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FIND OUT MOREArabian adventures
With chilly weather and economic conditions ahead, there has never been a better time to escape to the Middle East for a dose of winter sunshine.
Dubai
It is bright, warm, glamorous and safe. What's not to like about Dubai?
The United Arab Emirates' most populous city, and the second largest emirate by area, Dubai has come a long way from small fishing settlement to trading and commercial hub and, recently, tourist mecca. It's a real life rags-to-riches story that is guaranteed to sweep visitors off their feet.
Here, traditional souqs thrive in the shadow of cutting-edge shopping malls, ultra-luxury beach resorts coexist with remote Bedouin villages, and the eerie emptiness of the desert is intensified by the cosmopolitan ambience of the city just a few miles away. And let's not forget those mint, thyme and saffron-scented evenings that are oh so romantic.
Its oil may be running out but Dubai's future looks bright, with huge development projects - including artificial islands and the world's tallest building, the Burj Dubai - creating jobs and attracting visitors from around the world.
What to do:
Ride on an abra
A creek divides ‘old' Dubai into two parts: Deira on the northern side and Bur Dubai to the south. People use abras, traditional water taxis, to cross over to either side of the creek. This is a unique experience, allowing visitors to mix with local people as they go about their daily routines.
Take a walk around Deira's bustling souqs
Souqs are traditional markets and the Deira area in Dubai hosts some of the best. Check out the Gold Souq - one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling a dazzling array of jewellery at bargain prices. The Spice Souq is also worth a visit to stock up on cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, dried fruit and nuts from all over the Middle East.
Make a splash at Wild Wadi Waterpark
Jumeirah, the new centre of Dubai, is not only famous for the exclusive hotels that line its shore; it is also home to a fascinating waterpark, inspired by the legend of Arabian adventurer Juha and his friend Sinbad.
Indulge in retail therapy
Dubai is known as the shopping capital of the Middle East for a reason. Shopping centres are plentiful and the duty free prices a real bonus, especially in these cash-strapped days. For high-end designer labels visit the Burjamen Centre near Khalid bin al-Waleed and Trade Centre roads. Here you will find luxury boutiques including Cartier, Versace and Tiffany. Another popular shopping destination is the 223,000 sq m Mall of the Emirates - the largest shopping centre outside of North America - which also houses an indoor ski centre.
What to see:
Dubai Museum
The splendid Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1799 to guard against foreign invasion, now houses Dubai Museum (Al-Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai). Here you can explore the rich culture and heritage of Dubai - from desert life to fishing, pearl diving and trade.
Burj Al Arab
Perhaps Dubai's most photographed building, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is the world's tallest free standing hotel. Rising 321 metres above the ground on an artificial island off Jumeirah beach, it is an iconic structure symbolising Dubai's urban transformation. This dream palace, which cost a reported $650 million to built, is one of the most expensive hotels in the world.
Atlantis Resort & Hotel
Built on the man-made Palm Island, the multi-billion dollar Atlantis Resort & Hotel is one of Dubai's newest must-see attractions. The resort includes a 1,539-room hotel, a luxury spa, a nightclub, world-class restaurants, cosmopolitan boutiques, a water park and pristine white beaches.
Where to stay
For sheer wow factor, nothing beats the Burj Al Arab (www.burj-al-arab.com). Something in the area of £1,600 plus will buy you a night of breathtaking opulence on top of the world. A more affordable option is the 4-star Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa (www.arabiancourtyard.com), which boasts a great location in Bur Dubai, right across from Dubai Museum and a short distance away from the creek.
Abu Dhabi
The largest of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE. It is also the second most populous city after Dubai.
Once a small Bedouin village, it became a major hub for the pearl industry before it discovered its rich oil reserves and emerged as one of the wealthiest and fastest growing cities in the world. Now Abu Dhabi is reinventing itself yet again into the cultural hub of the Middle East, which is helping to put the city on the radar of tourists from around the world.
Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi boasts year-round sunshine, miles of sundunes and grass-covered golf courses, exotic off-shore islands, futuristic skyscrapers, plush international hotels and countless shopping centres. And like Dubai, it has a very exciting future to look forward to.
In the next few years, Abu Dhabi is expected to launch the largest Guggenheim Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum and the first international branch of New York University. Need we say more?
What to do:
Go on a camel safari
The inland deserts with their stunning views and infinite tranquillity are ideal for atmospheric camel rides.
Wake up the Tiger in you
Try your golf swing at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club (www.adgolfclub.com), which boasts world-class golfing facilities just a stone's throw from the city centre.
Dive in
The clear, tranquil waters of the Persian Gulf and the all year round warm sea temperatures make Abu Dhabi an ideal place to try a bit of snorkelling and scuba diving.
Hob aboard a dhow
Check out the islands scattered around Abu Dhabi aboard a dhow, a wooden boat traditionally used for fishing and pearl diving. Their design may be ancient but these boats nowadays boast modern comforts and state-of-the-art facilities.
What to see
The Heritage Village
A living museum offering a glimpse into Abu Dhabi's past, the 1,600 sq m Heritage Village features Bedouin tents, courtyard houses, workshops and traditional souqs. Located along the seafront, near the Breakwater, it puts special emphasis on maritime traditions.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Non-Muslim visitors are usually not permitted to enter Abu Dhabi's mosques. However the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque, is an exception. This is the third largest mosque in the world, named after the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates, who is buried in a courtyard near the mosque. Built on a hill on the outskirts of the city, it can accommodate 40,000 plus worshippers.
The Emirates Palace Hotel
One of Abu Dhabi's most popular landmarks, the $3 billion Emirates Palace is reputed to be the most expensive hotel ever built. All that glitters here is gold, even the dessert decorations - 5kg of pure edible gold is reportedly consumed in this hotel every year.
The White Fort
Don't miss the chance to photograph Qasr al-Hosn, also known as the White Fort, which was the royal palace and seat of government until 1966. Centrally located on Sheik Zayed First Street, this is Abu Dhabi's oldest historic building, dating back to 1793. Although the fort is not open to the public, you can take pictures from the surrounding grounds.
Where to stay
Are you a millionaire in search of the most indulgent holiday? The Emirates Palace (www.emiratespalace.com) will be happy to assist. This luxury hotel offers the world's most expensive tailor-made suite holiday, costing a whopping $1 million. Something a bit more affordable perhaps? Try the 5-star Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna (www.danathotelgroup.com), which boasts a secluded location between the desert and the Arabian Gulf on the western coast of Abu Dhabi. Double rooms cost around £220 per night.
How To get there
Etihad (www.etihadairways.com) offers daily flights from Manchester to Abu Dhabi. For a range of other flights available from Manchester to Dubai and Abu Dhabi visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk.