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Visiting Dubai

Situated on the Persian Gulf, the opulent emirate of Dubai is a jaw-dropping urban fusion of glittering architecture, world-class dining and designer shopping. Attracting visitors and expats from across the globe, Dubai’s majestic splendour has catapulted to the top of the holiday food chain. The city offers all that’s wonderful about Middle Eastern luxury with an added multicultural spin, comprising thrilling entertainment, breathtaking Arabic landmarks and lavish local spas, while also serving as a convenient base for nearby destinations like Abu Dhabi.

Where to stay in Dubai

When searching for hotels in Dubai, options near Dubai International Airport are a handy first port of call. You won’t have too far to travel to reach your accommodation, yet you’ll still be a stone’s throw from everything the city has to offer. The airport itself offers a wealth of facilities, including an assortment of shops and restaurants, baby care rooms and unlimited free high-speed Wi-Fi. Luxury lounges and massage treatments add a dash of pampering to proceedings, while the Japanese-style zen garden, complete with a trickling stream, is an ideal spot to unwind.

Accommodation choices in Dubai

The range of accommodation near Dubai International Airport leaves you spoilt for choice, so you have the luxury of choosing a hotel that’s tailored to your every need. If you’re after a little pampering, the 5-star Roda Al Bustan, with its charming tree-lined atrium, has you covered. Several restaurants, a relaxing sauna and on-site tennis courts provide all the ingredients for a rejuvenating break, while free valet parking is ideal for travellers considering car hire. There are also several mid-price options close to the airport, the exquisitely designed 4-star Royal Continental Hotel still promises plenty of bang for your buck, with a health club and a business centre among its many amenities. Citymax Bur Dubai is a budget-friendly 3-star alternative, found less than 6.5 kilometres from the airport. A well-equipped fitness centre is perfect for the health-conscious holidaymaker, while hotel staff are always happy to help with any questions that you may have. Complimentary Wi-Fi is standard across most Dubai hotels, while LCD-screen TVs and satellite channels are common staples as well.

What to do during your stay in Dubai

Dubai is a city where wealth meets imagination, so you can expect jaw-dropping scenery around every corner. One of the city’s most famous sights is the Palm Jumeirah, a set of artificial islands in the shape of a palm tree, which are home to the ultra-luxurious Atlantis hotel. The continuously evolving World Islands is another man-made archipelago – this time in the shape of a world map. More examples of Dubai’s world-renowned architecture include the Dubai Marina, a 3-kilometre-long artificial canal, and the 828-metre-high Burj Khalifa skyscraper, one of the tallest high-rises in the world. Dubai’s food scene is also a major draw, as many world-class chefs have chosen to make the city their home. From fine dining to funky fusion, Arabic and Indian classics to Chinese and European delicacies, the city offers delectable cuisine for all tastes.

Dubai has become one of the world’s leading retail destinations, but the highlight has to be the WAFI Mall, a pyramid-shaped shopping centre with an ancient Arabian-style market at its core. You should also spare some time for a visit to the Bur Dubai area, home to the Dubai Heritage Village, the Dubai Museum, the dazzling Gold Souk and the Grand Mosque, which is the heart of Dubai’s religious and cultural life.

Just a few kilometres outside of Dubai is the mysterious, sweeping Arabian Desert with its endless golden dunes. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for an array of thrilling activities, such as camel riding, quad-biking and sand-boarding, while sightseeing tours also provide fascinating insight into the region’s landscape. A number of reputable tour operators organise regular excursions; if driving there yourself, it’s important to bring plenty of water, as the midday temperatures reach sizzling peaks.

For further insight into this fascinating part of the world, why not make it a multi-city break? Holiday rentals in Istanbul open up a wealth of possibilities in Turkey’s cultural capital, while further west, Athens boasts historic insights into one of the world’s oldest civilisations.

Whatever you decide to do on your visit Dubai, you’re sure to be swept away by this fabulous and fascinating city.

A top tip – Expedia offers fantastic savings if you book your flight and hotel together.