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Dubai’s continuing expansion is ensuring it retains that wow factor for tourists with landmark hotels and attractions.
The Emirate’s key draws of great shopping and accessible desert provide a nice contrast with the Indian Ocean, making for perfect twin-centre holidays.
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General Information
Dubai is a hot destination - and that’s not just the weather. From strikingly shaped hotels, to manmade islands where international football stars are snapping up holiday homes, to the world’s tallest tower, it’s all happening in the Emirate.
While Dubai is undoubtedly a very modern destination, it is surrounded by romantic desert scenery. You can become Lawrence of Arabia riding through the sand on the back of a camel or step up a gear and go dune-bashing or take an adrenaline ride over the undulating landscape in a 4x4 jeep safari. Wadi bashing, another popular 4x4 desert thrill ride, takes place along dried up river beds.
However you spend your days in the desert, you should experience those fabled Arabian nights by having dinner at a Bedouin encampment. Enjoy a barbecue sitting on beautiful rugs and be entertained by belly dancing or falconry demonstrations as you watch the stars come out.
Desert isn’t the only sandy attraction in Dubai as it has good beaches too, backed by some excellent quality hotels.
Sport is another of Dubai’s big draws, both for spectators and players. Several world class events are held annually in Dubai so you could arrange your visit to take in one of these. For the active, there are great facilities from tennis courts to polo academies.
The Emirate is particularly known as a centre for golf and if you don’t fancy that kind of exertion under the midday sun, you can tee off in the evenings under floodlights. For a more unusual escape from the heat you could visit 25 storey Ski Dubai, which includes an indoor black run, or one of the Emirate’s two skating rinks.
Dubai is justly famed for its shopping. As well as numerous air conditioned malls where you can find both designer stores and UK high street favourites, you can also shop in traditional souks. Gold is particularly good value in Dubai and the most famous place for buying it is the Gold Souk in Deira which is lined with over 300 outlets. The Spice Souk - whether you are buying or just browsing the colourful, aromatic wares - is another must-see.
Most tourists will take a couple of hours to cruise along The Creek during their stay. You can combine this river voyage with lunch or dinner and choose to travel aboard a traditional dhow or the luxury Bateaux Dubai.
Best Time To Visit
Dubai has a subtropical arid climate with year-round sunshine.
Average temperatures are lowest in January when they are a minimum 14°C and a maximum 24°C and highest in July with a minimum of 30°C and maximum of 41°C. Rainfall is very low and peaks at under 2mm in February, while many months see no rain at all.
As summer (June to September) is hot with high humidity - particularly in coastal areas - it is more comfortable to visit October to May.
Insider Tips
Good buys in Dubai include gold and jewellery, designer fashions, carpets, and electronics, particularly computers and handheld gadgets.
Alcohol is available only in hotels and certain designated bars. Modest dress (covering the tops of arms and legs) is expected outside beach resorts. It is rude to eat, drink or smoke in public places during Ramadan.
It is illegal to bring some over-the-counter medicines into Dubai without a doctor’s prescription but most can be bought easily locally.
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Map
5 Reasons to Visit
Desert Experiences: Impressive desert landscapes are easily accessible from the city. Take to the dunes by 4x4 or camel and spend an evening under the stars at a Bedouin encampment.
Shopping: The Emirate has tax free shopping and great value gold. Discounts are biggest during the annual Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises.
Golf: There are more than 10 courses in Dubai with more planned. You can even play on a sand course, or the world’s largest green - shaped like the United Arab Emirates.
International sporting fixtures: Several top sporting events are held annually in Dubai, among them the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, the Dubai Rugby Sevens, and horse racing’s Dubai World Cup.
Family attractions: Dubai is a family-friendly destination. Besides the beach, there are theme parks, water parks, ice rinks, an indoor ski resort and a zoo. Some malls include extensive family entertainment facilities.
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