Travel destinations: Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Part 3

Dubai has come a long way from the fishing settlement it used to be. This desert city is now among the most multicultural cities in the world 82% of its population is made up of expatriates from over 100 countries.

Dubai is used to catering to the upwardly mobile even the locals have a relatively high standard of living. But where does it all come from? Primarily from oil; but as the oil reserves are going to run out eventually, the country has diversified into other areas namely tourism.

Yes, Dubai has made catering to tourists especially rich tourists an art form. So dropping 50 grand in three days should be relatively easy. Here is a three-day guide to spending money in Dubai lots of it. So pack your Louis Vuitton luggage, throw on your D&G shades and don’t forget your credit cards.

All prices are listed in U.S. funds.

Day 1: Shopping in Deira district

Dubai is used to catering to wealthy foreigners and oil barons, so the city has no shortage of exclusive hotels and services. Your first order of business, before you even arrive in Dubai, is to contact Diamond Lease Car Rental to have them meet you at the airport with your own chauffeur-driven Bentley. With advance notice, your chauffeur can be at your disposal to take you around Dubai in style for your entire stay for $1,752 per day. Remember: Book your ride early; they only have six Bentleys available.

Have your chauffeur take you to your hotel to check in. The Al Maha Desert Resort, set in the desert among mountains and dunes, is the only upscale ecotourism resort in the country where $3,000 per night gets you the tres chic Emirates suite.

Dropping cash on designer duds and eating like royalty

Once you’ve dropped off your bags, hit the streets for some upscale shopping. Start your day in Dubai’s Deira district, home to the city’s old center. Shopping in Dubai is tax-free and known for its gold and carpet markets. The famous Deira gold souk (market) carries bars of 24-karat gold in any form and weight, as well as bullion coins in 22 karats and 24 karats. In Deira Tower’s shopping mall, you’ll find carpet traders from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan who sell their wares prices can go up to a few thousand dirhams. Feel free to drop about $12,000 on an imported rug for your pad.

Now, head to the BurJuman Centre in the Bur Dubai district where they have Saks Fifth Ave, Tiffany & Co., Donna Karan, and other designer goods. Don’t leave BurJuman Centre without making a quick stop