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With sunshine all year round and endless white sandy beaches lapping the Southern Gulf seas, this exciting city offers a great blend of age old tradition and 21st century innovation. A young country, formed only in 1971, it has grown to be a popular  destination, where skyscrapers sit comfortably next to the souks of gold, silks and spices of old Arabia.
Dubai has something for everyone - outstanding golf courses, watersports and camel racing and cosmopolitan duty free shopping malls. You could also take a cruise along the famous Creek or safari across the desert.
What to do:
Dubai is ideal for trying all types of Middle Eastern cuisine, including Lebanese, Iranian and Moroccan, as well as a wide range of very high quality Western food. A visit to the new 'souk' at the Madinat Jumeirah hotel is a real 'must' or try afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton hotel. To end your day with something really special try the Al Muntaha restaurant at the amazing Burj al Arab hotel suspended 300 metres above the sea! But remember - alcohol is only served in hotel restaurants and bars - the selection is wide but the prices are higher than in the UK.
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Culture shock:
If staying in Dubai, it is important to adjust to their culture and customs. For example, men should not try to shake hands with an Arab woman and displays of affection are frowned upon. Don't dress provocatively or show the soles of your feet, don't offer an Arab alcohol and only drink within an accepted place (such as the hotel or restaurant).
Weather:
Dubai weather is generally hot and humid with a high daily average of sun hours. The Dubai climate is an arid subtropical climate due to Dubai being located within the Northern desert belt. The skies over Dubai are generally completely blue with little cloud cover but the weather can bring short and irregular rainfall as is typical for the Middle East. Most of the rainfall in Dubai occurs between December and March. The period between December and March is when the Dubai weather conditions are considered to be the best as the temperature cools down to a more comfortable level.
Star attractions:
• Dubai Beaches- The stretching white beaches are iconic and stunning. Lined with hotels and private beaches as well as fresh fast food, you will be able to find what you fancy!
• Burj Al Arab- The first 7* hotel is not something to be missed. With the architecture symbolising a billowing sail you will feel out at sea!
• The Dubai Mall- with 1200 shops, you will run out of energy before you run out of shops!
• Visit the man made Palm Street Islands- An iconic feature of Dubai which you won’t be able to resist.
• Go for a camel ride in the desert- If you want to experience every aspect of Dubai, a camel ride into the sunset could complete your magical trip!