A trip to Dubai transports you on a journey through time. Archaeological discoveries suggest that, as long as four thousand years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai. It is also believed that the natural sheltered harbour afforded by the Dubai Creek was a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

In recent years, archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of artifacts, including pottery, weapons and coinage, that point to civilised settlements dating back to the third millennium B.C.

These historic finds have been carefully preserved and are now permanently housed in the Archaeological Section of Dubai Museum. Modern Dubai, however, traces its origins to the 1830s. At that time, the small fishing village on the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was settled by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.

By the late 1870s, Dubai was often referred to as the principal port on the Gulf coast and, by the turn of the century, was reputed to have had the largest souks in Arabia. Pearling, which was the mainstay of the city’s prosperity for many years, succumbed to the development of the cultured pearl in the 1940s.

But Dubai’s enterprising merchants bounced back, developing a thriving trade in gold and other commodities. Much of this history is carefully preserved in myriad forts, mosques, palaces and other historic monuments, which are on the itineraries of many organised tours.

Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islam, providing a strength and inspiration that touches all aspects of everyday life. Virtually every neighborhood has its own mosque, where the faithful congregate for prayer five times every day. One of the largest and most beautiful - Jumeirah Mosque - is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. Built of stone in medieval Fatimid style, the mosque is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into sharp relief.

Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Holy Koran, is the Holy Month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to dusk. Courtesy and hospitality are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people.

The Arab national dress worn in Dubai is well adapted to the high temperatures of the region. The white ankle- length, loose-fitting garment worn by men is known as the kandoura or dishdasha. The head is covered for protection from sand and the midday sun.

Women wear a long-sleeved, full-length dress, also called a kandoura, which is embroidered in gold, silver or coloured thread and covered entirely by a black abayah. The hair is covered by a shayla, a thin black veil.

Like women everywhere, the women of Dubai too have a fondness for jewellery and have customarily adorned themselves with gold and silver necklaces, forehead decorations, earrings, bracelets, anklets, and rings for fingers, noses and even toes. Henna - a reddish dye obtained from powdered leaves - is widely used to stain the palms and soles of the feet for weddings and other special occasions.

Life in Dubai was harsh in the old days. Nomadic Bedouin with their camel herds roamed the desert. Sheep and goat herders eked out a living on the arid mountainsides. And cultivators carefully tended date palms wherever a trace of water could be found. Along the coast, traditional occupations included dhow building, fishing and pearl diving, the latter a major factor in Dubai’s rise to prominence as a trading centre.

Among the many traditional pastimes still practised, is the sport of falconry, a unique partnership between man and bird. The ancient sport of camel racing also attracts a sizeable following and substantial purses for the champions.

Throughout history, the Arab has maintained a great love of horses. This tradition lives on in the rapid growth and development of horse racing in Dubai, and visitors are welcome to attend race meetings that take place throughout the cooler months.