Travel Guides: All Countries / Middle East / United Arab Emirates
 |  | Destination Guide : United Arab Emirates |
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| | | More than luxury hotels |  | Why go on holiday to UAE?
The United Arab Emirates is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. Best-known is the city of Dubai, which is credited with having taken the concept of luxury hotels to dizzy new heights and for offering fabulous duty-free shopping. But there's so much more. Mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing and Bedouin markets are all crammed into a relatively small area. It's an ideal introduction to the Gulf and makes a superb mini-break and winter sun holiday destination.
How much does it cost?
There are plenty of flashy, ultra-expensive hotels but also lots of late deals. As a rough guide, a five-night break costs around £750, including breakfast and flights. Return flights start from £350.
When should I go?
November-April is warm without being stifling. Temperatures range between 22C/72F and 30C/86F. But sometimes rain in December and January can make getting around a little tricky. During the summer, humidity is high and temperatures reach 40C/104F.
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| | | From dunes to museums | | Where do I start?
Dubai has some great beaches, which stretch for miles. Swimming is enjoyable but beware that sea conditions can become rough. Various water sports are available such as diving and jet skiing. Desert excursions or "wadi bashing" are also popular and range from 4WD adventures to sand skiing.
Anything else to see?
Learn more about the city's history at the Dubai Museum, which occupies the Al-Fahaidi Fort, considered to be the oldest building in Dubai. It features displays on archaeology, Bedouin life, seafaring, weaponry and music. Also check out the viewing gallery on the 37th floor of the World Trade Centre, which is on the outskirts of the city. Not forgetting of course the impressive Jumeirah Mosque.
Are there activities?
Catch an abra or motorised taxi, or take a sail down the Dubai river, for impressive views of the city's modern, glittering skyline. Arrange a camel safari or play golf – although you'll have to be a hotel guest or be invited by a member to tee off on one of the golf courses.
What's to do at night?
Most after-hours entertainment takes place at the hotels but there are plenty of pubs and bars too. However, the prices in town can be steep, with tax and service charges added to the bill. Nightclubs tend to be culturally segregated – Arabic, Western, Filipino or Indian.
Will children like it?
There's plenty of things for kids to do. Head for Magic Planet in Deira City Shopping Mall which boasts 10-pin bowling, electronic games and a mini pitch and putt. There's also Wonderland family water park, Encounter Zone featuring 3D films, a horror chamber and Crystal Maze game and Dubai Zoo housing the Arabian Wolf, which is no longer found in the wild.
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| | | Food and shopping | | What's the food like?
There are no traditional dishes – much of the cuisine borrows flavours from Lebanon or Iran. Pork is firmly off the menu as it's forbidden to eat among Muslims. But there are more than 450 restaurants catering to all tastes, A favourite local drink is tea, with ginger and mint varieties available. During the holy month of Ramadan, which is strictly adhered to in UAE, there is no eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset and most places stop serving alcohol.
What should I buy?
Dubai's duty-free status is a prime attraction. Designer clothes are cheaper than at home. In the souks, spices, incense, rose petals and traditional medicinal products are on sale, alongside hookah pipes called nargilehs. The gold souks sparkle with necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and brooches, with prices among the lowest in the world.
More information
Dubai Department of Tourism, 1st Floor, 125 Pall Mall, London, Sw1Y 5EA. Tel: 020 7839 0581.
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| | Available rental properties in United Arab Emirates |
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