Dubai is situated on the Persian Gulf coast in the northwest of the United Arab Emirates. The city is the capital of the emirate of the same name and is sometimes referred to as Dubai City. Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. The Dubai emirate covers around 3,900 sq km. Dubai shares borders with Abu Dhabi in the South, Sharjah in the north-east, and the Sultanate of Oman in the south-east.

Dubai has a very dry sub-tropical climate and rain is very rare. The hottest months are between June and September - the temperature often tops 45 degrees centigrade during the day and the humidity is very high. The temperature of the ocean can reach 37 degrees during the hottest part of the summer. October, November and April offer more reasonable temperatures of between 30 degrees and 35 degrees, but the best months are from December to March, when the average temperature is 24 degrees.

Golf enthusiasts can hone their skills at the Emirates Golf Club, which hosts the prestigious PGA Desert Classic, or at the Dubai Creek Golf Club in the heart of the city. Water sports take place on the beaches of the larger hotels or at the private clubs. You can enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise on the ocean or along the creek. 4x4 safaris are a great way to discover the beauty of the desert and, at the end of the day, to enjoy a buffet at the desert camp. There is also an indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates.

Dubai's cuisine reflects its population, which is to say that it is very cosmopolitan. In addition to the multitude of restaurants offering a taste of the UAE's neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Iran, Indian and Continental food is also widely available.

No trip to Dubai would be complete without a shopping excursion, and where better than the Mall of the Emirates! Designer shops rub shoulders with popular high street names - the ultimate shopping experience.

Contemplating Sheikh Zayed Road's ultramodern skyline or the plans for development in Dubai, it is difficult to imagine that this was a vast desert, instead of today's modern city, just a short while ago. Tradition and innovation meet in Dubai - Mosques and traditional Emirati villas stand amidst daring examples of modern architecture.