The city of Dubai is divided into two parts, the old city and the new city. Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) hosted a tour for Sailors embarked on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) of the modern city beginning at the Marina, Dubai's version of New York City, May 15.

The Marina is a man-made inlet in the heart of downtown Dubai, home to many large yachts surrounded by skyscrapers and hotels. Restaurants can be seen in every direction.

"Oil was found off the coast of Dubai in 1966, and in the 47 years following, the city sprung up seemingly out of nowhere from the uninhabited desert," said Alina Shikova, a Dubai tour guide. "Dubai is now a number one tourist destination, not just a desert."

Dubai has more than two-million people living in it, making it the largest city in the United Arab Emirates. Of the two million people living in there, less than 20 percent are locals. The remaining populace come from near and far for work or luxury.

"The Burj Al Arab is rated a five-star hotel, but is considered the only seven-star hotel in the world due to the amenenities and services available during your stay," said Shikova. It is designed to look like a sail and stands beautifully off the coast.

Following the viewing of the Burj Al Arab, the tour group piled back into the van and proceeded to the Palm.

The Palm is a chain of man-made islands created ten years ago, according to Shikova. The interior of the Palm is comprised of luxury apartments that sold out in the first week of availability, while the break surrounding the Palm is full of hotels. The popularity of this island has led to the commissioning of two additional palm tree shaped island chains currently under construction.

The Sailors and tour guide exited the van when it got to the end of the island chain and enjoyed the view of the gulf and the hotel/waterpark Atlantis while taking photos and laughing. From here the tour proceeded to the Mall of Dubai.

Dubai is home to the Mall of Dubai, the largest shopping mall in the world, playing host to over 1,200 stores and covering over 1,000,000 square meters of retail space.

"I can't believe there is a three-story aquarium in the mall," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Sandra Morales. "This city is crazy; it has everything and then some!"

After wondering around the mall and aquarium and a brief lunch stop, the assembled group went outside to view the Burj Khalifa. Just outside of the Mall of Dubai stands the Burj Khalifa. Rising to a towering 828 meters, it is the tallest tower in the world.

In a mere 47 years, Dubai has grown from almost nothing to one of the richest cities in the world. With construction constantly going on in all of the city and no signs of slowing down, it seems that this city in the Middle East will continue to prosper and play host to many of the world's superlatives.

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) is currently deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

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