Dubai was once only centered at Dubai Creek until its development steadily crept southwards toward Abu Dhabi. Part of this included the building of infrastructures that made an impact on global architectural standards and now define modern Dubai. Burj Dubai is not complete to date, yet is already touted as the tallest building in the world. It is set to exceed 800 meters by 2009. And, there is the Burj al-Arab Hotel, the only seven-star hotel in the world, where gold is the standard and prices are steep, even by Western hospitality standards.

Old Dubai remains intact with the cultural mainstays of the city. The Dubai Museum, for one, showcases traditional Middle Eastern reed houses and other mementos. The tour begins at the al-Fahidi fort, where the houses are, down to the high-technology extension built under the fort. The Bastakiya District is another old Dubai destination, one of the few remaining communities where traditional style homes remain the norm.

American travelers to Dubai need a valid passport. Other nationalities may be required to get a valid visa. The city is generally safe, although Americans are advised to be aware of their surroundings. Threats to US citizens are concerns in the Middle Eastern countries. Other than this, there are no other hassles commonly experienced by avid travelers. They would just need to remain conscious of their actions. Even when the city is known to be less strict when it comes to social behavior, some restraint and common decency should still be practiced.