Glittery, glitzy, and glam, Dubai is certainly an attention-seeker. This Middle Eastern metropolis was barely on the international radar a decade ago. Now, it's one of the hottest destinations on the planet.

Dubai is an engineering playground of modern marvels and manmade meccas. Its rise in global prominence is astounding and its allure remains as strong as ever.

Dubai's flamboyant hotels, dazzling shopping malls and towering skyscrapers attest to its bold vision of the future. Materialistic to the bone, the city coined the term shopping festival - an annual event with the sole purpose of getting people to travel to Dubai and spend money.

Ostentatious as it may be, at its heart, Dubai remains what it's always been: a traditional Islamic town.

Here's a look from above at the town's rapid rise from the desert sands.

Dubai Rising
An aerial view of the Burj Al Arab hotel is seen in Dubai January 7, 2012. REUTERS
Dubai Rising
A development is seen on one of the islands of The World Islands project in Dubai January 7, 2012. The World Islands is located approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) off the coast of Jumeirah. The collection of man-made islands are shaped into the continents of the world, and will consist of 300 small private artificial islands divided into four categories - private homes, estate homes, dream resorts, and community islands, according to the development company Nakheel Properties Group. REUTERS
Dubai Rising
An aerial shot of the Al Farooq Omar Ibn Al Khattab Mosque, inspired by Istanbul's Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque), is seen in Dubai January 7, 2012. REUTERS
7. Dubai
An aerial view of The Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis hotel in Dubai January 7, 2012. REUTERS
Dubai Rising
The skyline of the Sheikh Zayed highway is seen with high rise towers in Dubai January 7, 2012. REUTERS
Dubai Rising
Mohammed bin Rashid City, Dubai's latest idea, includes plans for the largest mall in the world, 100 hotels and a Universal Studios entertainment center. Reuters
Dubai Rising
An aerial view of The World Island in Dubai October 25, 2010. REUTERS
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