Dubai (UAE)

A holiday to Dubai has something for everyone. Dubai is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting holiday destinations in the world and is now more accessible than ever. Dubai has great all year round weather and has some of the most spectacular, modern hotels in the world such as the striking Burj al Arab, the magnificently positioned Jumeirah Beach and the unique One and Only Mirage. The shopping paradise of Dubai is legendary with a mixture of huge malls with designer stores, traditional markets, the narrow lanes of the Souks and designer boutique shops. The Dubai mall is the largest shopping centre in the world. There are activities of all kinds to suit all tastes and it is little wonder that Dubai is known as the "Pearl of the Arabian Gulf".

Although most holiday makers associate Dubai with the outstanding modern architecture of its hotels and the recent explosive growth, it has been an important area in the Arabian Gulf for over 200 years. The Museum of History is housed in a 150 year old fort. The Bastakia district of the City has numerous old wind towers and ancient mud-walled houses. The Al Fahdidi fort is almost 200 years old and houses the palace of the Sheikh. For the best example of old Dubai, head down to the Souk and barter for Gold or Spice with the local merchants.

Dubai is split by the creek with the beautiful white sands of Jumeirah Beach on one side, lined with impressive modern four and five star hotels in Bur Dubai, and the city district of Deira on the other. The choice of hotels is huge, ranging from high quality affordable three and four star city hotels in Dubai City to the grandiose exclusive 5 star hotels around Jumeirah beach and the unique Palm, sweeping out into the Arabian Gulf.

Relaxation in Dubai is a must, particularly with the soaring all year round temperatures and the white sands of Jumeirah Beach. Great value shopping in Dubai is even better if you hit one of the festivals that run from December through to February each year. Traditional activities are also well worth a try, particularly a four wheel drive across the sand dunes and an overnight stay in an Arabian tent. Sports are also a huge draw in Dubai. The Dubai World Cup is the richest horse race in the world and a number of world championship golf courses have been crafted in the desert. For a fun family day out head over to the Wild Wadi Water Park. You can even Ski in Dubai, with the world's largest indoor ski slope! Or why not try a traditional Dhow cruise in the creek and see Dubai from a whole different perspective. Whether you just crave the sun or want to take advantage of the great value shopping or for a great family holidays or whether you have something more adventurous in mind, a holiday to Dubai has something for everyone.