Peter Greenberg TODAY Travel Editor • Profile • E-mail

Day four: Dubai
Dubai, probably more than any other destination, represents a country with an unlimited budget for growth that has somehow managed to exceed it! Having been to Dubai numerous times, I can only conclude that the government there — and the ruling family — has decided that nothing succeeds like excess.

It also represents a unique transformation in the Persian Gulf, a petro-dollar rich location that thought beyond oil to a time when its economy could no longer be fueled by its oil reserves, and decided to invest instead in travel and tourism — and is now acting on that vision.

And Dubai is still growing. So much so that current estimates — hard to verify — claim that there are more heavy building cranes in Dubai than anywhere else in the world.

Just about every foreign airline flies to Dubai, where the expatriate community is also growing, almost exponentially.

Some would describe the place as Las Vegas without the casinos, and they might just be right. Hotels are architectural icons, and there are huge luxury developments, engineering projects and condominia-mania — buildings are sold out before ground is broken.

Want to go snow skiing in the desert? No problem. A gigantic water park? Done. And a massive airport that works.

In this part of the world, ego rules, and it's all about experiential one-upsmanship. Even the country's airline — Emirates — is part of the over-the-top approach to everything. Its first class service is really first class. Passengers sit in extra-wide seats inside their own louvered-door pods. Inside, each passenger gets his/her own large flatscreen TV with 500 channels of on-demand programming, and their own minibar and makeup lighting. And, when passengers want to eat, they just pick up their phone and call “room service.”

Emirates also offers nonstop service to New York's JFK airport. Dubai has also positioned itself as a major regional hub destination. Dubai International Airport serves 107 unique destinations with 317 direct flights, with more being added.

But the tickets on Emirates can be pricey. A coach ticket from JFK to Dubai averages $1187. So smart travelers buy something called a RTW (round the world) ticket instead, offering them countless destination combinations on multiple carriers — but on one round-the-world ticket —with a stop, of course, in Dubai along the way. Costs for a RTW ticket (one place to check: Airtreks.com) can be as low as $1800, but as long as you continue to fly in the same direction and complete your journey within six months, it's a great bargain, plus you get mileage — enough on one RTW ticket to create another round-trip ticket!

Day 4: Dubai TODAY Day 4: Where in the World is Matt Lauer? May 3: Matt reveals his Day 4 location, the city of Dubai. Matt checks out Dubai Matt enjoys the life of luxury in Dubai Natalie skis the slopes in the desert Kids learn lessons from Matt Burgeoning construction in Dubai Dubai: The movie Fast fun in Dubai's sand dunes Tastes of Dubai Tourists in Dubai love Natalie and Matt More gifts and a clue for Day 5 Matt practices his swing in Dubai Matt and Natalie say goodbye to Dubai Day 4 video blog: Dubai's sand and snow Travel tips for your own Dubai trip

Hotels
Want to stay at the Burj Al-Arab, where Matt hit golf balls from the helipad? Bring your wallet. Rooms there (actually duplex suites) run about $4,000 a night. Even if you don't stay there and want to just tour the hotel, it will set you back $70. (www.burj-al-arab.com/)

Affordable hotels in Dubai? There are a few. The key seems to be to stick closer to the airport. To get downtown, your only option is to take a taxi, although there is a free shuttle bus to the Deira City Centre.

Le Meridien Dubai, close to the airport, is surrounded by 38 acres of gardens, noted for beautiful grounds and excellent service. Note that the property is currently being renovated, so make sure to ask for rooms away from any construction noises. There are 383 rooms, a spa, health club and pool, and 15 restaurants and bars in the main hotel and Meridien Village. Rates are about $200-$335 a night. (www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/index.html)

Al Bustan Rotana Hotel is also close the airport, and combines traditional Arabic style with modern conveniences. It’s a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, with 275 rooms, some of which are poolside. The third floor club rooms include a separate breakfast area, afternoon tea and cocktails. There are seven restaurants, including the famous Blue Elephant, which is supposed to serve the best Thai food in all of Dubai, and all-American Rodeo Grill. Contact Chief Concierge Shiva Kumar 971-4-282-0000 to book tours, dining reservations, etc.
(http://www.albustanrotanahoteldubai.com/)

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