Non Member Travel - Dubai

Luxury Hotels Dubai

Luxury Hotels Dubai

Introduction:

Ideal for a weekend break or a weeks stay in one of the city’s top class resorts, Dubai offers year-round sunshine and a breathtaking array of activities and experiences. Its title ‘Shopping Capital of the Middle East’ is justly deserved with plenty of opportunities for ardent shoppers to flex their plastic, whether in the air-conditioned malls or bartering in the souks. There are a host of theme parks ideal for families or the ‘big kids’ among you; you can try your hand at surfing, sailing and even skiing.

Dubai must be one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Each year, another hotel has sprung up to cope with the demand, or perhaps it’s the amazing hotels that create the demand. That was the aim when the Dubai royal family helped with the massive investment this emirate has witnessed over the last twenty years. Dubai really is 21st century living with some of the most modern architecture you’ll find anywhere. The Burj Al Arab has become the iconic symbol of Dubai. It’s built as a ‘sail’ just off Jumeirah Beach. Nearby is another hotel in the same group, this time a ‘wave’ - the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Then there’s ‘The Palm’ and ‘The World’ that are being built offshore in the shape of their names and will supposedly be visible from outer space. What do you do in Dubai? Well, you can relax on the beach, have fun at the water park, or maybe try out all kinds of sports – golf and the races are popular – or you can get a taste of Arabia with dinner in dunes, or go shopping in the souks.

Highlights

Dubai City

Divided into two by the Creek, a natural seawater inlet that is also the focal point of life. The fast developing city of Dubai consists of Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai on the south. A mixture of modern day high-rise architecture and traditional Arabian heritage blend together to make an intriguing and vibrant city.

Dubai Souks

Dubai Souks are located on both sides of the Creek. Discover narrow alleyways selling handicrafts, carpets and every spice imaginable. The slightly larger lanes are where you will find the gold souks, which are shops overflowing with gold, said to offer the lowest prices in the world.

Dune Rides, Dubai

Experience the thrill and challenge of a rollercoaster ride by four

wheel drive jeep over the shifting sand dunes. Not for those in search of a leisurely drive.

Desert Safaris, Dubai

Absorb the tranquillity of the desert, either on a half-day, full-day or overnight safari including a range of terrain from desert to mountain. En route discover remote camel and goat farms with isolated villages as you travel far into the desert.

Sand Skiing, Dubai

Those in search of speed will enjoy the new and unusual sport of sand-skiing down the high desert dunes.

Golf, Dubai

World renowned for its golf and home of the prestigious Dubai Desert Classic. Dubai offers many world class courses for experienced or non-golfers alike including a floodlit course in the hot summer months.

Horse Racing, Dubai

Floodlit racing of the finest bloodstock at the Nadd Al Sheba Course in Dubai. Recommended for dinner and racing throughout the cool season.

Camel Racing, Dubai

Unusual, exciting and available during the low season. With a village fair feel and a contagious atmosphere, this will be a memorable highlight of a visit to the UAE.

Wild Wadi, Dubai

Located beside the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, ‘Wild Wadi’ is amongst the most advanced water parks in the world, offering 24 attractions, of which 16 are interconnecting. The ‘Jumeirah Sceirah’ is the fastest freefall slide outside of the United States. The first of its kind in the Middle East, this stunning theme park offers the young, and the young at heart, a welcome alternative to the shopping, beaching and sightseeing of Dubai.

Hatta Fort, Dubai

Situated in the mountains of Dubai and just 45 minutes from the city, this is a great place to sample the real Middle East and the beauty of the mountains. A couple of nights makes an ideal break from the hectic world of the city.

The Options

Dubai has developed in recent years to become a destination in its own right and you can have a fabulous and varied holiday here. It is certainly worth considering a two centre with one of the other Emirates or just choosing a quieter option and making the relatively short trip into Dubai when you want to shop or sample the hustle and bustle of the city. The location of the UAE lends itself to being an ideal stopover point en route to any number of more distant destinations. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius and all the major South East Asian cities can all be reached by direct flight from Dubai. Definitely worth thinking about as a stopover on your return to do some last minute duty free shopping.