Atlantis rediscovered in Dubai

The lavish Atlantis Hotel, Dubai. Picture: Emmelyn Wu

Emmelyn Wu was a Young Travel Writer competition winner in 2013, coming on assignment to the Kimberley. Here she turns her new skills to capturing a visit to Dubai.

Some people believe that, in the past, there existed a peaceful island nation populated by a powerful and noble race. This place was a centre for trade and commerce, and the abundance of natural resources on their land had blessed them with great wealth. However, one night, the island suddenly disappeared beneath the sea after a series of earthquakes and floods.
This was the island of Atlantis.
Unfortunately, this supposedly lost ancient civilisation cannot be visited today. But not all hope is lost. Imagine a place with endless views of ocean, markets filled with gold, luxurious artwork, paintings and jewellery, majestic buildings that dominate the city centre, a thriving economy, a busy port and ample reserves of the earth's goodness.
Yes, this place does exist, and it is definitely more accessible than an island buried beneath the depths of the sea. In fact, last year, it was the seventh-most-visited city in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the city of Dubai.