Dubai is a modern day metropolis set right in the middle of a desert. The landscape that is there now has been developed since the early 1970’s and in recent years has taken on an even quicker pace.

With reserves of oil slowly coming to an end in Dubai, they have changes their focus for bringing money into the Emirate to finance and tourism. If you take a trip to Dubai, even the financial district is worth a visit, purely for the vastness of the buildings, and to see the lifestyle that the high fliers from around the world can earn in Dubai.

There are hundreds of hotels which have all been well documented, and it is possible with a bit of planning to get a room in one of the more high end hotels for very reasonable prices. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, then simply visit the likes of the Kemplinski or the Sheraton and sample one of their many restaurants. Cab rides are very cheap, so you can get around the city with ease.

Shopping is the other draw of Dubai. There seems to be a new mall opening every week, and with the opening of the Dubai Mall – which is also the world’s largest – you can spend days just making sure you have got all the shopping your airline will allow you to bring back.

Relaxing away from the hotels is also very easy. Because Dubai is so multicultural there are hundreds of nationalities represented in small cafes that line the streets. And if you want to get away from the bright lights, simply book a desert safari and experience what Arabia would have been like before all the modern construction.

Dubai is a mix of modern Western ideals and traditional Middle Eastern values. Just make sure you abide by the local laws and you will have an amazing holiday.