Travel Guides: All Countries / Middle East / United Arab Emirates / Dubai
 |  | Destination Guide : Dubai |
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| | | Arabian nights |  | Why go on holiday to Dubai?
To dabble with Arabian flavours and culture in a safe, non-challenging environment with very few hassles. The long beautiful beaches are also great for a winter sun break to help you turn off from the stresses and strains.
The city is fairly modern due to an ever-changing skyline of new towers and buildings. However, the buildings are splashed with Arabian motifs which help keep tradition running through the city.
Having said that, there's no place quite like it in the Gulf. It has the best nightlife and is mall heaven for the avid shopper.
How much does it cost?
There are plenty of flashy hotels but also lots of late deals. As a rough guide, five nights including breakfast and flights will cost around £750. Return flights can cost from £350 for an adult fare. Flights depart from Manchester and most of London's international airports.
When should I go?
During November to April the weather is warm without being overwhelming (at around 22-30C/72-86F). During the summer air conditioning becomes a way of life as the humidity is high and temperatures reach 40C (104F).
Ramadan (starting October 4 this year) can cause problems as shops and restaurants are generally closed until dusk and hotels can be full too.
Rainfall is non-existent between May and October, and infrequent for much of the rest of the year - though the weather has been known to turn grotty in December and January, which can make getting around awkward.
*Feeling inspired? Book a break to Dubai.
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| | | Desert dunes |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Take in the city's history at the Dubai Museum. Occupying the Al-Fahaidi Fort, thought to be the oldest building in Dubai, it now contains displays on local history and archaeology, Bedouin life, seafaring, weaponry, music and Emirati dances.
Don't miss the multimedia presentation on the city either. For a more up-to-date display of the city, go 4km (2½ miles) south to the viewing gallery on the 37th floor of the World Trade Centre.
Any other fascinating buildings?
The best way to see the rest of the city's buildings and skyscrapers is to catch a trip on an abra - a motorised taxi, or take a sail down the Dubai river. The scene can be impressive; the tall buildings glitter and their image is reflected in the waves.
Is the beach worth visiting?
Dubai has some fabulous beaches and long sandy dunes which stretch for miles. Swimming in the Gulf can be enjoyable, although the sea can get rough. But most hotels have swimming pools.
You could always opt for the dunes. Dubai is increasingly popular for its action holidays. Desert activities range from 4X4 adventure drives to sand skiing, camel rides and desert safaris.
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| | | Shopaholic's dream | | Where's good for nightlife?
Your best bet is to pick up a What's On magazine which gives a complete rundown of entertainment in the city. Most after-hours entertainment is at the hotels - cue the ol' poolside pianist.
Non-Muslims and even the Gulf Arabs like to enjoy a pint so there are plenty of pubs and bars. However, the prices are steep in town with tax and service charges lumped on top. Nightclubs are culturally segregated - Arabic, Western, Filipino or Indian.
What's the food like?
A favourite local drink is tea. This is said to be due to years of influence from British colonialists and proximity to the Indian sub-continent. Try the ginger, made with the root, and mint varieties.
Otherwise, there is no traditional cuisine in Dubai. Most dishes have borrowed flavours from Lebanon or Iran. One thing though, there's no pork - Muslims don't eat it.
What should I buy?
Oh boy, can you shop! Dubai is famous for its duty-free status. What you can buy is not dissimilar to things at home but they are cheaper. Shops are westernised and have all the major designer labels.
In the souks, bags of spices, incense, rose petals and traditional medicinal products are displayed outside each stall. Along the slightly larger lanes of the gold souk, you will see gold-filled windows... necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and brooches.
Gold prices are among the lowest in the world. In smaller streets, you can find nargilehs (hookah or hubble-bubble pipes) and coffee pots, and nearby tea stalls where both of these items are used daily.
What is there for children to do?
In the giant Deira City shopping mall is Magic Planet. There's 10-pin bowling, a crawling bungle-jungle, variety of electronic games and a mini pitch and putt. Or take the children to Wonderland, a family water park.
But if you prefer indoor entertainment, go to the Encounter Zone - there's a Crystal Maze, horror chamber and fascinating 3-D films. Here the kids can use up their adrenalin on rides such as the Komet.
Also on the list is the zoo - the Arabian wolf, which is no longer found in the wild, is a must-see.
Tourist office
Dubai Department of Tourism, 1st Floor, 125 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5EA. Tel. 020 7839 0581.
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| | Available rental properties in Dubai |
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| |  | | MARINA DIAMOND 1 - 1 Bedroom Apartment
A deluxe 1 bedroom apartment fully serviced and equipped by MSG. Featuring a communal swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room and play area.
|  | | MARINA DIAMOND 1 - 2 Bedroom Apartment
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|  | | MARINA DIAMOND 1 - 2 Bedroom Apartment
A DELUXE 2 bedroom apartment fully serviced and equipped by MSG. A communal swimming pool, gym, and seperate sauna and steam rooms.
|  | | MARINA DIAMOND 1 - Studio Apartment
A DELUXE studio apartment fully serviced and equipped by MSG. Featuring a communal swimming pool, gym and play area.
|  | | MARINA DIAMOND 1 - 2 Bedroom Apartment
A DELUXE 2 bedroom apartment fully serviced and equipped by MSG. A communal swimming pool, gym, seperate sauna, steam rooms and play area.
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