The United Arab Emirates on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula is a bit of an anathema in the Middle East. This union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms was formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971, and today it is a modern, trend-setting conglomeration of high-rise cities with state-of-the-art tourist infrastructure, magnificent beaches and a paradise of duty free shopping. Unlike other Arab states the UAE actually courts and encourages tourists, constantly adding and upgrading events and attractions to complement its renown as the shopping capital of the world.

The sun always shines on the UAE and its gleaming cities, the most popular of which is cosmopolitan, wealthy Dubai, which is characterised by a ten-mile long (16km) deep creek that forms a natural harbour. In Dubai resides the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone, which makes the city a must for shop-a-holics. A major attraction is the annual Dubai Shopping Festival.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and one of the most modern cities in the world. Visitors revel in large gardens and parks, green boulevards, sophisticated high-rise buildings, modern communication services and transport, international luxury hotels, rich shopping malls and cultural centres. The city's airport ranks as one of the finest in the world.

Just in case travellers forget they are actually in Arabia, the UAE also offers a host of experiences and attractions that utilise its historic Bedouin heritage, including camel treks, henna tattoos, desert stargazing, 4x4 trips through sand dunes and cruises aboard a dhow. Hundreds of tour companies offer a variety of excursions and adventure packages to suit all tastes and persuasions.

Al Hosn Palace (White Fort)

Address: Khalid bin Walid St Abu Dhabi

Admission: Free Open daily 7.30am to 1.30pm, Thursdays from 7.30am to 12.00pm. Closed on Fridays

The oldest building in young Abu Dhabi is the Al Hosn Palace, known colloquially as the White Fort. It was constructed in 1793 as the official residence of the former ruling family, and was extensively renovated in 1983. Today it houses the Cultural Foundation, featuring a museum of traditional artefacts and historical photographs. The Palace is renowned for the magnificent tile work over its main gate.

Dubai Creek

Address: Dubai

The natural seawater inlet that cuts through the centre of the city is the historical part of Dubai where visitors can take an abra (small water taxi) and view the old trading port and the dhows from the water. A cruise to Al-Maktoum Bridge will pass many of the city's historic, as well as modern, landmarks. A stroll around the wharf offers a picturesque glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage, where dhows bound for distant places dock to unload their goods.

Bastakiya

Address: Bur Dubai Dubai

The old Bastakiya district is a step back in time to the days before electricity and air-conditioning, where traditional courtyard houses were cooled by wind towers. Old Dubai was famous for its wind towers that lined the Creek on both sides, and today the narrow lanes festooned with the distinctively Arabian architecture is a popular historical attraction that has been marked for tourist development.

Souks

Address: Both sides of the Creek, in Deira and Bur Dubai Dubai

Admission: Free Daily 7am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm; Fridays 5pm to 7pm

The souks, or traditional markets, are popular with bargain hunters as well as sightseers and photographers. The most famous is the Gold Souk, where the narrow streets are lined with shops selling everything golden, from 24-carat bars to rings and elaborate necklaces, and all at low prices. The tiny lanes of the traditional spice souk are scented with sacks of cinnamon, incense, spices, and dried fruit, while the modern fish souk bustles with activity and is redolent with smells of a more unpleasant nature. At the heart of the Bur Dubai souk lies Al Fahidi Street, selling the latest electronics, photographic equipment and home appliances at competitive prices. Other streets sell everything from materials and carpets to traditional coffee pots, loaves of unleavened bread and hubble-bubble pipes.

Grand Mosque

Address: Al Mussalla Road Dubai

Boasting the city's tallest minaret at 230 feet (70m), the Grand Mosque is a notable landmark with its multi-domed style and impressive size. It is an important place of worship and can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers inside. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the Mosque.

Wild Wadi

Address: Jumeirah Beach Road, between the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai

Admission: Dhs 150 (age 13+); Dhs 125 (children 4-12). For individuals staying either at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel or Burj Al Arab, access to the Wild Wadi Water Park is free Daily from 11am. In January and February it closes at 6pm; from March to May at 7pm; from June to August at 9pm; and from September to December at 5pm

Telephone: (0)4 348 4444

One of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed, the five-hectare (12-acre) water park at Wild Wadi offers families and thrill seekers hours of fun, relaxation and adrenalin-pumping action. Designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis), the park has an Arabian folklore theme and features some of the highest and fastest water rides outside of North America with 24 state of the art, high-adrenaline rides and slides. Rides for thrill seekers include Jumeirah Sceirah, a 108ft (33m) free-fall at 50 miles per hour (80km/hr), Master Blaster slides that are water roller coasters propelled uphill by high-powered jets, the white-knuckle ride at Rushdown Ravine or the high waves at Breakers Bay.

Heritage Village

Address: The Breakwater Abu Dhabi

Admission: Free 8.30am to 5pm

Designed as a living museum depicting traditional Bedouin life, the Heritage Village over the Abu Dhabi Corniche features tents, courtyard houses, an ancient irrigation system, workshops where craftsmen ply their trades, a museum and much more.

Petroleum Exhibition

Address: The Corniche, near the fire station Abu Dhabi

Admission: Free Daily 7am to 2pm. Closed Thursdays and Fridays

Telephone: 626 9715

The basis of Abu Dhabi's wealth, the oil industry, is showcased in this permanent exhibition of photographs and interactive displays depicting the discovery of the 'black gold' and subsequent development of the region.

Al Ayn

Address: Abu Dhabi

The merge of ancient and modern Arabic culture is no more evident than in the fascinating city of Al Ayn, about 100 miles (160km) east of Abu Dhabi. This historic, scenic oasis is surrounded by red sand dunes and dominated by a vast mountain range on the eastern border of the UAE. Al Ayn has existed since around 3,000 BC and visitors can explore archaeological remains and a large museum. The city is also modern, filled with luxury resort hotels and shiny shopping malls. Experiences such as the Middle East's last remaining traditional camel market vie for attention with an exciting theme park, the renowned Al Ayn Zoo, and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Al Ayn is known as the 'Garden city of the Gulf' because of its tree-lined boulevards and green public spaces.

Liwa Oasis

Address: Abu Dhabi

Numerous local tour operators in Abu Dhabi offer trips from the city to the famed Liwa Oasis, about three hours drive away along a modern highway. This green, agricultural strip at the edge of the Rub Al Khali ('Empty Quarter') is surrounded by desolate desert with farms abutting towering sand dunes. Visitors enjoy overnight camel trips to camp in the desert. The oasis, made up of a string of small towns and villages, is resplendent with pools of fresh water and date plantations, and is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas tribe from whence sprang Abu Dhabi's ruling family.

Jumeirah Mosque

Address: Al Jumeirah Road Dubai

Admission: Tour fee: Dhs10 Tours are on Thursday at 10am; tours are also available on Sundays at 10am in summer

Telephone: (0)4 344 7755

The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most photographed sights in Dubai. A fine example of modern Islamic architecture, this beautiful mosque is also one of the city's largest, with a majestic dome and twin minarets, and is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims for tours.

Dubai Museum

Address: Al Faheidi Fort Dubai

Admission: Dhs7 Saturday to Thursday 8.30am to 8.30pm, Friday 2.30pm to 8.30pm

Telephone: (0)4 353 1862

The imposing 19th century Al Faheidi Fort houses the Dubai Museum, which has an impressive collection of military and cultural artefacts, as well as working models and life-size displays depicting various aspects of Dubai life such as the markets, an Islamic school, the desert, Arab houses and Gulf marine life. One of the most interesting exhibits shows the underwater world of pearl-diving. The fort was built in 1799 to guard Dubai from landward approaches, and was once the residence of the city's rulers as well as the seat of government until 1971.

Ski Dubai

Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Mall of the Emirates Dubai

Admission: Snow Park: Dhs70. Ski slope: Dhs150 (adults), Dhs130 (children) for two hours (extensions possible), Ski slope day pass: Dhs270 (adults), Dhs220 (children) Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 11pm, until 12pm from Thursday to Saturday

Telephone: (0)4 409 4000

One of the city's newest and most interesting attractions is the region's first indoor ski resort, with real snow and five runs catering to both beginner and expert skiers and snowboarders. The monumental indoor snowdome can host up to 1,500 people. The longest run is 1,312 feet (400m), dropping 197 feet (60m), while a freestyle zone and quarter pipe cater specifically for snowboarders. Ski lifts, snow patrols and professional instructors help to create an authentic environment. A Snow Park at the bottom is ideal for children to play in the snow. Slope passes include ski clothing and equipment.

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum Museum

Address: Al-Shindagha Rd Dubai

Admission: Dhs2 Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8.30pm, Friday 3.30pm to 8.30pm

Telephone: (0)4 393 7139

Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum's house dates back to the 19th century, and was built for Dubai's ruler with commanding views over the sea. It is one of the oldest residences in the city and has been restored as a museum exhibiting historical photographs and artefacts showcasing Dubai's history and development. Its architecture is also a fine example of the regional style with its wind towers and central courtyard, teak wood doors and windows and wooden lattice screens.

Desert safari

Address: Dubai

For a real taste of Arabia, visitors can take a trip into the desert with any number of tour operators into the rolling sand dunes surrounding Dubai. Tours usually include a thrilling 4x4 drive over the dunes, camel riding, a visit to a local Bedouin village, and end with a traditional Arabian barbeque under the stars, with a show of belly dancing.

Camel Racing

Address: Nad Al Sheba Race Course, Dubai Dubai

Admission: Free Thursday and Friday mornings. Call Nad Al Sheba for exact times.

No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip to the races…the camel races. This is a traditional sport in the UAE and hugely popular among local Emiratis who head to the race tracks early in the morning to watch these magnificent animals. The racing season runs from September to March and race tracks can be found in various locations around the Emirate and on the way to Abu Dhabi. In 2007 a brand new venue was built close to Nad Al Sheba racecourse and races are held early on Thursday and Friday mornings.

Jumeirah Beach Park

Address: Opposite Chilli's Restaurant on the Beach Road, Jumeirah Dubai

Admission: 2 AED per person or 20 AED per vehicle 8am - 10.30pm daily. Thursday and Friday till 11pm. Saturday for children and ladies only

Telephone: +971 4 3492555

One of the main reasons holidaymakers flock to Dubai is to take advantage of the stunning beaches. If visitors aren't staying somewhere with access to the sand and sea, and don't want to pay 100AED plus to use a hotel's facilities, then Jumeirah Beach Park is a brilliant alternative. It cost just 2AED per person to enter the park, or 20AED per car. The beaches are clean and safe and, unlike some of the other public areas in Dubai, are not populated with 'gawkers'. There are even designated 'women only' sessions. The park section of the beach is equipped with BBQ facilities and seating areas. There are also showers and toilets on the beach, and lifeguards on duty at all times.

Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise

Address: Dubai Creek (opposite the British Embassy) Bur Dubai Dubai

Admission: From 325 AED per person for 4-course meal, welcome beverage and cruise. Boarding begins at 7:45pm. Departure from dock 8:30pm

Telephone: +971 4 399 4994

The Bateaux Dubai Dinner Cruise provides visitors to the Emirate with a unique and memorable way in which to view the older part of Dubai. The two and a half hour cruise departs from just beyond the Al Maktoum Bridge and makes its way along the Creek past many of the city's most famous landmarks. Guests can take advantage of unobstructed views thanks to the non-reflective glass surround and extensive outside deck area. A four course a-la-carte meal is served during the cruise (diners with specific dietary requirements are requested to arrange at the time of booking) and alcohol is available to purchase on board.  Musical entertainment is provided care of the Bateaux Dubai musicians and DJ. Booking is required in advance through the reservation line.

Dubai Mall

Address: Financial Centre Road (Interchange 1), Dubai Dubai

Admission: Saturday - Friday 10am to Midnight

Telephone: (4) 437 3200

Opened in November 2008, Dubai Mall is the world's largest shopping centre and is home to around twelve hundred retailers. It is the size of more than fifty football pitches and features an ice rink, a hotel, and is the gateway to the Burj Dubai; the tallest building in the world. The mall is home to a number of the world's best known stores including Bloomingdales, Marks and Spencer and Montblanc. Designers such as Stella McCartney also have outlets in the complex and world famous jewellers Tiffany & Co. have a branch located there. No trip to Dubai would be complete without an outing to Dubai's latest shopping spectacular.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Address: Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road (Interchange 1), Dubai Dubai

Admission: Aquarium Tunnel: Child AED20 Adult AED25 Aquarium Tunnel & Underwater Zoo AED50

Telephone: (0)4 448 5200

The recently opened Dubai Aquarium is fast becoming one of the Emirates most popular attractions. Featuring the largest viewing panel and one of the biggest tanks in the world, visitors have the opportunity to experience the incredible underwater domain of thousands of creatures of the deep. Highlights include feeding time for the enormous Sand Tiger Sharks and the majestic Stingrays. The aquarium and zoo is home to over thirty-thousand types of sea life and provides an exciting, educational day out for adults and children alike.

Al Nasr Leisureland

Address: Off Umm Hurair Road Dubai

Admission: Dhs10 (adults); Dhs5 (children) Open daily from 9am – 10pm

Telephone: 04 337 1234

With a variety of sports to choose from, Al Nasr Leisureland offers facilities to cater to just about every sport under the sun. From an ice ring to swimming pools, tennis courts and a bowling alley, children will have a great time trying their hand at everything. There is even an amusement park with bumper cars, rollercoasters, go-karting and much more.

Children's City

Address: Dubai Creek Park Dubai

Admission: Dhs15 (adults); Dhs10 (children) Open Monday to Friday from 9am - 8.30pm. Closes 3pm Fridays

Telephone: 04 334 0808

This 82,890 square-foot (7,700 sq-metre) education park is located in Dubai Creek Park and offers a wide range of activities geared towards kids, making the educational process fun. Children can learn all about the human body, science and space and the park also features a café, souvenir shop and wonderful views of the creek.

Wonderland

Address: Dubai Creek Park Dubai

Admission: Dhs40 (adults); Dhs25 (children). Concessions available Open daily from 10am - 7pm; Theme Park from 4pm – 10pm. Closed Sundays

Telephone: 04 324 1222

Wonderland Theme and Water Park in Dubai Creek Park is a must for children struggling with the heat in this scorching city. The Caribbean themed park offers thrilling rides and slides such as the Red Baron, the spinning-coaster, the Action Arm, Lazy River and Surf Hill. Wonderland is a great way to spend the day with the family and a must for children of all ages.

Dubai Dolphinarium

Address: Al Ain Fun-City and Dreamland Aquapark Dubai

Admission: Dhs100 (adult); Dhs50 (children); Concessions available Dolphin and seal shows run from Monday to Saturday from 11am – 8pm. Swimming with dolphins can be arranged daily from 1pm – 7pm

Telephone: 04 336 9773

The Dubai Dolphinarium offers guests the chance to interact with these gentle aquatic mammals and watch them perform tricks with their trainers. The Dolphinarium is home to four Black Sea Bottlenose dolphins as well as four Northern Fur Seals. The dolphinarium allows gusts to swim with the dolphins in a pre-arranged session, and also features a restaurant and gift shop.

Creekside Park

Address: Dubai

Admission: Dhs5 (Wednesday: women and children only) Open daily from 8am – 10pm

Telephone: 04 369 082

With what seems like an endless lawn, Creekside Park is a great place for families and kids to enjoy while on holiday in Dubai. Boasting botanical gardens, an 18-hole mini golf course, an amphitheatre, picnic locations with barbecue equipment and a mini train and children's play areas, kids will be beside themselves with the endless amount of activities to enjoy here.

Marina Mall Fun City

Address: Marina Mall, Ras Al Akhdar Abu Dhabi

Admission: Rides from Dhs4-12

The Fun City at Marina Mall is a great place for kids, offering an exciting range of arcade games and rides to enjoy. Favourite rides at the amusement centre include the thrashing shark rollercoaster, the whizzy little bumper cars and the 'Extreme Shock' machine - actually very safe!

Bowling, Paintball and Table Tennis

Address: Al Maqtaa, near the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

Admission: Daily, 10am to 10pm

Kids in Abu Dhabi will love honing their skills in the bowling alley at the Armed Forces Officers' Club, or perhaps playing a game of paintball or table tennis. There is also an Olympic-size swimming pool at the club for kids to cool off in after all that action.

Hili Fun City

Address: Al Ain Abu Dhabi

Admission: 15 Dhs

A great attraction for children and often called the 'Disneyland of the Middle East', Hili Fun City is the largest theme park in the Gulf. The park offers a number of rides and amusements, including a mini train tour, an ice skating rink, a rollercoaster and sky-flyer, and the Dynamic Motion Theatre. There are also beautifully landscaped gardens and various picnic spots to enjoy at the park.

Golf

Dubai is a golfer's paradise, but even for non-players the golf clubs are worth a visit for the spectacular architecture of their clubhouses and the successful landscaping of the desert. The world-famous Majilis course at the Emirates Golf Club hosts the European PGA event, the Dubai Desert Classic, and its signature clubhouse is modelled to look like Bedouin tents. Visitors looking for a different golfing experience can arrange a game at the oldest course in the emirates, the Dubai Country Club, where golfers are given a piece of artificial turf to hit their shots from, as the whole course is sand. Or if the heat is too great golfers can even try some night golf under the floodlights at the Nad al Sheeba Club. As a year-round golfing destination, Dubai has the unique privilege of being the only place to host major international golf tournaments on both the European and Asian PGA circuits. The courses and facilities are first rate with all the comforts, including motorised golf carts, beverage carts, quality equipment and automated GPS yardage devices. Bookings can be made at www.dubaigolf.com

Desert Safaris

A visit to Dubai is almost always complemented by a trip to the desert where the spectacular terrain can be experienced as part of a group tour on a day or overnight safari. It is an opportunity to experience the true heart of Arabia and the terrain varies from rugged mountains to rolling sand dunes inhabited by camels and goats and dotted with the occasional village. Excursions may include camel rides, dune driving through the thick sand, sand skiing and wadi-bashing (exploring the dry river beds in a 4x4 vehicle), and many conclude with an Arabian-style barbecue in a traditional Bedouin tent complete with music and exotic belly dancers.

Cruising in Dubai

Capital of the country known as ‘the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf', Dubai is fast becoming a popular cruise destination for anyone planning to travel the Gulf Coast by sea. A place where the sea and the desert meet, this luxurious cruise destination is leisurely, luxurious and offers some of the world's finest shopping.The Dubai Cruise Terminal of Port Rashid opened in 2001 and can accommodate two ships simultaneously as well as offering cruise passengers views into beautiful lush palm gardens, Arabian heritage and cultural exhibits, a café, coffee bar and free Internet on five terminals in its business centre. The port terminal also offers two free shopping shuttles departing on the hour to Mercato Mall and City Center Mall, Deira.Dubai cruise passengers can explore the historical district of al-Bastakia, take a boat trip up Dubai creek or to the artificial Palm Islands, and shop till they drop in the world's shopping Mecca. Passengers opting for a more relaxing stay in the city will enjoy basking on the exquisite beaches and soaking up the beauty of the cost and its resorts.Passengers wanting to spend a few extra days in Dubai before or after their cruise will have no problem finding accommodation. With some of the most elite and stunningly beautiful hotels in the world, it's no wonder why Dubai is such a popular cruise destination.

Dubai Honeymoon and Wedding

Dubai is a beautiful city by the sea, a splendid honeymoon destination! It's romantic, sophisticated and multicultural, an intriguing destination for newly-weds to experience together. Set between the desert and the Gulf of Oman's stunning coast, this is a city where modern skyscrapers rise between ancient mosques and souks (markets), all waiting to be explored by honeymoon couples. Dubai Honeymoon Things To Do Dubai offers newly-weds a wealth of luxurious, private honeymoon accommodation. The tallest hotel in the world, and shaped like a huge sail, the 7* Burj Al Arab resort is just as spectacular in its hosting of guests. Close on its heels, Jumeirah Beach Hotel looks like a breaking wave and boasts its own private beach. In a league of its own, Al Hamra Fort Hotel is located on a private island with desert safaris, archaeological sites and a natural lagoon for couples to enjoy. While on honeymoon in Dubai, couples will not run short of things to do. The city offers an amazing selection of shops and souks - the Gold Souk is a must! The clear blue waters off Dubai's immaculate beaches are perfect for scuba diving and sailing, while camel riding, dune buggy expeditions and safaris are popular in the nearby desert sands. Enjoy indoor skiing and snowboarding together at the Ski Dubai resort. For history lovers, the Dubai Creek is reminiscent of an ancient Arabian port, quite a romantic stop, and Al-Hosn Palace has incredible courtyards for couples to explore. Walking the historic Bastakiya district can also be a romantic outing. In Dubai, newly-weds can revel in luxurious comfort while experiencing the beautiful cultures and sites of a foreign land. Dubai Honeymoon Specialists Many of the Dubai resorts and hotels offer special honeymoon packages to couples, and will go to the ends of the earth to provide a perfect experience. Visit Hitched for detailed Dubai honeymoon listings.

The Lemongrass

Address: Oud Metha, Nr Lamcy Plaza Dubai

Food Type: Thai

Voted Best Thai Restaurant by Time Out Dubai, The Lemongrass in Oud Metha serves up traditional Thai food in a relaxed, modern setting. Decor is subtle and calming and seems designed to keep the chi flowing while visitors savour delicious Thai fare. Seafood features heavily on the menu  and the grilled Red Snapper in red curry sauce is an alternative to the traditional Thai Green Curry. Also worth sampling is the interesting take on the Pad Thai Noodles. The Lemongrass is a 'dry' venue; however try the freshly squeezed juices and smoothies instead. The peppermint smoothie is popular among return visitors. The Lemongrass offers affordable, appetizing, authentic Asian food. Visitors arriving by taxi, should direct the driver to Lamcy Plaza. 

Verre

Address: Hilton Dubai Creek Dubai

Food Type: International

British Chef Gordan Ramsay has firmly established his restaurant in the chic Hilton hotel as one of the classiest dining venues in Dubai. The minimalist décor and discreet service focuses attention on the food, which is superb. The contemporary menu includes meat, seafood, chicken and delicious desserts. The sommelier will choose a different glass of wine to complement each course.

Casa Mia

Address: Le Méridien Hotel Dubai

Food Type: Italian

Located within the Le Méridien complex, Casa Mia is thought by many to be the best Italian restaurant in the city, known for its home-cooked Italian cuisine. The menu also includes delicious wood-fired pizzas, and in 2007 the restaurant was also honoured with an 'Award of Excellence' for its unique and extensive wine list. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

Café Chic

Address: Le Meridien Hotel Dubai

Food Type: French

Michelin star chef Philippe Gauvreau creates fresh, innovative French cuisine in a comfortable, elegant setting that is widely acknowledged to be one of the best restaurants in town. As Le Méridien Dubai's signature restaurant, it was also honoured with a 'Best of Award of Excellence' for its extensive wine list. Diners should not miss the renowned signature dessert, the chocolate soufflé. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

The Noodle House

Address: Emirates Towers Hotel Dubai

Food Type: Asian

This laid-back venue offers delicious, contemporary South East Asian fare at surprisingly affordable prices. Diners sit at long communal tables and don't need to wait very long for the region's usual favourites to appear, such as spring rolls, noodle soup, or vegetable, chicken and meat dishes served with noodles or rice. The open show kitchen allows diners to watch the food being prepared. Reservations are not accepted, and the place is busy, but the turnover of diners is high so the wait shouldn't be long. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Al Mahara

Address: Burj Al Arab Dubai

Food Type: Fish

The signature restaurant of the Burj Al Arab, one of the top 10 hotel restaurants in the world, gives diners a unique experience. A mock submarine ride takes guests to the dining area, where tables are situated around a huge floor-to-ceiling aquarium full of fish. Al Mahara specialises in unforgettable first impressions and fresh seafood and was voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. Dinner guests will also be serenaded by harpists, adding to the underwater atmosphere. Jackets are required for men, and reservations essential. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Al Dawaar

Address: Hyatt Regency Dubai

Food Type: International

Situated on the 25th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant boasts the best views in the city while you dine. The restaurant revolves giving diners spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf, the Creek and the city of Dubai while enjoying a variety of international cuisines. The buffet is the most popular option, including Chinese stir-fries, spring rolls, sushi and local dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

JW's Steakhouse

Address: JW Marriott Dubai Dubai

Food Type: American

The award-winning steakhouse is the finest in Dubai with steaks that 'cut like butter' and the freshest Maine lobsters, Dungeness crabs and oysters in town. It is popular for business entertaining as well as for romantic dinners. Begin with lobster bisque or seafood chowder, enjoy steaks, chops or seafood as a main, and finish with New York cheesecake or apple pie. Décor is New York style with lots of wood and leather, and the service is excellent.

The Meat Co.

Address: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Shop 148, Jumeirah Beach Road Dubai

Food Type: International

The Meat Co. at the Madinat Jumeriah is the place to go for top quality steak in Dubai. So far this South-African chain has just the one restaurant in the Emirate but it's never short of patrons and booking is essential on Friday and Saturday evenings.The restaurant prides itself on delivering A Grade Angus beef, ‘wet-aged to perfection' and basted to create succulent melt in the mouth steak. The menu doesn't cater solely for meat lovers, other highlights include the skewered grilled salmon and flame-grilled king prawns. In winter the best tables are outside alongside the Madinat's man-made canals, where diners can watch the boats transporting guests along the water.

Al Muntaha at The Burj Al Arab

Address: Burj Al Arab, Beach Road, Dubai Dubai

Food Type: Contemporary European Buffet

The Friday Brunch has become synonymous with the ex-pat lifestyle in Dubai in the last few years. Endless platters of seafood, meat, salads and deserts are offered at restaurants across the Emirate but, for really exclusive dining you can't beat the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel.   On Friday afternoons 12:30 to 14:30, for 450DHS per head, guests can dine two hundred metres above sea level in the Al Muntah a restaurant and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne at the Skyview Bar whilst taking in the stunning view of the coastline.   With spectacular views over the new Palm Islands, 7* service and a plethora of mouth-watering dishes “Brunch at the Burj” is fast becoming the most sought after venue. Dress code is elegant. Men are required to wear shirts and smart trousers. No shorts or open toed shoes allowed. Guests are advised to book well in advance.

Spectrum on One

Address: 1st Floor, Fairmont Dubai Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Dubai

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

Guests really can eat across the spectrum at Spectrum on One; located on the first floor of the Fairmont Hotel, Dubai. No less than six countries are represented on the menu, meaning diners are spoilt for choice. The culinary fare reaches from the Middle East, South Asia, Europe and Japan and food is prepared in view at workstations around the restaurant. Service is carried out with military like precision; orders are taken down and immediately patched through to the chefs via hi-tech headsets. Décor at Spectrum on One is smart and chic and the atmosphere is too.

The Aquarium at Dubai Golf and Yacht Club

Address: Dubai Golf and Yacht Club Dubai

Food Type: Seafood

The Aquarium is one of five restaurants situated at the exclusive Dubai Golf & Yacht Club. Located at the end of an  impressive drive way, lined with immaculate gardens and enviable creek-side villas guests arrive at the water's edge to superb views of the creek and the arguably the best seafood in town.  The Aquarium is aptly named; featuring ceiling to floor windows, an aqua-blue interior and an almost 360 degree panorama, the experience is rather like dining in a giant fishbowl.  A large aquarium in the centre of the dining area displays a range of exotic looking fish, however it's the one's on the menu that keep reeling in diners time and again.

QD's

Address: Dubai Creek Golf Course, Deira, Dubai Dubai

Food Type: Local

For shisha and cocktails QD's (Quarterdeck's) at Dubai Golf & Yacht Club is the place to be seen. This super chilled out, funky venue is hugely popular, particularly with young Emiratis who flock here on Friday and Saturday night to enjoy the vibe. Guests can choose to sit on the raised deck by the waters edge or, to occupy their own personal shisha tent, complete with couches and beanbags, and order their favourite flavour ‘hubbly bubbly' from the menu. Flavours include apple, grape, strawberry and mint. Shisha waiters are constantly on hand with more hot coals to keep the pipes bubbling and the air filled with the sweet smoky smell that has become synonymous with Dubai at night. Guests can also buy shisha pipes and tobaccos to take home as a memento

Trader Vic's

Address: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road Dubai

Food Type: Creole

Trader Vic's has become something of an institution among expats in Dubai.  The vibrant atmosphere, exotic menu and interesting cocktails remain popular with diners making ‘TV's' one of the Emirates best-loved eateries. Guests can feast on a wide variety of dishes including the famous Trader Vic's fish and chips, succulent duck wantons and delicious platters. The potent TV Mai Tai is also something of a legend in Dubai. There are currently two Trader Vic's outlets in Dubai the original branch at the Crowne Plaza and the immensely popular Souk Madinat Jumeriah location. 

Carters @ Wafi Mall

Address: Wafi Mall Dubai

Food Type: Gastropubs

One of the best-loved restaurants at the Wafi Mall, Carters offers diners great food, in a relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere whilst enjoying fantastic, friendly service. Décor is classic and stylish; reminiscent of a smoking lounge and in winter months the ambience extends out onto the large terrace. The menu features old standards such as Chicken Caesar salad, Chargrilled US Angus Rib Eye steak and hand cut fries, alongside alternatives to traditional dishes; marinated duck satay with honey glaze. The mouth watering Mars bar cheesecake is a firm favourite. Carters also offers a good selection of wines.

Ginseng

Address: Wafi City Mall Dubai

Food Type: Asian

For Asian tapas with a twist the popular choice in Dubai is Ginseng at Wafi City Mall. Nasi Goreng, Pandan Leaf Chicken and Duck Satay are firm favourites, as are the platters which are perfect to share. The speciality cocktails are hugely popular at this funky hangout thanks to the fantastic deals on offer most nights; firm favourites are the Lychee Martini, Envy Champagne Cocktail and the Gingseng Summer Punch.