With its modern-day glamour set against a background of deep-rooted traditions, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has developed into one of the most desirable and intriguing destinations in the world. Of the seven states that make up the UAE, Dubai is the most famous and unlike any other destination in the world.

Although the state of Dubai is still a strict Muslim country on the surface (you’ll be fined money for drinking alcohol in public) behind the gates of one of the city’s five-star hotel resorts, life couldn’t get much better. It’s like a giant luxury playground for adults. Take, for example, the famous Burj-al Arab Hotel that claims to be the only seven star hotel in the world. The rooms come with their own rain showers and Jacuzzis, around-the-clock butler service and fine dining under the stars, not to mention a fleet of Rolls Royce limos at your service. Reservations are usually required about a month in advance for a room and a “very smart casual” dress code applies.

Alternatively, Al Maha Resort is a desert haven set within a conservation reserve, 45 minutes out of Dubai city. Each of the Bedouin-style suites has its own private swimming pool and you can participate in falconry, wildlife tours and horse-riding. The service is as fabulous as the facilities with three staff assigned to every guest.

You may not want to tear yourself away from the luxury comforts of your hotel, but when you do, there’s some spectacular architecture to get your head around. The world’s tallest building Burf Khalifa measures an astounding 2,715.5 feet and more than 160 stories. In fact, it’s too high to be fully appreciated from the ground and the best way to see it is by taking a ride on one of Seawing’s hydroplanes. The tour will also take you over some of Dubai’s other landmarks, including Dubai Creek and the artificial “The Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands”.

Dubai is also famous for its shopping. The absence of VAT means low prices, even in some of the most lavish shopping complexes, namely the Al Ghurari Centre (the oldest major mall in the city) the Mall of the Emirates (biggest mall outside of the US) and the British institution, Harvey Nichols. If you’re a real shopaholic, time your visit with Dubai’s Shopping Festival, which runs for four weeks from mid-March.

Boaters can relax on the lazy Dubai creek aboard an abra (ferry), taking in the cityscape. You can even hire a private abra, which is best done at sunset. Alternatively, you can hop on a more traditional ‘dhow’ (a traditional fishing boat), some of which serve dinner. Dubai is also home to a glitzy upscale marina with a beautiful beach and restaurants and two bar-lined walkways. From there, you can rent a yacht for the day and tour the bay in style.

Behind all the glitz and glamour, there are still traces of Dubai’s more humble roots. Check out Jumeirah Mosque, the only mosque in Dubai open to non-Muslims, and Dubai Museum, housed within the beautifully restored Al Fahidi Fort, erected in 1787 to defend the city against invasion. The museum’s diverse collection of exhibits offers a fascinating insight into Dubai’s history and cultural heritage.

Best time to visit: November to April is the best season to visit the region, when the climate is pleasant with warm sunny days and cool evenings.

Useful links:

www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/destinations/dubai/Burj-Al-Arab

www.al-maha.com

http://www.seawings.ae/

http://www.luxuryyachtdubai.com/

Images sourced from:

www.flashydubai.com