Dubai, dawn to dusk
Dawn in Deira, the old city, is breathtaking.
Little by little, hundreds of low houses are illuminated, revealing an array of earthy colours - ochres, sandy yellows and, occasionally, sugar-cube whites. It's worth getting up early on weekend breaks in Dubai just to breathe in the view.
A far cry from the high-rises near Jumeirah Beach, the Deira buildings with their clay and gypsum textures draw on the exotic Arabic architecture of Dubai's past - still present in the Bur Dubai district and at the ornate 19th-century residence of Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum at the mouth of Dubai Creek.
The din from the souks is irresistible, as traders holler and dhows are unloaded along the Creek. Men stack their goods precariously on carts and dart through the noisy crowds.
Like most visitors on weekend breaks in Dubai, you're immediately drawn to the 24-carat wares in the celebrated Gold Souk. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets and brooches glitter: a magpie's paradise. Moving on, the air grows pungent with the aroma of jute sacks laden with frankincense, myrrh, herbs and spices.
Heading up the creek in an abra (water taxi) reveals stunning view of the city in the shimmering heat. At lunchtime, feasting on meze in a charismatic Egyptian-run café, several takers around you puff on a shisha (water pipe). In the back, a couple of Jordanians strum on their ouds.
At dusk, you stroll along Jumeirah Beach and marvel at the Burj Al Arab hotel. Looming like a gigantic fin, it is an impossible leap from the sight of Deira at dawn.
Sip
tea in the seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel. Ostentation is the name of the game with gold mosaic floors that dazzle and million-dollar fountains that stagger. Enjoy the glamour of it all, lap up the sensational views and marvel at the starting price of a suite - $1,000!
Shop
'til you drop. Choose from some 300 stalls around the Creek. From exquisite handmade Rajasthani bedspreads, to pearl-encrusted cushion covers, antique Persian rugs and chic pashminas, the souks prove an extravaganza of energy and trade.
Lounge
in the Jumeirah Beach park. Try some barbecued chicken, then take a stroll down a grassy walkway to the white, sandy beach. Lined with palm trees, it's not hard to find a shaded spot. Lie back and relax before dipping into the crystal-clear, turquoise waters.
Carly, editor, LondonWe were driving along when we saw two camels decked out in full regalia in the back of a truck. They gave me a rather supercilious look, as if to say, 'You're not so special.' I had to laugh
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Full afternoon tea in the Burj Al Arab hotel AED280 (£52)
Small Persian rug
AED246 (£46)
Two-hour ski pass at Ski Dubai
AED140 (£26)
Tourist visas to United Arab Emirates (UAE)
No - Nationals of UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Japan
Yes - Nationals of India, South Africa - by sponsor/hotel on entry, or from embassy in advance
Guide only - always check with embassies before travel
Travel to Dubai
Flights to Dubai
| from | duration |
|---|---|
| London | 6h50 |
| Manchester | 7h05 |
| Edinburgh | 9h35* |
* average, including 1 stop
Airports
Dubai International (DXB)
5km from Dubai
All figures approximate
Average daily highs °C