Hello from Dubai

I am writing you today from the desert oasis city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This beautiful city is filled with very friendly people, many of whom have traveled here from all over the globe to find jobs and work here as the UAE has exploded with growth since oil was found here a short 60 years ago. Now the landscape is filled in every direction with hundreds and hundreds of new skyscrapers. Temperatures during my trip have been a perfect 70 – 80 degrees during the day as this is the high tourist season between October and April. While the weather is perfect now you probably want to avoid this region in the summer as temps soar above 120 degrees. Here are 10 observations about Dubai on my trip this week.

1. Dream big Dreams in Dubai – Just imagine that during my lifetime this city has grown from a sleepy little fishing town into a giant cosmopolitan city. People who come here can dream big dreams. Nothing is too big or too bold here. In this city, I can dream big dreams. Dubai allows me to not look at how things are but rather what they should be in the future. In Dubai, there is respect for its history but the passion of Dubai is the future.
2. Museum of the Future has just opened – While most museums focus on the past this one focuses on the future. I can’t wait to visit this facility tonight as our group will be given the first private tour since the museum opened just weeks ago. CLICK HERE to take a sneak peek. 
3. It’s not oil that made Dubai explode – Most people think that oil made Dubai see explosive growth. Actually, zero taxes made Dubai a magnet for money and capital to flow here. People all around the world invest in Dubai as they get a higher return on investment when taxes are low or zero. CLICK HERE to see a short video on the history of Dubai. 
4. The state bird of Dubai is the crane – Not the bird but the construction crane. While cranes still dot the horizon there are definitely not as many construction cranes here than when I visited 5 years ago. Five years ago I was told there were more construction cranes in Dubai than in all the U.S.
5. There are more 5 star hotels here with amazingly low prices – Image staying at a 5-star hotel and paying only $200 a night. I estimate there are over 70 5 star hotels here and you can snag them for the price of a Hampton Inn back in the states. On this trip I am staying at The St. Regis, The Palm. Great hotel with great service, great rooms, and great beds. It is elegant and just the right size to not overwhelm you.
6. The tallest building in the world is in Dubai – This amazing skyscraper will take your breath away inside and outside of the building. The Burj Khalifa rises over half a mile into the sky and is one of the top tourist attractions in the world. CLICK HERE to see more. 
7. Off-road sand dune bashing is my favorite – It beats all the rides at Disneyworld. After a few hours of riding the dunes, you will enjoy an amazing dinner in the desert. CLICK HERE to see the fun. 
8. The world’s biggest aquarium is in Dubai – You will be amazed at the sheer size and the amount of fish inside the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. CLICK HERE to see more. 
9. Dubai is a very safe city to travel to – The UAE is one of our (USA) biggest friends in the Middle East. There is zero crime plus the people are as friendly as they come. Everyone speaks English and all signs, menus, and maps include English so not only is it safe it is easy to roam around. I feel completely safe walking the streets at night here ( probably not what you could say when traveling to parts of Chicago, Detroit, and even Omaha right now).
10. The largest billboards in the world are in Dubai – Last night I saw a billboard that was a 1/4 mile long and 8 stories high. They are amazing.
11. (Bonus) You can ski on snow even when it is 120 degrees outside – One building is so big you can ski on snow inside the building. They have a ski lift and everything. Wow! CLICK HERE to see it.

Dubai is a must-see city you should add to your bucket list If Dubai is not on your bucket list – Then secure your spot on one of my favorite tours: Oberammergau – The Passion Play or our World War II tour. Our Passion Play trip to Germany and Austria this June 7-17, includes Munich and the world-famous Hofbräuhaus, Neuschwanstein Castle, a ticket to the once-in-a-lifetime Passion Play performance, Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. CLICK HERE for full details. Our Nebraska National Guard Historical Society journey this July 13-24, takes you on the most emotional trip through France, Belgium, and Luxembourg to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the end of World War II. This tour ends in Paris and will include scholars and academics on military history. CLICK HERE to learn all the details. Call or email our friendly group department today at (402) 858-0033 / GroupDepartment@executivetravel.com. Both tours are limited to 20 travelers.