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I'VE got a pair of trainers in the loft which are older than the modern city of Dubai.
There's no competition mind. My tatty trainers have certainly seen better days whereas I suspect Dubai's still got many, many better days and years to look forward to.
This Shangri-la of the Middle East didn't exist some 40 years ago. But since the discovery of oil in the early 1970s, this sprawling money-pit metropolis has mushroomed to rival the Manhattan skyline.
But if New York is credited as the city which never sleeps, Dubai must certainly lay claim to the city which never rests.
Mechanical cranes are as much a part of the United Arab Emirates cityscape as the skyscrapers they help create.
It's a vibrant city boasting many superlatives: the biggest, longest, tallest, widest, fastest. Pick any building or district at random and you're bound to match one up with the other eventually.
The imposing Burj Khalifa, for instance, the world's tallest building at a vertiginous 828 metres high (2,716ft) reduces other towering structures to Lego brick status.
It takes less than 90 stomach-dropping seconds for the lift to climb the 124 storeys to the outside observation deck - a 360-degree viewing platform overlooking the city, desert and ocean beyond.
The varied view sums up the city with startling precision - one of incredible contrasts.
Where else in the world could you feel your backside being pummelled during a camel ride in the desert before that same derriere is being expertly pounded by a masseuse in a luxurious spa a few hours later?
Or how about basking on the beach in the morning and skiing in the afternoon? And the sub-zero temperatures in the ski centre are a welcome relief from the blisteringly-hot temperatures outside, where the mercury will often climb into the 50s during summer.
But if you've come to experience sand rather than snow, you can always cool down in one of the latest to-brag-about inventions popping up around the city - air-conditioned bus stops. And yes, they're a world first!
Air conditioning is never more than a few steps away - buses, trains, cabs, even the small souk shops offer an icy contrast to the energy-sapping sun, as do the myriad shopping malls which make the mighty Bluewater look like a corner shop.
It is claimed it would take a good three days to visit every one of the 1,200 shops in The Dubai Mall, one of the newest additions to this shopping mecca. Bloomingdales, designer names, and high street chains can all be found nestled among this 12-million sq ft shopping complex.
And if this isn't sufficient for those who bow to the god of consumerism, there are plenty more malls in which to worship. But be warned - don't be surprised if you stumble across a floor-to-ceiling aquarium, an Olympic-size ice-skating rink, a pyramid or even a waterfall as you browse. It's all part of the surreal Dubai experience.
In among all the glitz and glamour, remember this 'City of Merchants' isn't restricted to 21st century shopping centres, take a traditional abra (water taxi) or wooden dhow which ply the Dubai Creek to explore its more traditional origins as a trading port.
The souks, narrow lanes and bustling waterways of Bur Dubai and Deira are a world away from the uber modern Downtown Burj Dubai.
But don't be misguided by the westernised surroundings - remember this is an Islamic state which doesn't tolerate some of our more lax ways of living. While the UAE offers a more relaxed approach than many other Arab counterparts, its Islamic laws are both strict and strictly enforced.
Being drunk and disorderly, kissing in public or brawling could all land you in prison.
Even some over-the-counter drugs are banned and should not be brought into the country, so check before travelling as punishment is severe and uncompromising.
Remain respectful of Dubai's culture and customs, dress conservatively, observe the restrictions and requirements, and your experience will undoubtedly be a very pleasant one embraced by renowned Arabic hospitality.
Our favourite
The Palace, The Old Town*
www.thepalace-dubai.com
Arabian architectural heritage is celebrated throughout this five-star lakeside hotel with spa and astounding views of the Burj Khalifa and grandside seats for the nightly water fountain display.
It’s 242 rooms include 81 suites and the ultimate indulgence, the lavishly furnished Imperial Suite, which is spread over two floors with four bedrooms!
Ideally situated for the access to all major business and leisure attractions, a short enjoyable walk to The Dubai Mall and next to Souk Al Bahar, a shopping mall with Arabesque elements.
Facilities include a Spa, three restaurants, lobby lounge, fitness centre and outside pool.
Prices from AED 3,000 (approximately £560) per double for deluxe lake view
Suites start from AED 3,400 (approximately £615) for a double
The Address, Downtown Dubai*
www.theaddress.com
Even the humble teabag isn’t chic enough for one of the city’s newest hotels. The hotel, which has direct access to The Dubai Mall, is a shopper’s dream - and even offers a personal fashion advisor for all in-house guests.
The 244 rooms and suites celebrate Middle East traditions with contemporary décor and avant-garde technology.
Facilities include The Spa, a fitness centre, sauna and steam rooms, kid’s club, five restaurants, business lounge, outdoor swimming pool and hair salon.
*Guests staying at The Palace and The Address benefit from a full 24-hour stay which starts from the point of check-in. A real plus if checking-in late at night as you won’t be asked to leave come noon the next day.
Desert Palm
www.desertpalm.peraquum.com
Somewhat of a rareity in the desert - this avant-garde hotel approximately 15 minutes from the city centre is set amid green fields and a verdant landscape! Twenty-eight elegant rooms and villas reflect the estate’s serene surroundings, including four championship polo fields, riding school and stables.
Those not of an equestrian persuasion can chill out in the Lime Spa overlooking the grounds. Other facilities include: infinity pool, bar and lounge, steak and game restaurant, bakery, deli, boutiques, tennis, squash and fitness centre.
Suite/villa prices from AED 1,065 (approx £187)
Pool villas from AED 3,195 (approx £563)
Family favourite
Madinat Jumeirah
www.jumeirah.com
The name translates into the 'City of Jumeirah’ and it’s easy to see why. This vast resort, styled to resemble an ancient Arabian citadel, boasts two boutique hotels, summer houses, traditional souk, 44 restaurants and bars, spa and wellness services which are reached on abras through winding waterways.
Room rates for Mina A'Salam: Summer package AED 1,026 AED (approx £180)
Room rates for Al Qasr: AED 1,566 (approx £274)
One for A-listers
One for A-listers
Armani Hotel
If making a statement now extends from what you wear to where you rest your head at night, then this is the place for you. Oozing sophistication, style and serenity in every fabric, fibre, furniture item and finishing, Armani's impeccable reputation now extends to the hotel industry. The world's first Armani Hotel, with 160 rooms, suites, restaurants, spa and even a neighbouring nightclub, opened in April 2010 and won't fail to answer your every whim or want.
See online for room rates
How to get there
Kids go free to Dubai.
Until Sept 30, two children under 16 can fly, stay, eat and even be entertained for free! Call Emirates Tours on 0844 800 1400 for further details.
Emirates is also offering a free 5-star stop-over when you book a business or first-class flight to any of its worldwide destinations from the UK. Call 0844 800 0994 for details.
Go to http://www.emirates.com/ for all prices and further details, and to book online.
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
Suites 201-206, 1 Northumberland Avenue
Trafalgar Square, London
WC2N 5BW
Tel. +44 (0)20 7321 6110
Fax: +44 (0)20 7321 6111
E-mail: dtcm_uk@dubaitourism.ae
Website: www.dubaitourism.ae
