Dazzling Dubai oozes wealth from every pore. In the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates, the gold that drips from the hotel taps and adorns shop windows overshadows the yellow sands that once covered this southern shore of the Arabian Gulf.
With Dubai’s tax free shops, stunning beaches 365 days of sunshine and jaw dropping architecture, its little surprise this amazing and incomparable destination has risen out of the desert to become of holiday hotspot. Dubai is an ultra safe city, Dubai offers days filled with sunshine and shopping followed by Arabian nights, the time difference also makes it achievable for a long weekend with a difference.

One of the reasons that Dubai is so dynamic is that it never stands still, the palm tree shaped development off Jumeriah Beach is the latest ground breaking project and Dubai already has its eye on the 2016 Olympics.

But beyond the ultra modern skyline it is still possible to catch a glimpse of the old Dubai, when it was, almost unbelievably, a small fishing village. Dubai is rather like Marmite, people either love it or hate it and there is no middle ground! The only certainty is there’s nowhere else like it.

Spas & Shopping

One of Dubai’s greatest attractions is its shopping which draws tourist from around the globe. The Mall of the Emirates includes the A-Z of designer and high street brands. Most malls are open from 1000 to 2300 so there’s plenty of time to flex the plastic!

The Deira gold souk is a must where the narrow streets are lined with wall to wall jewellery shops. Prices are determined by weight, but haggling is all part of the experience.

Dubai is fast becoming known for its growing number of spas. These have a truly international feel, with influences drawn from east and west, and decor ranging from Eygptian and Thai to contemporary. Treatments are equally global from Bali, Sweden, Thailand and China.

Families

Dubai offers plenty of family attractions, if parents want to shop, inside the Mall of Emirates is the largest indoor amusement park, where the £7 entry fee includes unlimited rides and games.

For the ultimate in desert cool, the mall also houses Ski Dubai, definitely an ‘only in Dubai’ experience!! Hot chocolate is on the menu in the St Moritz Café and the shops sell woolly hats and ski wear when the temperature outside is sizzling! The £20 entry fee includes two hours on the indoor ski slop, which boast the world’s first indoor black ski run, skis, poles, boots, socks and jacket. Non skiers can pay £8.50 to throw snowballs, go on the bobsled run and enjoy other amusements.

Dubai Children’s City is a fun filled interactive science and space centre with great value tickets starting at just over a £1. Alternatively families can splash out at the Wild Wadi Water Park.

Take a one hour drive out of Dubai, where skyscrapers recede and make way to open dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. The best excursion by far for older children is the 4x4 ‘wadi bashing’ where the 4x4’s drive up and down the shifting sands at speed. Another popular option is a sunset trek on a camel! Try a Bedouin campsite evening complete with barbeque, belly dancing and after dinner shihsa pipe. A great way to relax under the stars and round off a days activities.

The ancient sport of camel racing can be a memorable highlight of a visit to Dubai and visitors can often spot the speedy desert animals being exercised in strings like racehorses. Horse racing is also held in the winter months, the most famous being the Dubai World Cup held every March.

Accommodation

Four & Five star hotels dominate. There are some three stars and self catering options. Dubai is not big on budget accommodation!

Some of our favourites….

Best for Bling – Burj Al Arab – The famous spectacular all suite sail shaped hotel epitomises Dubai.

Best for Couples – The Park Hyatt Dubai – Waterfront hotel, a quiet oasis, luxurious spa rooms with shops and golf nearby.

Best for Families – The One & Only Royal Mirage – 5* Family Luxury, interconnecting rooms, on the beach and Al Koura all day children’s club.

Best for Nature Lovers – Jumeirah Bab Al Shams desert Resort.. 45 minute drive into the desert brings you to this 5* resort. Camel and horse riding plus falconry.

Every type of food is available from spicy Middle Eastern dishes to familiar European cuisine. There are many expensive Michelin starred restaurants and fast food chains offer £3 ‘all you can eat’ menus. Alcohol is served in hotel bars and restaurants. Please check with Oundle Travel regarding Ramadan dates each year.

Major highways link airports and neighbouring emirates with Dubai’s city and beaches, nobody walks between the different districts as there are often no pavements. Taxis are the best way to get around and fares are surprisingly inexpensive. A tip of 10% is usual.

The main language is Arabic, although English is widely spoken. Free visas issued on arrival in the UAE.

When to go – October to April when temperatures are warm and temperate. In the summer months the summer heat can reach 50C, but for those who plan to spend their time in the air conditioned malls, spas and hotels, Dubai is very much a year round destination.