Dubai isn't pronounced "Do Buy" for nothing. If you like to shop until you drop, the Persian Gulf city once famous for its pearls is the place to be.
The Mall Of The Emirates for example is the largest shopping centre outside of North America with over 200 shops including Harvey Nichols, cinemas and even indoor skiing and snowboarding! And it's just one of a dozen or more malls boasting all the familiar names - everyone from Ikea to Virgin Megastore - offering tax free shopping.
The malls are open from 9am and 10am in the morning until 9pm and 10pm at night - later on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. And given the temperature outside for much of the year, you'll appreciate the air conditioning as well as the prices!
If you like a bargain, the best time of year to visit Dubai is during the Dubai Shopping Festival which takes place between the end of January and the end of February every year. Almost every shop has a sale on during the Festival.
For a more authentic taste of Dubai, head for the
souks, narrow streets lined with small shops and stalls selling everything from spices to carpets, coffee pots to ceremonial swords. The Gold Souk at Sikkat al-Khali Street is a favourite for its gold jewellery and as in all souks haggling over the price is expected!
Away from the bright lights of the malls, Dubai has much more to offer.
Its location on the shores of the Persian Gulf
means that it is a mecca for all water sports with diving being a particular favourite. Kids of all ages will also enjoy the Wild Wadi water amusement park next to the Jumeriah Beach Hotel - and talking of beaches, if white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees does it for you, Dubai is the place to be!
Other activities include golf, desert safaris, a cruise along Dubai Creek which divides the city and a wholñe world of entertainment from top sporting events to world class shows.
The best time to visit Dubai as far as the weather goes is from October to April. At that time of year, it isn't too hot (in fact at night it can become quite cold). During the summer months it gets so hot that doing anything before sunset is almost impossible - unless you are inside an air conditioned building.
Dubai is about seven hours from London by plane and makes a fantastic short break destination. And just to make sure you don't waste a moment of your time there, Dubai International Airport is home to Dubai Duty Free, 5,400 square metres of shopping heaven!
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