Except for the adventurers, most international travelers have intentionally avoided the Middle East. It may be time to reconsider those stereotypes and consider a trip to Dubai for its beaches and winter skiing.

On August 15, 2007, Halliburton Corporation, formerly headed by Vice President Dick Cheney, announced plans to move its headquarters to Dubai (pronounced Do Bay). No big deal since Halliburton does a great deal of business in the Middle East.

The real news is that Halliburton's chairman, President and CEO are also being transferred there as well. Far from hazardous duty, the lifestyles of these top executives will probably be enhanced.

Dubai is the exact opposite of what we think of when we envision the Middle East. No bombings, no terrorists and a populace and government that are into business and tourism. So if you want to do business in the Middle East like Halliburton and have all of the comforts of home, then Dubai should be considered.

Where is Dubai?
Dubai is a clean, cosmopolitan city that is known in some quarters as the "Singapore of the Middle East." It's a part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and sits on the Persian Gulf, just a short hop from Iran.
Don't worry though, the Iranians who come to Dubai are tourists or are on business. They have left their politics at home.

Of course the UAE has large oil and natural gas reserves. However, tourism is the 2nd largest industry and growing by leaps and bounds. It also has the amenities found in the best vacation spots and world class accommodations. It's where rich and middle class folks from the Middle East, Europe and incidentally the US Navy go for a bit of rest and relaxation.

Dubai or Dubai City, with its soaring skyscrapers, wide, clean and busy highways, and shops offers a bewildering array of luxuries at excellent prices. There's plenty to do there too---- golf, restaurants, hotels, nightlife and discos, licensed bars, beautiful men and women, gorgeous beaches, and a historic atmosphere.

Winter temperatures are in the mid 70s while it can get hot during the summer. For those who want to get away from the heat or are looking for a cold weather vacation, then look into a totally enclosed ski village called, you guessed it, Ski Dubai.

But isn't this an Islamic country?

Yes it is. You're not going to be able to stroll through the bazaar your bikini or go bare-chested, but you can do so in the designated hotel beaches and drink, dance and play to the early morning hours in licensed bars, discos and establishments if you are so inclined. Just remember to respect the local customs and you will be fine.

A business destination and retreat
Dubai is also a serious business destination. While the common language is Arabic, the business language is English. Many UAE citizens are western educated in some of the best universities in the United States. You'll have no problem doing business here.

The UAE government has established numerous free zones. These free zones treat foreign firms as if they are offshore and allow total foreign ownership. One can find high tech, agricultural commodities, and industrial equipment here. Goods are processed" here and shipped throughout the Middle East.

It seems like Dubai has a New York attitude, i.e. "we don't care who you are or what you believe in as long as you and I can make money." [legally of course]. That's probably an overstatement, but many people swear that if you are going to do business in the Middle East, then Dubai is a great place to get started. It's also a great place to relax if you are working in the region and need a break.

Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum aka "the boss" lured major Western companies to the Dubai by creating free enterprise zones such as Internet City and Media City, where CNN, the BBC and Reuters all have offices. He pushed development of the world's only seven-star Burj al-Arab Hotel , a 1,050-foot-tall coastal icon, in the shape of a billowing sail.

What are people saying about Dubai?
Two friends of mine went to Dubai for an e-government conference several years ago. They loved it and always recounted with amusement their desert safari and the mood of the place--- skyscrapers and romantic dhows on the city's canals. Katie liked the western educated UAE citizens wearing white flowing robes, etc.

Here are some quotes from Yahoo Travelers who have been there:

"Leaves you breathless"
By A Yahoo! User from New York City

"One of the best places in the world!"
By Jen from San Francisco, CA

"WOW!!!!!"
By Mona from Vancouver, Canada

"I'm planning another visit!!"
By Kambiz from Sweden

"Missing Dubai"
By Ben from Denver, Co

Getting there- how much and how long
I found a two week air-hotel package in April 2007 that would cost two adults $5,073 (air taxes included). That's 12 nights double occupancy at a 4 star hotel (Metropolitan Hotel Deira) with non-stop flight via Emirates Air from New York's JFK airport to Dubai. It's a 12 hour flight to Dubai thanks to the Jet Stream and 15 hours returning. British Air and Aeroflot also fly there.

The United Arab Emirates has liberal visa requirements for citizens of 33 countries. No visa is required if you're a US citizen. Check with your travel agent or call the UAE embassy near you. Here's help getting that US Passport.