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Some 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Maktoum Family, settled at the mouth of the creek in 1833. The creek was a natural harbor and Dubai soon became a center for the fishing, pearling and sea trade.

By the turn of the 20th century Dubai was a successful port. The souk (Arabic for market) on the Deira side of the creek was the largest on the coast with 350 shops and a steady throng of visitors and businessmen. By the 1930s Dubai's population was nearly 20,000, a quarter of who were expatriates.

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The emirate of Sharjah is the third largest of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The city of Sharjah acts as the seat of government for the whole emirate of Sharjah and is also the third most populous city in the UAE after Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The city is situated on the west coast of the UAE. However the emirate of Sharjah has territory on both coasts. The city is spread over an area of 235 km² and the population is approximately 800,000 (as of 2008).

Sharjah city is famous for the vehicle market which is claimed to be the biggest in the Middle East region. The emirate of Sharjah is the only emirate in which the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol is banned. In 1998, Sharjah was awarded the cultural capital of the Arab world by the UNESCO for its commitment to art, culture and preserving its heritage.

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The emirate hosts the United Arab Emirates’ capital – Abu Dhabi city. This island capital is characterised by its signature Corniche, which fronts the amazing turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. You can stroll, cycle, roller-blade or drive the Corniche for a journey to the tip where the majestic Emirates Palace – one of the world’s most opulent hotels sits on 1.3 kilometres of pristine beach.

In Abu Dhabi city you’ll find all the conveniences of 21st century capital living and with some surprising additions. Don’t forget to take a complimentary guided tour of the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest – and you can book into one of its many beach resorts. Fine dining abounds, as do opportunities for more affordable fare in numerous city centre outlets. Shopping is as diverse as the emirate – there’s everything from marble-clad malls with haute couture brands to a textile souk (market) tucked away behind the main Hamdan Centre and a carpet souk at the Mina (Port).