Dubai

DUBAI is a holiday destination unlike anywhere else in the world. While some people find its opulent hotels, astonishing innovations and displays of incredible wealth a little overbearing, many more are awed into respect. Dubai started life as a simple fishing villiage, specialising in pearls, little more than a century ago. But when oil was discovered, the money was invested wisely, transfroming it into a gleaming citadel dubbed the 'the Hong Kong of the Middle East'. Whether it’s a mini break destination, (Dubai is perfect for five days) or a stopover on route to Mauritius or the Seychelles, for a beach holiday, Dubai is the perfect holiday destination.



Exotic palm trees line an abundance of manmade islands that scatter along the coastline. A playground to the super-rich, Dubai also boasts snow domes, indoor ski slopes and the new £2 billion Sports City featuring a Manchester United soccer school. In Dubai there is something for everyone. 'Dubailand' is guaranteed to appeal to children, an entertainment complex that upon completion will be twice the size of all of the Disney theme parks put together.

With completion just under two years away, upcoming attractions will include a Formula One theme park, Jurassic Park style dinosaur recreations, and a life size replica of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Tourism is a signifcant market in Dubai and this shows in its luxurious hotels, which are unfailingly first class. Spas are another burgeoning part of the leisure industry, with upmarket brands present everywhere, from La Prairie to Elemis.

Rugby is big in Dubai, as is Golf - with courses designed by stars including Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie. What the United Arab Emirates lacks in authentic Arab culture (which is largely confined to the souks and the museums) and the achient ruins of, say, Tunisia or Egypt, it more than makes up for in sheer opulance. It’s impossible not to gaze up to its many modern developments rising up from the desert without a sense of awe. A holiday in Dubai is a unique experience, with its over-the-top grandeur - it can’t fail to impress.

SHOPPING
This booming Middle Eastern city resort has a wonderful winter-sun climate. From November to March, you can expect daytime temperatures in the mid to high 20s Centigrade, sunny skies and just the occasional scattering of rain – making Dubai the perfect Christmas shopping destination.

While Dubai is not the place for an authentic Western Christmas with carol singers, nativity scenes or mulled wine and mince pies, this Islamic state does what it can to make Westerners feel festive and enjoy our Yuletide tradition. Bing Crosby’s White Christmas fills the air and sumptiously decorated trees lure tourists into the malls. And you'll find a treasure trove of bargains to cram into your suitcase.

The great news is that you can justify your sunshine break by the money you will be saving. With no VAT to pay, all goods are at 17.5 per cent cheaper than in the UK.

SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP – WHERE TO GO
Retail therapy is the buzzword in Dubai. Gold, spices, electrical goods, perfume, designer goods, are just some of the quality products on offer. And with tax-free and low import duties that means bargain prices. Below, we provide a list of Dubai’s brightest and best shopping expereinces:

Wafi City
This mall specialises in designer goods, ranging from ladies fashion and leather goods to men's luxury silk ties Wafi translated means 'to satisfy everything you want' and this sophisticated shopping mall doesn’t disappoint. Rising from the ground like an ancient Egyptian pyramid, it is crammed full with stores selling luxury brands such as Chanel, Calvin Klein and Versace. A trip to Wafi City (visit www.waficity.com) will definitely save you money if you normally do your Christmas shopping in London’s Bond Street.

Deira City Centre
This is definitely the place for electronic goods, clothes and home furnishings A no-nonsense mall boasting famous stores such as Debenhams and Ikea, it is certainly a mecca for bargain-hunter's. For more details visit the website www. deiracity centre.com.

Gold Souk
A veritable aladin’s cave of gold and platinum necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and watches A canopied market with more than 300 stores, each selling a glittering abundance of goods from chunky bracelets and necklaces to intricate earrings and bangles. Much of the gold is 18 or 21 carat, and weight rather than craftsmanship determines prices.

Ibn Battuta
Shop until you drop at this one stop shopping heaven, the biggest themed mall in the world and the third-largest outside the USA. This vast shopping arrea is a 30 minute drive from the city centre.

Divided into six themed areas, there is something here for everyone. India Court houses designer fashion boutiques, whereas Persia Court is similar to Deira City Centre with its home furnishings stores. Andalusia Court has banks, dry cleaners and key-cutting shops, while dinner is served in Tunisia Court - and 21 films screened at a multiplex in China Court.

Souk Madinat, Jumeirah
A wonderful arts and crafts mall with a labyrinth of little paths that makes you feel like you have wandered into a vibrant and colourful bazaar. Added attractions are the 23 beachfront bars, restaurants and cafes. (www.madinatjumeirah.com)

Burjuman
Retail therapy heaven for those on the hunt for designer clothes. Upmarket brands include: Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton, which nestle alongside High Street shops such as Next, Guess and Morgan. (www.burjuman.com)

EATING
Whatever your culinary tastes, it can be found in Dubai. UAE’s 450 restaurants in the hotels alone; offer mouth-watering menus from some of the word’s top chefs.

Enjoy Italian food in recreated Venice on the edge of the desert or sup a hearty stew and a pint of Guinness in the Irish Quarter. Traditional Middle Eastern cuisine is delicious, signature dishes include mezze of Humus, warm flatbreads, Kibbeh (meat patties), Tabbuleh (salad with bulghar wheat), and Baba ganoush (aubergine dip). Then succulent roast meats, fish casserole, lentil soup and Indian style Biryani.

NIGHTLIFE
Dubai boasts a vibrant night life – bars, restaurants, clubs are ten a penny. Enjoy opulent dining at swish hotels such as Burl Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Club – where flamboyance is king. There are nightclubs and bars galore in all the hotels. Dhow dinner cruises on the Creek are great fun.

Dubai also lays host to some of the biggest names in pop, from Elton John to Sting, plus Middle Eastern superstars.

SIGHTSEEING
Gold Souk and Spice Souk are well worth a visit, even if you don’t intend to part with your money they are a visual feast to the senses. The Creek is the hub of Dubai, a bustle of activity packed with boats, old and new. Take an abra (water taxi) across with the locals to get a feel for real Dubai living.

The Dubai Museum provides a fascinating insight into how Dubai has evolved. For a taste of the super-rich lifestyle pay a visit to the world-famous seven-star sail shaped hotel Burj al Arab; the only hotel in the world to boast 7 stars – don’t forget your wallet. Dubai-based Arabian Adventures provide some exciting extras; take an off road vehicle into the desert and gaze at the stars while enjoying a Bedouin style dinner. Or travel out to a the luxury tented camp called Al Maha. Trips to Oman and the other Emirates are also available.

Traditional sports such as falconry, camel racing and horse racing are also available.Hikes through the mountains and wadis of Hatta are popular. Other sports on offer include sand boarding, rock climbing, jet-skiing and kite surfing.