Dubai

Dubai has multiple waterholes and gorges which dot the base of the Western Al Hajar Mountains. Most of southern Dubai is covered in a vast sea of sand dunes which eventually lead to the desert known as “The Empty Quarter. Dubai is certainly the best known among the Emirates - today, it is a world-famous tourist landmark, attracting throngs of visitors on annual basis, and continues to expand. Its popularity as a holiday destination has surged in recent years, a testament to the success of the vision of the local government, who have invested heavily in turning Dubai into the tourist paradise it is today. Dubai benefits from a favourable climate, with a temperature that rarely falls below 15 C (59 F). While summers can be hot and dry, with an average high of 40 C (104 F), winters are warm, with an average high of 23 C (73 F). Allied with pristine and well-maintained beaches, the weather and natural environment is reason enough to visit. However, it is arguably Dubai's man-made constructs which inspire most excitement. Dubai continues to challenge architectural convention, and has recently completed the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at an astonishing 828 metres. Other examples of pioneering developments including the Palm Islands, which are three major commercial and residential infrastructures in the shape of palm trees. The islands will consist of 100 luxury hotels, exclusive residential beach villas, apartments, marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, hopping malls, sports facilities and health spas; they are eagerly anticipated. Accommodation in Dubai is vast, with a number of luxury hotels dotted all around Dubai and with all the major hotel chains represented. Hotels in Dubai are not like any other in the world. The 7 star Atlantis, The Palm is a world famous luxury resort modelled after the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in Nassau. Dubai resorts are far from scarce; with resorts such as the five stars Desert Palm Dubai which is a resort nestled amongst palm trees with beautiful guest suites and poolside villas. If you’re looking for something more authentic from your holiday in Dubai, the One & Only Royal Mirage is an attractive resort with a very Middle Eastern atmosphere, this Dubai hotel is beautifully landscaped and has a one kilometre long private beach lining the Arab Gulf. Of all the Dubai hotels the Dar Al Masyaf Madinat Jumeirah which is a magnificent tribute to Dubai heritage.

Also known as “The Arabian Resort of Dubai,” the Madinat Jumeriah located in the heart of fashionable Jumeriah and combines the height of affluence with an overwhelming sense of tradition. As well as top seven star hotels, Dubai offers more affordable fully furnished apartments if you are looking for something more personal. For the discerning shopper looking for a Dubai deal, Dubai is heaven on earth. Known as the “shopping capital of the Middle East", it is home to the world’s largest shopping mall, the “Dubai Mall". This is the crowning glory in a group of around 70 fully air-conditioned malls in Dubai, which attract visitors from all around. Dubai is also known as the “City of Gold”; the Gold Souq, located in Deira, has up to 250 dedicated gold retail shops. The younger generations are not short of amusement on their Dubai holidays either; there are a number of theme parks located all across Dubai; notable examples include the famous Wild Wadi Water Park, located on Jumeriah Beach Road, and the world's largest indoor skiing arena, SkiDubai, which proves that with a little innovation, its possible to bring an authentic artic winter ski experience to hot, sunny Dubai. International and Arabic food is available everywhere when you’re on a Dubai holiday from small diners to hotels. All the major fast food franchises are present in Dubai and from American to Chinese to Indian; Dubai caters to everyone’s needs. Blue Elephant is regarded as one of Dubai’s finest Thai restaurants. The decor makes you feel as if you are not in Dubai but in a quaint South Eastern village. A chance to sample the local cuisine, Al Qasr with its authentic Arabian style architecture and décor and the chance to dine al fresco, beside the restaurant or in a lovely garden this Lebanese restaurant is the traditional experience. Shakespeare & Co is the long anticipated upscale coffee shop recently opened on the Sheikh Zayed Road, with a cosy continental atmosphere and contemporary furniture makes you feel like you’re in a coffee shop in London. With large investment pumped into transport, Dubai has become an accessible city, with multi-lane motorways, a bus service with 140 routes and an extensive taxi system (which in Dubai is the most frequent used means of transport). The Dubai Metro is a state of the art, fully automated metro network running throughout the city. It runs both over ground and underground, and has carried 10 million passengers since opening in September 2009. For international visitors, Dubai is a well-connected travel hub, with many travel options and direct routes available from most of the world's major cities. Its outstanding airport has a constant flow of inbound/outbound flights to meet your needs. Dubai International Airport is the hub for the Emirates Airline which is the national airline of Dubai, one of the top busiest airports in the world and serving 101 destinations in 61 countries across six continents making Dubai very accessible from anywhere in the world. With visitors flocking to Dubai all year round all inclusive cheap holidays to Dubai and even Dubai package holidays are available which can be tailored to meet your needs, even if you haven’t booked in advance and are still looking for that Dubai late deal. Dubai is a city that has taken giant strides in the past few years. On a holiday in Dubai you will discover a unique mix of old and new extremes; a modern, ever-expanding metropolis which is home to an indigenous culture steeped in history and long-observed traditions. It is a truly mesmerising blend of history and modernity, sure to captivate any traveller.