Dubai

Why Go?

A holiday in Dubai is blessed with year-round sunshine and endless stretches of white sandy beach lapped by Southern Gulf seas. A young country, formed only in 1971, Dubai has now grown to become a stunning destination, where the tallest skyscrapers sit comfortably next to the souks of gold, silks and spices of old Arabia. Dubai really has a lot going on – outstanding golf courses, watersports and camel racing, while cosmopolitan duty free malls are a shoppers' delight. Take a dhow cruise along the famous Creek or go on safari across the timeless desert.

Dubai is ideal for sampling all kinds of Middle Eastern cuisine, including Lebanese, Iranian and Moroccan, as well as a wide range of very high quality Western food. Alcohol is only served in hotel restaurants and bars – the selection is wide but the prices are higher than in the UK.

It's very important to be aware of – and where possible – adapt to the culture and customs of Dubai when on holiday in the United Arab Emirates. Locals have learnt to make allowances when social blunders are made in unawareness instead of malevolence – but golden tips are, respect the accepted interactions between men and women (men shouldn't try to shake hands with an Arab woman and overt displays of affection are frowned upon), don't dress provocatively, don't show the soles of your feet, don't offer an Arab alcohol and only drink within accepted place (such as the hotel or restaurant), and don't be aggressive or loud – Ibiza-style louts aren't welcome here. Which, for many, is the reason they choose a holiday in Dubai in the first place.