The sun always shines, the surf is warm, the hotels are top class and there's loads to do - it's no wonder that Dubai has grown and grown as a holiday destination. Alongside the spanking new skyscrapers, the traditional heart of Dubai still nestles, with Islamic mosques, bustling souks and Arabic architecture. Some of the best shopping, dining and sports facilities in the world coupled with opportunities for traditional sightseeing give Dubai real all-round appeal.
The hotels in Dubai are second to none, and most have their own stretch of white sand where you can laze in year-round sunshine, or take to the warm waters of the Gulf to go water skiing, sailing or scuba-diving. Many mid market hotels in Dubai are found in Bur Dubai, to the south of the 10 kilometre creek which divides Dubai into two, whilst Jumeirah Beach, west of the creek, is the home of some world-famous hotels and resorts, as well as the Mall of the Emirates and the water park. A newly flourishing area is that of the Dubai Marina, with its exclusive hotels and beach resort with spa, whilst the business area of the city lies in Sheikh Zayed Road. Beyond the city itself, in the surrounding desert, there is also the Green Community and the Desert Resort and Spa.
| The hotels in Dubai are second to none, and most have their own stretch of white sand... |
Water sports are exceptional here, but you'll also find superb land based sports to enjoy. Championship golf courses host PGA tournaments, the Dubai World Cup is the most wealthy horse race event in the world, there's an all grass cricket pitch and you can go sand skiing in the desert. Most surprisingly of all, there's snow skiing too on the world's largest indoor ski slope.
Sightseeing is equally varied. Take a 4-wheel drive safari into the desert to view the dune-swept landscape and ancient villages, or join the onlookers watching the construction of the futuristic 'village' being built at sea. This takes the form of the World, shaped from 300 man-made islands, and you can get a great view from the Burj Al Arab hotel, which itself is distinctively shaped like a sailboat. Take the children to Children's City for some exciting, hands on exploration of space, science and the human body, or explore Dubai's traditional culture by haggling in the souks and visiting Sheikh Saeed's newly restored palace.
Of course, many visitors come here for the shopping. Glitzy malls such as the Pyramids stay open till midnight, and with tax-free prices it would be hard to return empty handed. If you're good at bargaining, then the souks offer great value too, especially for gold, jewels, spices, perfume and antiques. Dining offers cuisine from all around the world, and despite the strong Islamic culture here, there's lively nightlife with some clubs opening into the early hours.
Stylish and glamorous, Dubai offers a holiday experience which rarely disappoints those in search of plenty of activities under a constantly shining sun.
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