A splendid coastline and beaches that are backed by an expansive desert, which in itself is a magnificent paradox of impressive sand dunes and starkly beautiful mountains.

Epitomizing an oil-rich sheikhdom isn’t a bad life, but what Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, really wants is to entertain visitors.

Dubai’s travel appeal includes horse races and sporting events, a month-long shopping festival and a skyline that commands the attention of Dubai’s visitors—not to mention such fascinating hotels as Dubai’s own Burj Al Arab. For jaded, been-there-done-that tourists, Dubai can throw in camel racing, sand boarding, sand skiing, ice-skating, snow skiing and unique cultural activities.

Dubai’s rapid transformation has left it with a slice of old Arabia and a chunk of modern infrastructure. In Dubai, you’ll find souks selling gold jewellery and traditional wares not far from modern shopping centres selling electronics and luxury items. Visitors to Dubai will also see wind towers and minarets rising up from old neighbourhoods, dwarfed in turn by Dubai’s office and hotel towers.

But the biggest contrast can be seen in Dubai’s landscape: A splendid coastline and beaches that are backed by an expansive desert, which in itself is a magnificent paradox of impressive sand dunes and starkly beautiful mountains.

When to travel to Dubai

Summer (May to September) is quite hot and can reach up to 48C with high humidity levels. Although the temperature is high, all buildings are air-conditioned and outside can be comfortable apart from in the middle of the day. This period offers the best value for money. October to April, when the temperature hovers around a more comfortable 25C mark, is the ideal time to visit.