Luxury holidays in Dubai
Famously gilded with a seven-star hotel – the iconic Burj al Arab – this rags-to-riches boom town is said by some to have ‘no culture’: not so. This ancient landmark on the spice-trading route may have grown from tiny port and pitstop for desert-roaming tribes to cosmopolitan city with all mod cons, but Dubai hasn't forgotten its heritage. Camel-racing, falconry and horsemanship are still passionately enjoyed in the Emirates; traditional wind towers still stand in the Bastakiya quarter; and working dhows still cruise the creek. There aren't many places on earth where you can snorkel, ski, sunbathe and shop at the world's biggest mall in one day – but hey, this is Dubai…
When to go
Dubai is sunny and warm year-round, with very occasional rainy days in mid-winter. Christmas and Easter are peak times, with March bringing some of the city’s most popular events. High summer can be unbearably hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 50°C – July/August is definitely best avoided.