Celebrate Together at the Dubai Shopping Festival

In recent years Dubai has become the number one destination for holidays in the Middle East. With its modern architecture, hot climate and coastal location, this modern world wonder is the most progressive emirate in the UAE, with a booming trade and tourism industry. Always striving to build the biggest and best constructions, Dubai is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. From state-of-the-art theme parks to grand structures like the Dubai Fountains and Burj Khalifa, this city certainly knows how to pull out all the stops.

Opulent living and world-class attractions go hand-in-hand with this city. Modern architectural feats like the World Trade Centre and Emirates Towers are interspersed with mosques and colourful souks, brimming with Middle-Eastern jewels and spices. Visit the Dubai Museum at Al Fahdi Fort to trace the city's historical development and see how it was built.

Wildlife sanctuaries and sprawling green parks are dotted in between the multicultural neighbourhoods. Explore the man-made wonder that is Palm Jumeirah, along with its pearly-white beaches, from where you can indulge in any water sport your heart desires. Other popular activities include desert safaris where off-road vehicles take you into the Arabian Desert to experience camel rides and sleep in Bedouin tents.

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Due to stringent laws and police authority, Dubai is a fairly safe city with no violent crime known to occur towards tourists.

Dubai is governed under Islamic law, so visitors are expected to behave and dress accordingly. Avoid discussing the country’s political affairs and public displays of affection, especially between unmarried couples as this could result in jail time or deportation. Women are advised to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing outfits in crowded areas. Swimsuits and bikinis are perfectly fine for the beach and hotel pools. The districts of Karma, Deira and Bur-Dubai should be avoided by solo women travellers. Consuming alcohol in public places is illegal and, if you’re planning on visiting bars and nightclubs, always carry some form of identification.

The only real concerns visitors should have are scams and petty theft. Be aware of well-dressed businessmen trying to coerce you into winning a gift or lurking around ATMs.

If you are carrying prescription drugs, ensure you have the original prescription note on hand when going through the airport. It is highly advised to take out comprehensive health insurance, as medical treatment is expensive.

Dubai is a very expensive city and living lavishly is the norm for locals and expats. If you feel that your pocket can match up to the incredibly high standards of the city, the glamourous resort hotels and beach clubs along Jumeirah Beach offer the best in stylish accommodation. Similarly, Sheikh Zayed Road boasts an impressive range of skyscraper hotels, residential towers, shopping malls, gourmet cafés and art galleries.

Visit the Skyview Bar for cocktails at sunset to see modern Dubai in all its glory. A helicopter or sea plane tour will allow you to see the city's main attractions from the air, including the man-made islands at Palm Jumeirah, Deira and Jebel Ali.

For those less blessed in the finance department, there are a number of affordable options a little further out of the city in Bur-Dubai and Deira. You may have to give up breath-taking views but the hospitality is usually unrivalled.

Dubai has a comprehensive public transport system that is well-integrated into all areas of the city. A Nol Silver travel card is useful for anyone travelling around the city for more than a week, valid for all metro and bus travel. Taxis are widely available and easy to spot, particularly outside shopping malls and hotels. It is recommended to have an idea of where your destination is, especially if it’s off the beaten track, as drivers may drive around in circles asking passers-by for directions while the meter clocks away. Taxi fares are fixed, so no haggling is required. Solo women travellers are encouraged to travel in the back of the taxi to avoid uncomfortable glances from the driver.

Dubai’s busiest area is Deira, where the colourful streets are brimming with bustling souks and museums, overlooking the traditional sailing dhows in the marina. The historic quarter of Bastakiya in Bar-Dubai houses the Dubai Museum and Heritage and Diving Village. Be sure to check out the Creekside Park, a sprawling oasis of gardens with an amusement park and dolphinarium nearby.