Where Old Meets New: Dubai

Old meets new in the extraordinary city of Dubai: the ultimate luxury tourist resort and desert playground for the rich and famous.

An average day here could start by causally browsing a traditional spice souk and end with some swimming at The World – a magnificent artificial development of islands which emulate the shape of every country to scale.

The contrasts go on and on, from the breath-taking Islamic domes of Jumeirah Mosque to the ground-breaking design of the sail shaped Burj Al Arab hotel (known as the world’s only seven star accomodations), Dubai is full of surprises.

Here’s some of the best ways to relax in Dubai’s contrasting landscape:

Hotels: A city of pure indulgence, Dubai is built on crazy money and littered with plush hotels – so prepare to lap up the luxury. It’s a hard job, but somebody’s got to do it! We recommend checking out the world renowned Atlantis resort on beautiful Palm Island. Bask on miles of sandy golden beach, treat yourself to some award winning fine dining, relax in the spa or get to grips with nature by swimming with the resort’s friendly dolphins.

Sights: If you can pull yourself away from the beach, take a wander round some of the sights of old Dubai, such as the beautiful Bastakiya Quaters, where dramatic narrow lanes, traditional courtyard houses and tall wind towers leave a record of the city’s exotic past. In days gone by, these wind towers were the only means of cooling buildings in the blistering desert heat.

Festivals and Shops: Dubai has a festival for every month of the year, so there will be no excuse not to celebrate something! Even shopping is celebrated in January at the month-long Shopping Festival. Concerts, children’s entertainment and firework shows break up the bargain hunting as thousands of tourists arrive in Dubai for the event which involves almost every shop in the city!

And remember, Dubai is home to many world records……..including Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, so take your camera!