Make the most of ultra-modern Dubai

Dubai is a thriving desert city-state on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, where just 60 years ago, there was only a small fishing village by a creek. It is packed with glitzy, high-rise buildings, stunning spa retreats and luxurious hotels, including the billowing, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, built just offshore and taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

A place for the jet-set...

Dubai was once seen as a place to touch down on long-haul flights but has since emerged as a destination in itself; a playground for the jet-set. It hosts the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World cup, and attracts top golf players to its PGA Dubai Desert Classic gold tournament. Focus is on luxury – so whether you're planning to take your family to an exclusive waterpark or your loved one to a stunning beach spa resort, this destination has it all.

Culture
Dubai is still firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of the past, but has adapted to the present. Dress-codes and rules are more relaxed than in the rest of the Middle East. For example, women are not always required to completely cover themselves, they’re not barred from driving or walking around in public, and alcohol is served to non-Muslims in bars and hotels. Ramadan is strictly observed, and during this holy month, visitors are expected not to eat or drink in public between sunrise and sunset. The Dubai museum, housed in an old fort, offers an insight into its past.

Shopping
Tax-free bargains are one of the reasons many people visit Dubai. There is an annual shopping festival held in March, with special deals on everything from haute couture and jewellery to home electronics and carpets. You can divide your time between designer boutiques (including Versace, Cartier and Dolce & Gabbana) and the traditional souks. The latter have a wide variety of goods – one is devoted entirely to gold – and bargaining is expected.

Entertainment and Nightlife
Lively bars, clubs and discos are open until the small hours. Many bars are themed – Irish, Egyptian, Mexican or Polynesian. Live concerts by international stars are frequent, especially during shopping-themed festival month. After a long day shopping, why not book a spa treatment at one of the many luxury spas in Dubai? What better way to end your day then with a rejuvenating massage?

Climate
Hot and dry. Summer, mid-May to September, brings scorching temperatures, so try to visit between mid-October to April, when it hovers around 30°C.

Not to be missed
Things for visitors to see and do include: souks, the helicopter swoop over the city, an evening at Nad Al Shiba racecourse and an entire day at an exclusive spa resort. Other recommended attractions include: a trip into the desert to see the Bedouins and a swim at midnight, when tiny sea creatures glow with blue-green luminescence.

How to get there
Dubai is served by many major airlines.

To browse our collection of hotels please visit www.ghotw.com.