Dubai is the second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates and ranks as the country’s leading commercial centre. It is a dazzling spectacle with sparkling modern towers creating the most exciting new skyline anywhere in the world. But just beyond the growing urban sprawl containing the ultimate in cosmopolitan shopping experiences lay endless stretches of desert, glorious unspoilt beaches and rugged mountains all in an intoxicating mix of the ancient and the mystical. It was no surprise that I was the envy of my friends when I told them I am going to visit Dubai.

Before 1830, Dubai was a small coastal village in which people derived their livelihood form fishing, pearling and small-scale agriculture. In 1966, Dubai, which was already a relatively wealthy trading centre, discovered oil, which was the catalyst which allowed Dubai to transform into the modern metropolis of today. This speedy development has garnered plenty of international media attention in recent years, because of such architectural landmarks as the iconic Burj Al Arab and a chain of new and equally impressive projects such as the World Group of Islands, the record-breaking Burj Dubai Tower, and The Lagoons, which will create seven beautifully landscaped islands with 40km of lush green waterfront, right in the heart of Dubai. To be honest, the list of amazing new mega-developments is almost endless.

Like many other major cities in the world Dubai’s skyline is dominated by the high-rise, but nevertheless these amazing mega-towers are ideal destinations to escape the heat in the afternoons and for your wallet to lose some weight! Many of the shopping malls stock international brands which are familiar to us all, but for a bit of local flavour you should venture into the old city. The Bastakiya area still retains a traditional feel with windy streets and alleyways lining both banks of the Dubai Creek. If you want to get an even more exact feel of traditional lifestyle, Souk Madiat Jumeirah is an authentic recreation of an ancient marketplace with traditional Middle Eastern design and ambience. Winding alleys full of Arabian charm, it is the perfect shopping destination for souvenirs, Islamic styled furniture, traditional Arabian sweets and even jewellery. Gold is plentiful in Dubai and the many designs of golden jewellery found here is a sight to behold. Around the souk there are more than 20 cafes, restaurants and bars, some providing the famous Shisha pipe, and it comes with many different flavours; apple, rose, mint and even cappuccino! It is the perfect way to relax under the starry night sky with the sweet taste of Shisha! I dream that I’ve been transported back to the days of the Arabian Nights!

Dubai is well known for shopping and urban development but sports are just as important to experience when in this desert oasis. Their deserts have created a recreational playground all by itself featuring safaris, sand skiing, quad bikes, camel rides and much more. Desert riding is a fantastic adventure; undulating dunes are the best for speeding in a four wheel drive, and after 30 minutes of non-stop fun riding it is magical to see the glowing sunset, giving you a chance to slow your heart beat before trying desert boarding!! With most day trips after the glorious sun has set there is the camel ride. As with most large animal rides, it is never smooth, but this too is great fun!! The camel ride usually ended with snacks and a belly dancing show in which we were invited to participate to the great amusement of the on looking locals. At the end of an action packed day in the sand dining in the desert camps is an experience all of its own. The cuisine of barbecued meats and traditional ouzo are delicious – roasted lamb on a spit, served with rice and Arabic spices – as well as a full range of Arabic delicacies! One should never go to Dubai without a taste of Arabia.
In December 2005 the world’s third largest indoor ski slope opened at Ski Dubai at the Dubai Emirates Mall and has proved a huge hit for both tourists and locals alike. Measuring 400 meters and using 6000 tons of snow Ski Dubai is a must do activity as part of your “desert” experience. Due to open in 2008 a second indoor ski slope, the Dubai Sunny Mountain Ski Dome at Dubailand will feature a revolving ski slope, an artificial mountain range, an ice bridge, a cable lift, a snow maze, an ice slide and polar bear cold water-aquaria. Life in the desert will never be the same again! Then there’s the sailing. Dubai continues to develop a broad range of yacht clubs and marinas offering a nautical thrill to lovers of the open water.

As tourism increases in Dubai, a wide choice of luxury modern accommodations have emerged at competitive prices, and major international standard hotels such as Dusit Dubai have embraced this opportunity to excel. A five star hotel located on the main road of the downtown city, the Dusit Dubai combines the latest in luxury amenities with traditional Thai hospitality. The hotel is a five minute drive to the World Trade Centre and Dubai International Convention Centre and 15 minutes drive to the Dubai International Airport and major shopping malls, proving its location to be ideal for the business traveller as well as a leisure visitor. Traditionally endowed, the Dusit Dubai prides itself on a 16 meter long indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi located on the rooftop, 36th floor, and boasts of panoramic views of the city of Dubai.

The iconic Burj Al Arab, with its unique sail-shaped building stands on a man-made island some 280 meters offshore is also one of the most talked about hotel in the world, with its helipad on the 28th floor and a restaurant seemingly suspended in mid air, is ultimate luxury. Burj Al Arab comprises 202 duplex suites. Convenience, luxury and a highly personalized service are available for every traveller, enhanced by private reception desks on every floor. In Buri Al Arab you can enjoy the luxury of Islamic design with impeccable service from its staff.

In Dubai, light weight summer clothing can be worn for most of the year but the temperature can drop quite sharply at night during the winter. Here is a sunny, dry climate with good weather throughout the year. There is not much rain, and any rainfall is mainly in winter. Temperatures in the summer can reach uncomfortable extremes, and it can be too warm to spend long periods outside during the day.
The best time to visit Dubai is between October and April. As Islam is the official religion of the region visitors must show respect to local customs and although the tourist board does stress that the dress code is liberal, one should still be careful how to dress and behave, especially if you are female. After a long day of exciting activities it is important to remember that not all cafes and restaurants serve alcohol, but I did notice that most of the hotels do!

Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. In a single day tourists can experience everything from rugged mountains to awe-inspiring sand dunes and endless sandy beaches to lush green parks and the lively bustle of the souk. From the timeless tranquillity of the desert and exhilarating deserts sports to luxurious residential districts and ultra- modern shopping malls and I for one cannot wait to return to experience more of the magic that is Dubai!