner investors are permitted to own freehold properties in earmarked areas of Dubai. Furthermore they are entitled to a residence visa without the encumbrances of mandatory stamp duty, capital gains or income tax. It doesn’t get better than that!

Dubai is becoming a more and more popular holiday destination. Follow the guidelines below in order to get the best out of your holiday in Dubai.
1. Choose the right time to visit. Dubai has some very extreme weather conditions. A few months are very hot. The best time for you to visit Dubai is from the month of November through to the month of March. In Dubai this period is considered the winter period. with average daytime temperatures ranging between 20 and 25 degrees celcius.
2. Avoid the month of Ramadan – Ramadan is the fasting month of muslims and usually held in september-october. The daily fasting time begins around 5:00 am and ends around 5:00pm. You are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public during this period – not even as a tourist.

3. Visa – It may be necessary to apply for a visa before visiting Dubai. Citizens of a few countries such as USA and UK is able to get their visa on arrival. You will have to check with your local travel agent to confirm the rules that are required for your country.
4. Liquor – Tourists are not allowed to buy liquor at shops in Dubai. Only residents with a license can buy from liquor shops. However you can buy liquor at a bar or at a nightclub or from the duty free shop upon arrival.
5. Car rentals – Taxi fair is pricey in Dubai. Consider renting a car instead and do the renting it in advance.
6. Driving – Remember Dubai is a left hand driven area!
7. Accomodation – Dubai has a range of accomodation offers. Do not spend too much on accomondation. 2 star hotels are cheap but holds a decent quality. If you are traveling with a group of people renting an apartment might be the cheapest option for you. Shopping – Dubai has a lot to offer for shoppers. Large shopping malls, gold, inexpensive electronics and much more. Before you go shopping you should consider how much you want to spend and stick to it. You should always ask for a discount as this is common in Dubai.
8. Language – Arabic is the main language. Most can understand and speak english.
9. Law – Dubai is a safe place to visit because of its very tough laws against criminal acts.
A cheap holiday in Dubai is not the first thing that comes to mind but in fact it does not have to be that expensive to spend your holiday in Dubai.

Dubai is a prosperous and cosmopolitan city. It mixes old town mosques and souks alongside modern high rise skyscrapers. The majority of this wealthy city has been built in the last 20 years and incorporates much in the way of futuristic architecture.

Construction is a feature of the city and there is constant building activity. The Dubai Waterfront project will add 500 miles of man-made waterfront to the city. These artificial islands will add up to a space roughly 7 times the size of Manhattan!!

Situated on the south sore of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. The population of Dubai City is over 1 million. The majority of the city’s population (80%) is made up of expatriates the majority of whom are from South Asia. The city is split in two by the Dubai Creek. Trade, oil and tourism all play a major part in Dubai’s economy and have taken over the traditional occupations of fishing, pearl diving and camel breeding. The area around Dubai City is desert and sparsely populated.

The weather is Dubai is extremely hot during the summer months so the best time to visit is during the winter months. During Ramadan it is illegal to publicly eat or drink and so this time is unpopular with tourists. Dubai is a liberal tourist destination and tolerant and safe to visit. However women are advised to dress conservatively when amongst locals.

Visitors are attracted to Dubai by the world class sports events and air shows as well as the fantastic shopping attractions and air conditioned malls. Dubai claims to be the shopping center of the world. The shopping attractions range from traditional crafts and arts to ultra modern designer fashions and electronics. The Dubai Shopping Festival is a yearly event held during January and February. The Dubai Summer Surprises is a summer month shopping spectacular which makes the most of the cheap hotel rates.

There are vast contrasts in the different types of restaurants brought about by the different mix of cultures. Asian, European and Arabic restaurants abound and range in price from budget to five-star.

There is an extensive range of high class hotels and resorts in Dubai. These places offer enticing discounts when the weather gets hot and during Ramadan. There is also a plethora of world class entertainment offerings which includes something for everyone’s taste. Fabulous nightclubs abound.

Dubai is a shinning jewel in the Middle East and a fabulous place to visit and offers beach resorts amidst traditional buildings and mosques and high rise skyscrapers. The city is popular with tourists because there are a wide variety of things to do and interesting places to see.