PHOTOS: Once upon a time, in the year 2005, Michael Jackson quietly visited Dubai!

For a week in August of 2005, the then 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson spent his time relaxing in Dubai while taking in the sights, even making time to sign autographs for fans.

After being in Bahrain for a couple of months as the guest of the royal family, Jackson arrived in Dubai and was welcomed by Emirati rally champion Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Images of the visit show Jackson in a blue shirt with his signature fedora being shown around the city by Ben Sulayem. 

During his time in Dubai, Jackson toured the still under-construction Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands, as well as the Burj Al Arab. 

He was accompanied by his entourage on these visits and was said to have been interested in buying property. Jackson was also taken to the now-closed Hard Rock Cafe and, according to news reports of the day, enjoyed a plate of Buffalo wings and happily signed autographs for the staff. 

During a stand-up show in Abu Dhabi this year, comedian Chris Tucker, a close friend of Jackson, mentioned that he was in the city during the singer's visit, and that they went to Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates together.

Culled From The National News.