Discovering Dubai

I was very fortunate to be able to visit Dubai in September 2008. I had been hard at work finding the most suitable destination for my family where every one of us would be able to enjoy an aspect of an exciting new Destination. Dubai was the ultimate option, having excellent weather during September, stunning swimming beaches, an exciting water park and of course an abundance of shopping malls and markets. We flew direct to Dubai on Emirates Airlines which was perfect for the kids; they have so many movies and gaming options onboard. Their service and food was exceptional. Arriving in Dubai at 05:00 am did not allow for us to check into our room at the renowned "wave-shaped" Deluxe Jumeirah Beach Hotel, but this was not a problem at all. We were able to store our luggage, the hotel gave us a mobile phone and allowed us to take the kids to the Wild Wadi Water Park located a few steps away. When our room was ready we received a call from the hotel and we were allowed to check in by mid-day. The Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels that we had the pleasure to stay in, located on its own private beach, fantastic facilities including 4 swimming pools and a sports club. Our room also had a spectacular view of the famous Burj Al Arab. Our rate included an International Breakfast which meant that the variety was endless! We spent 7 nights in Dubai, soaking up the sun beside the pool or at the Wild Wadi Water Park as we had free access being guests at the Jumeirah. The evenings were spent at the Malls or markets. We also had a free shuttle to a Diamond Souk and two of the malls, one of which has an indoor ski slope. The highlight of our trip was the 4x4 Dinner Dune Safari, a "must" when visiting Dubai. We were collected from our hotel in the late afternoon and taken into the dessert, once there we were treated to the exhilarating experience of driving up and down the dunes before stopping for sundowners as we watched the sunset, then off to an authentic Arabian dinner in traditional Bedu tents before returning back to our hotel. Dubai is truly an amazing, dynamic city. So many changes are taking place that I am sure if we were to visit again there would be so much more to enjoy. We had an unforgettable holiday and I would not hesitate to recommend it whether you are travelling for leisure or business. Dubai has it all from sun, sea, sand, to unbeatable shopping, golf and culture!