Dubai is the foremost tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates; a wealthy region in the northern part of the end of the Arabian peninsular. The powers that be have invested their oil wealth heavily to turn the city into a popular destination for when the oil runs dry.

Dubai has dazzling beaches, huge shopping malls and extensive car hire options. If you have a cheap Dubai hire car you can drive along Jumeirah Road and visit the beaches or head for the ritzy Palm Islands. The flash, seven-star Burj al-Arab Hotel is also along here, with its seaside setting and fancy restaurants.

For a look around town at Dubai’s main attractions, heading for the Bastakiya district should be on every discerning traveller’s itinerary. It is the old part of Dubai and features small alleys, bustling markets, known as souks, and old buildings. To learn about old Dubai, check out the brilliant Dubai Museum and the equally impressive Dubai Creek.

Other star attractions in Dubai include the Jumeirah Mosque and Dubai Zoo; the latter of which is great for the kids on a not-too-hot day. If it is too hot the ski centre and the water park are good refresher options. Shopping is best done in the flashy, heavily air-conditioned malls, while for eating and drinking, the top hotels have the best options.

If you have a Dubai hire car and prefer a change of scenery, the desert proper is a short drive away. Farther afield is neighbouring Fujairah emirate, which comes with the best scuba diving in the region.