Dubai, which has the highest population in the United Arab Emirates, is an exciting holiday destination. With new construction seemingly everywhere, there are beautiful hotels, ancient architecture, wide modern roads and beautiful plazas everywhere you look. Holidays to Dubai are increasingly popular as the destination has near-perfect weather throughout the year, an exciting social scene and plenty of sports and shopping to enjoy. Combine all that with great beaches and you have a destination that will satisfy even the most discerning traveller.

Most visitors arrive in the city of Dubai via Dubai International Airport, although smaller, outlying airports can also be used. Dubai also has the newer Al Maktoum International Airport, which is on its way to becoming the largest in the world and also one of the busiest. After clearing customs visitors can be whisked into the city and surrounding areas via an efficient public transport network. The Metro Rail system runs into the major areas of the city, while the Palm Jumeirah Monorail takes visitors out to the Palm Jumeirah, where sun, sand and surf mingle with exclusive hotels, spas and shops. Buses and taxis are of course available, as are rental cars.

Shopping is one of the main attractions in Dubai, with jewellery, particularly gold, leading the way. Dubai has been a centre of gold trade for centuries and there are several souks or marketplaces in the city devoted to trade in the precious metal. Across Dubai Creek is the enclave of Deira, where over 200 shops trading in the precious metal can be found in one location. In addition, many modern stores and malls have a wide range of gold, silver and other precious metals. In all, Dubai has over 70 shopping malls, from small “strip” type clusters of stores to the world’s largest shopping centre, the Dubai Mall, so there is no excuse for visiting Dubai and not finding something to bring home.

A day spent ogling the incredible new construction in the city is a great way to not only get acquainted with the area, but also appreciate all it has to offer. Start with Sheikh Zayid Road, which runs through the heart of the city and between some of the most amazing skyscrapers in the world. Particularly at night, when it is lit by cars and streetlights, it is a beautiful sight. Stop by the Burj al Arab and take photos of its beautiful sail-shaped structure, then ride to the top of the $650,000,000 building and survey the view from on high. Several restaurants are available in the building, as is one of the largest aquariums in the world.

Whether you stay at one of the five-star hotels or smaller, more intimate lodgings, you are sure to find a holidays in Dubai to be both fascinating and diverse. From a restful day on the beach to an exciting afternoon haggling in a souk, Dubai offers holidays like nowhere else on Earth.