Dubai is no longer looking over its shoulder at ‘The West'; it is far too busy showing what an Arabic emirate can do on its own. Sail into port and Dubai's grand vision is immediately apparent as a gleaming set of designer towers, including the world's tallest, and a string of offshore manmade islands (the three Palms and the World) signal the coast of this extraordinary patch of desert. 

Less than 30 years ago, Dubai was nothing more than a scruffy port on the Gulf. Now, with its pleasure palaces in the air, it is the city of the future.

Dubai Creek is the city's main attraction with good views of Dubai from many points along the water's edge. Gleaming skyscrapers dot the skyline, while the old trading dhows plough up and down the creek as they did a century ago, some taking visitors on pleasure trips along the busy waterway. At the inland end of the creek is a large, shallow lagoon, preserved as a wildlife sanctuary. 

Highlights
• Dubai World Trade Centre: Rise 39 floors to the observation deck for an aerial view of this ever-growing metropolis.
• Gold Souk: Haggle for 22kt gold bangles in one of Dubai's oldest souks, or just go for the eye-candy.
• Burj al-Arab Hotel: Watch the lights change on the skin of this magnificent building.
• Arabian Gulf: Speed over the unruffled waters of the oil-rich Gulf on jet skis.

Dubai Tourism and Commerce
Bani Yas Square, Deira, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 (0) 4228 5000.
Website: www.dubaitourism.ae

Gold, spices and carpets are famous purchases from Dubai's old souks in Deira and Bur Dubai shops. Increasingly, Dubai is also a modern shopper's paradise with electrical goods and designer labels taking centre stage in glossy new shopping malls around Beniyas Square, Al-Rigga and Al-Hiyafa Road. Don't miss Dubai Shopping Festival from late March to late April - a month-long retail orgy of sales and promotions.

Dubai is an international city with international cuisine to match. If you have the chance to eat local style, however, try makbous, a spicy lamb dish with aromatic rice.

Dubai enjoys an arid subtropical climate, with blue skies and sunshine all year round. Avoid the hottest months, between June and September, when temperatures can soar to 45°C (113°F) and more during the day and humidity levels are very high.

United Arab Emirates

GMT + 4.

UAE Dirham (Dh) = 100 fils.

Arabic.

Persian Gulf of the United Arab Emirates.

4.6 million.

The highest federal authority is the Supreme Council of Rulers comprising the absolute rulers of the seven emirates.

Mostly Muslim, of which 16% are Shi'ite and the remainder Sunni. Expatriate workers (a large proportion of the population) are mostly Hindu and Christian.

Muslim religious laws should be observed. Women are expected to dress modestly and men should dress formally. Alcohol is tolerated, with non-Muslims allowed to drink alcohol in the city's bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels. Smoking is banned in public places. Those under 20 years of age are not allowed to buy cigarettes. Eating, drinking and smoking in public is forbidden during daylight hours in Ramadan.

Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants add service charges to the bill, therefore tipping is not necessary.