Hi, Sunil here to talk about how Dubai tourism has grown and where it is headed

There is no question that tourism in Dubai has been soaring in the past couple decades (more so post 2000). It was in 1966, shortly after the discovery of oil that Dubai, which was previously nothing more than a small Arabic fishing and trading port, that it started its rapid development.

It was actually the late Ruler, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum who decided that he wanted to use the founding of oil to turn Dubai into one of the greatest places in the world, not only to live but to visit as well. And he most certainly did that.

Dubai tourism has soared and it isn’t even close to being done yet. Dubai wants to make sure that it is the number one tourist destination in the entire world, and they are well on their way to accomplishing that goal (if not already there yet).

Until recently most people have never even heard of Dubai much less planned a vacation there. But now it is the future of one of the tallest skyscrapers, it has the largest man made island in the world, and it did the unbelievable by bringing the largest indoor ski slope to its desert oasis (all as of 2007).

I guess they figured that if they built a 400 meter ski slope they could entice even the cold weather lovers there. Plus, once you add in all of the sightseeing in Dubai that you can do, what is not to love about this place?

Over the past 50 to 60 years tourism in Dubai has exploded and it is just getting larger by the day. The evolution seems to be pretty seamless and that is how they want it to look. They want it to look like buildings just go up in a few days and that every time you visit there is going to be something new and better than before.

To be honest, that is exactly what happens. The development in Dubai has taken shape in the form of the tallest skyscraper in the world, shopping malls galore, and luxury hotels including the only 7 star hotel in the world. On top of that you have the largest amusement park in the world which is currently being built (as of 2007), not to mention the best indoor ski resort in the world.

There are more projects that are slated to begin or have already begun and they just seem to be more over the top than the previous ones. Just imagine the revolving 80 story tower that is scheduled to launch in 2010! But when put all together it makes Dubai one of the most modern and metropolitan places in the world to visit.

Dubai tourism offers a fusion of Middle Eastern culture and modern day visions that attract people from all over the globe. People don’t just want to visit there either; they want to live there.

In fact, tourist’s visits are set to rise from a mere 1.8 million per year to a whopping 7.9 million in just another 20 years. As you can see Dubai tourism makes it what it is today and from the looks of it, it will just keep getting bigger and better.

Consider reading the Dubai Secrets guide to Dubai tourism if you are planning to head out to Dubai. It's quite practical as it is compiled by frequent Dubai travellers.