Treating a visitor like a VIP, does not actually transform that visitor into a VIP. Luxuries and complements do not make a visitor spend money like a millionaire. Indeed something as far fetched as wholesale spending cannot even be imagined, or expected. Yet this is what happens daily in Dubai: the city of humongous shopping malls, flamboyant hotels, dizzying restaurants and exotic experience. The city which single handedly invented the concept of 'shopping festival' (Dubai Shopping Festival, or DSF) and exalted spending. Everything is possible.

The idea to transform Dubai into a futuristic metropolis came from Sheikh Mohammed, a leader who did not understand the word 'no'. The Sheikh, supported by an able body of advisors and experts made Dubia what it is today – the envy of the world: a modern day masterpiece of engineering, infrastructure, and commerce.

Yet beneath this modern exterior lies the soft heart of the city. Even today the Emiraties take delight in their primitive song, dance and traditions. They take their time to watch the Dhows (traditional wooden boat) come in and go out of the city harbour. They walk the calm streets of the restored Bastakia, Karama and Satwa areas, or sit in their favourite roadside tea shop for a smoke and Sheesha. It is a far removed existence from the hustle and bustle of 5-Star hotels and the noisy traffic rush on the central roads. Whatever your preferences, this city is a fascinating experience, a city like no other in the world.