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Dubai

By Marie Claire on Wednesday 21 November 2007

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Dubai

Why go?
Twenty years ago, Dubai was a desert wasteland. Now, the whole world is jetting in to this tiny emirate with big ambitions. It's a place to grab some sun, relax in luxury hotels or have a pampering stopover en route to Asia or Australia. The very modern buzz to the place, with its glistening skyscrapers, hotels and vast mega-malls, means it's fast becoming the weekend spot for the iPod generation.Despite the cosmopolitan vibe, Dubai also maintains an air of mystery, thanks to the sand dunes and oases surrounding the city. With such natural beauty and solitude within reach, it's hard to say no to a visit.

Stay at…
Dubai is all about swanky hotels, so you won't find much budget accommodation. If money's tight, look for last minute deals. Prices are generally cheaper if you stay away from Jumeirah Beach, where the best hotels are. To hide away in the sands, head for Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa (0800-082 8000; www.jumeirahbabalshams.com), a pampering oasis 45 minutes' drive from Dubai city. Expect five-star dining, rolling sand dunes and stunning sunsets. Another excellent five star option is Grosvenor House Dubai (00 971 4399 8888; www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com), a towering, 45-storey hotel in the developing area of Dubai Marina. The luxury rooms and apartments all have marble bathrooms and plasma-screen TVs and the hotel features a Michelin-starred Indian restuarant, a sumptuous spa and an outpost of Paris's famous Buddha Bar. Across the road, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa (www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien) has some of the best restaurants you'll find anywhere in the country and a beautiful beachfront location.

Party at…
A hotel – Dubai is officially dry and that's the only place you'll find alcohol. Sink a Dirty Martini at Cin Cin, an upmarket New York-style cocktail bar at the Fairmont Dubai (www.fairmont.com/dubai) or, if it's Friday afternoon, head for the Terrace Bar at Park Hyatt (www.dubai.park.hyatt.com) for a civilised, Balearic scene, then hit the Rooftop Bar of the Royal Mirage (www.royalmiragedubai.com). For relaxed, warehouse-style clubbing with high-profile DJs, try iBO at the Millennium Airport Hotel (www.9714.com).

Dine at…
The very in-fashion Almaz, on the top floor of Harvey Nichols in the Mall of the Emirates (www.malloftheemirates.com), serves Moroccan food. For traditional Arabic cuisine, try Al Nafoorah (www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com). If you like seafood, Pierchic (www.madinatjumeirah.com) is a stroll along a pier with views of Dubai's iconic Burj al-Arab hotel.

Shop at…
For the full footballers' wives designer experience, point your Prada sandals towards Villa Moda in The Boulevard (www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com/lifestyle) and the Burjuman Centre (www.burjuman.com), where the designer stores include D&G, Christian Dior and Saks Fifth Avenue. Independent boutiques worth seeking out are Sa*ce (www.shopatsauce.com), Ginger & Lace (www.gingerandlace.com) and Tiger Lily (www.waficity.com). Don't miss Dubai's shopping festivals which are held intermittently throughout the year - go to www.mydsf.com for more information.

Book now:
Emirates (www.emiratestours.com) flies to Dubai from five UK airports. The best prices for flights and hotels are online – try www.airline-network.co.uk, www.godubai.co.uk and www.travelbag.co.uk. Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the UAE (Time Out, £12.99) is a comprehensive guide, or for a free information pack, contact the Dubai Department of Tourism (www.dubaitourism.ae; 020-7839 0580).

Review by Marie Claire

Release date: Wednesday 21 November 2007