The United Arab Emirates is an ever changing country that is both glamorous and extraordinary. Made up of seven Emirates, and dominated by the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai (who tends to take all the glory), there is a lot more to this small country than meets the eye.
The UAE is a fascinating country of contrasting elements, from the glamour and exuberance of the cities to the wide-open desert. Wonderfully located just under seven hours from London in a perfect stopover destination, it has a lot to offer travellers regardless of their length of stay.
Dubai seems to develop at an unbelievable rate and currently houses the world's tallest building, largest shopping mall and biggest water fountain, all within a few hundred metres of each other. There are activities to suit everyone (including skiing in the snow dome) and a shopping mall on almost every corner as well as long sandy beaches to laze on.
Abu Dhabi is the capital and more has a slightly more relaxed pace of life. It is marketing itself as more of a cultural destination, with plans to open a Guggenheim and a Louvre on Saadiyat Island in the near future.
Outside the cities there is the amazing Liwa desert to discover where stargazing comes into its own. Here, in complete contrast to the cities and their diverse residents, you are likely to come across just Bedouins, their camels and miles of rolling sand dunes.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Beach is an attractive hotel offering the care and attention Four Seasons is renowned for. Being just a short drive from the airport, Mall, city centre and overlooking the Persian Gulf makes this the perfect location.
A stylish and opulent resort with an Arabian theme. Ideally located right on Jumeirah beach it is considered one of the best hotels in Dubai. The Royal Mirage is a great choice for families, with excellent facilities for children.
Dar Al Masyaf offers a private and luxurious sanctuary within the vast resort complex of Madinat Jumeirah. This is a fantastic option for families and couples alike. Dar Al Masyaf is made up of 29 standalone Arabian and Gulf Summer Houses.
A newly opened property in the Madinat Jumeirah, the Al Naseem brings a fresh approach to the concept of luxury hotels in Dubai.
A modern resort with a full range of facilities for all the family, set on the famous Jumeirah Beach. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the shape of a breaking wave, with an interior theme of the four elements of earth, water, fire and air.
Anantara the Palm stylishly reflects its Thai heritage through its contemporary design. Set on the beach or surrounding the Pool Lagoons, the spacious rooms and villas provide a luxurious escape and allow for an excellent view of the sunset over the Palm.
Located on the beachfront at Jumeirah Beach the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai mixes glamour with stunning skylines and an elegant luxury. It is the closest beachfront property to the business district but is also ideal for couples or families.
A family favourite in Dubai, Atlantis The Palm is a busy, bustling attraction in itself, and is the epitome of Dubai: big, brassy and bold. The resort features 1,539 rooms and suites and was the first hotel to open on Palm Island.
This visually spectacular hotel dominates the Dubai coastline and offers an opulent, luxurious experience. This sophisticated and exclusive hotel, decorated with lavish textures and wild, exuberant colours, caters best for couples and older families.
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai is a unique luxury beach front resort located on Pearl Jumeirah and offers suites and villas with state of the art facilities reflecting the brand's signature stylish and contemporary design.
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