Thursday, 14 December 2006

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Ryan Thomas: Dubai is a jewel

Visit this modern, vibrant city in the Persian Gulf

Corrie's Ryan Thomas visited to Dubai on holiday and loved it. He says: 'I went with my girlfriend Tina [O'Brien, who plays Sarah Lou in the soap]. It's so hot and the swimming pools are huge. Our hotel pool had bridges, slides and waterfalls - the full works. Shopping there is amazing, too. I bought loads of jewellery because it's really cheap.'

Just a century ago, Dubai was a tiny pearl-diving Bedouin village perched on the sands where the broad waters of the Dubai Creek meet the Gulf of Arabia. Then oil was discovered in the region and now, in one of the fastest turnarounds in history, Dubai’s a vibrant, buzzing super-city that’s getting bigger and bolder with every day that passes.

A vibrant super-city

With its constant sunshine, tax-free shopping, palm-fringed beaches and glittering nightlife, it’s easy to understand why this once dusty desert metropolis has suddenly leapfrogged more obvious rivals to become a top holiday destination. Futuristic buildings rise dramatically along the turquoise waters of the coast, which teem with every possible water sport, while just half an hour’s drive inland, the serene sand dunes of the desert unfold in every direction.

Must see, Must do

Dubai’s a great place to sample the Middle East while enjoying the freedom of a Westernised society. Indeed, the city has such a sophisticated nightlife, it rivals many European capitals. The clubs and bars attract world-class DJs and there are countless top restaurants to choose from.

Sprawling malls feature the finest designer boutiques and the hotels compete to outdo each other for sheer decadence, while some of the world’s most deluxe spas tend to guests’ every whim.

Search the souks

Dubai’s renowned for its neon-lit souks. Haggle your way through the meandering walkways of the gold souk in Deira, where delicately worked gold objects can be bought at knockdown prices, or head down to the Meena Bazaar material souk in Bur Dubai to have a designer-inspired dress tailor-made for around £30.

The mall trawl

With an abundance of malls and long trading hours (10am to 10pm), Dubai’s a shopaholic’s dream. The Emirates Towers Shopping Boulevard houses names such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta, though if the designer price tags get too much, take a short taxi ride to Karama where you’ll find an army of friendly street traders offering you a host of ‘genuine’ designer bags at unbelievable prices.

Life’s a beach

The striking beachfront hotels are expensive, but that doesn’t mea that you’re restricted to a budget hotel pool for the duration of your stay. For free bathing, head down to Jumeirah’s often deserted public beaches, or for a mere 80p, you can lie back within the plush beachside gardens of Jumeirah Beach Park and take advantage of the many cafés and recreational facilities on offer.

Food and drink

Eating out is an event in itself, with restaurants serving every possible type of food. Try one of the many small Arab cafés for delicious local cuisine or, for ultimate novelty value, check out the Burj Al Arab’s famous underwater restaurant.

But if there’s just one thing that you must do, it’s splash out at Spectrum on One at The Fairmont Hotel, where for around £43 you’ll be treated to the poshest brunch in town. A bevy of chefs are on hand to serve up everything from lobster to Indian delicacies, which you can wash down with an endless supply of Moët & Chandon champagne.

Step back in time

If the cutting-edge modernity starts to get too much, head for the ancient Bastakia quarter in Bur Dubai, the oldest part of the city. Here an original old fort serves as the city’s museum and visitors can still see a cluster of century-old wind-tower houses – homes built by wealthy Persian merchants with towers on the roof to catch passing breezes to channel down to the rooms below.

Take a relaxing water taxi ride along the Dubai Creek, which still bustles with Arabian fishing boats, and stop off on the other side to check out Deira, the spice souk, colourful and atmospheric with wonderfully exotic smells.

Dos and don’ts

Although it’s a Muslim city, Dubai has a very Western outlook and female visitors don’t need to worry about covering up, though you should avoid wearing revealing clothes in the souks. Note, too, that it’s illegal to sunbathe topless – breaking this rule could get you evicted from your hotel. Public displays of affection are also hugely frowned upon and anything more passionate than handholding in public places could get you in a spot of bother.

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is available in the Middle East, with Dubai being the party capital of the region. However, it’s only available in hotel bars and clubs, so stock up on duty-free as you arrive at Dubai International Airport – you’re allowed four bottles of spirits per person.

Jill Downie and Emily Ashman