A Look Into The Region

Adorning the cover of this issue is the world's tallest hotel, the Burj Al Arab located on Jumeirah Beach in the city of Dubai, UAE. The 1,053 ft. sail-shaped edifice opened earlier this year and many consider it to be the world's most opulent besides tallest hotel as the 202 suites start at a slow summer season rate of US$750 per night. The name in Arabic for the hotel translates to "Arabian tower" and with a staff of 1,200 to pamper guests, the Burj Al Arab has become an international landmark that symbolizes Dubai's aspirations as a destination dealing in superlatives. Pictured to the left of this dazzling structure is the Jumeirah Beach Hotel attracting visitors with its Wild Wadi Water Park. With a newly renovated airport and an increasing number of tourist attractions, Dubai is starting to lure more and more western visitors to its white-sand beaches, year-round sunshine, and exotic and varied activities ranging from camel riding, dune driving, scuba diving, vibrant nightlife, and professional standard golf courses. In addition, shopping at the numerous new malls and traditional souks feeds the addiction of travelers from the Middle East and the rest of the world.