Dunes in Dubai

According to estimates, Dubai is the most rapidly developing country in the world. From a relatively quaint, traditional Arabian city, Dubai has exploded in recent times to become of the world's most fabulous holiday getaways.

Dubai is firmly at the vanguard of daring architectural feats, with the Burj al-Arab, commonly dubbed the world's only seven star hotel, standing as a monument to unbridled wealth and architectural bravado.

Built in the shape of a boat's sail, it stands defiantly overlooking Jumeirah Beach, a physical manifestation of the almost decadent opulence that has come to be synonymous with the very name Dubai.

If it is opulence you are looking for, then Dubai is for you. It certainly does not come much more opulent that spending a few nights at the Burj al-Arab. A Dubia Hotel with the cost of its rooms starting at £1,000 a night, you can be sure that you will be receiving the very best in world class service.

As soon as you step foot into the Dubia hotel, your senses are simply assaulted by the sheer magnificence of its design. From leaping water features to ornate gold designs - no expense had been spared.

Visitors can expect the finest in global haute cuisine while dining in an underwater restaurant, surrounded by the splendour of the local marine life. They can also expect to relax in the finest surrounds while attended to hand and foot by their very own personal butler who will draw their bath and iron their clothes.

Those on a more modest budget need not fear, as affordable, good quality accommodation abounds in this lively city. Various cheap hotels are scattered in the centre of town, perfectly situated for those who prefer to be in the thick of the action.

Dubai's wealth, of which a large proportion comes from tourism - not oil as is commonly believed - has made sure that it has cemented its place as a top destination for shoppers. British holidaymakers and expatriates - of which there are plenty - feel perfectly as home with famous household brands such as Gap and Debenhams.

The shopping malls are absolutely massive - rivalling those found in major US cities - and make for a comprehensive wallet-busting retail experience. But you need not worry about breaking the bank, because prices in Dubai are very reasonable compared to the UK - especially for gold which is available in abundance.

There are also plenty of activities available for the more adventurous holidaymaker - the most exciting of which is the various sports you can do out on the city's sand dunes.

Whether mounting a camel's back or tearing across the sandy plains on a quad bike, the opportunities are endless. The more intrepid can also surf the dunes, sailing down sandy mounts at break-neck speed.

The best time of the year to visit Dubai is between November and April, when the weather is coolest. Being a gulf nation, temperatures outside of this time can soar to dizzying heights.

Western visitors should also heed an important word of warning: Ramadan - which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar - is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the United Arab Emirates.

That means not only is it rude, but it is actually illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset during this time.