At the cutting edge of the modern world, Dubai is a fast-paced and highly stylised urban centre with world-class hotels, events, sports and leisure activities; it is hard to imagine that just a short while ago it was a town of pearl fishermen.
Dubai suits both couples and families, with city hotels, beachfront resorts and desert stays and many hotels offer large suites or private villas with pools, ideal for multigenerational trips.
For families, there are waterparks, aquariums and theme parks across the city, many within easy access from hotel zones.
Take a guided walk through the old city or a boat across the Creek for a slower, more local view of Dubai life.
Dining is a serious draw, with everything from Michelin-starred tasting menus to late-night shawarma in Satwa.
Works equally well as a short stopover or a longer stay, with enough variety to suit both quick visits and slower trips.
Looking out over the mesmerising Arabian Gulf, this centre for technological and architectural innovation has revolutionised the hospitality sector and is a pioneer for a multitude of new and exciting concepts. You will find an array of Arabic cuisine and cultures in Dubai, with Moroccan, Egyptian, Tunisian and Lebanese influences throughout. Glamorous, yet conveying an enchanting eastern mystery, the hotels here are sophisticated, regal and offer some of the highest standards of service in the world.
Scale the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, be blown away by the Michelin-star dining, visit exhilarating waterparks, play on championship golf courses, enjoy year-round sunshine, or even take to the indoor ski slopes. Watersports are also catered for and contrast to the host of desert-based activities available outside the city. From authentic gold souks and spice markets, camel racing and Bedouin-style tented resorts, to contemporary high-rise towers, underwater restaurants and designer shopping malls, Dubai is a fascinating fusion of ancient and modern.
The climate in Dubai is mainly dry throughout the year with the hottest months occurring between June and September. The best time to visit is between October and May when the days are warm and the evenings are cool. Ramadan This is a Holy Month therefore there are restrictions on alcohol, outdoor dining and entertainment during this period. Ramadan 2018: 15 May to 14 June. 2019: 05 May to 04 June.
Discover the newest jewel in Dubai's crown: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. This magnificent, superyacht-inspired resort offers an unparalleled sanctuary of sophisticated luxury, where breathtaking design meets world-class service and captivating Arabian Gulf vistas.
Banyan Tree’s first resort in Dubai sits on a private stretch of white-sand beach on Bluewaters Island, just moments from Dubai Marina.
Once seen, never forgotten; the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is an architectural phenomenon dominating Dubai’s ever-changing coastline. Set on a man-made island, the iconic sail shape soars to a height of 321 metres and has long been recognised as one of the finest hotels in the world.
With its intricate domes and arches, The Palace is the grandest of the three hotels that make up One&Only Royal Mirage, whose kilometre-long private beach overlooks Palm Jumeirah and the stunning Dubai skyline.
With plenty of interconnecting room options, Arabian Court is ideal for families. It also boasts two categories of suite, the finest of which is surely the Prince Suite, with its vast sweeping terrace and dazzling Dubai views.
For when only the best is good enough, The Residence is a discreet, adults-only hideaway within One&Only Royal Mirage, with its own reception, pool, private dining room and bar.