Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is the most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE. It is also now a major tourist destination with great shopping and spectacular infrastructures. If you like superlatives, than Dubai is for you. 

Climate: 

It is very hot in Dubai during the day and gets cold at night. Cooler, more pleasant weather lasts from the end of September to beginning of May. 

Get in: 

Dubai International Airport is the largest hub in the whole Middle East. It is also home to Dubai's flag carrier, Emirates. This airport is famous for its duty free shopping. Taxis are readily waiting outside but if you already know your way around, you can take a bus which is considerably cheaper.

Sharjah International Airport is about half an hour away from Dubai and is being expanded to help ease the congestion at the Dubai International Airport.

Maktoum International is one of the largest airports in the whole world but it will still be a while before it starts servicing commercial flights as it is still under construction.

By car, the only international road border to Dubai is with Oman at Al Wajajah.

Dubai is a trading hub for dhows from around the Indian Ocean. Travellers wanting to arrive in the city this way will probably need to make their own arrangements with the captain of the vessel which is a hassle in my opinion. 

Get around: 

Taxis are very hard to get in Dubai as demand is often greater than supply. The easiest place to find taxis are in the malls. No need to haggle since they are all metered and are regulated. Drivers oftentimes won't take you if you're not traveling far in congested areas.

Buses are clean and cheap, but unfortunately not very comprehensive and (on some routes) quite infrequent. The bus system is most useful for getting between different areas of central Dubai, or between the various suburbs, rather than general transport.For a good, hop on - hop off, type tour try the Big Bus Company. It runs two routes; the blue route through Jumeirah and the recently constructed areas, and the red route centering on the older parts of Dubai. The hub for both routes is Wafi City mall, and an 175 AED ticket covers 24 hours of riding.

Rent-a-cars are fairly cheap and you can get one for very little paperwork. An international drivers license is not really required but depending on which country you are from (UK, USA & Australian licenses are acceptable), your driving license could be used to obtain a temporary driving permit at the licensing office in the 'City Centre' shopping mall. Traffic though is congested and there is a scarcity of parking spaces.

By boat, there are small ferries called abra. They are very cheap, efficient and best of all, they give you a very picturesque view of the city.

Metro rail systems are still under construction and will be completed by late 2009. 

See: 

• Al Ahmadiya School
• Bastakiya District
• Dubai Museum
• Jumeirah Mosque
• Shindagha District
• Burj al-Arab hotel
• Burj Dubai
• Palm Islands

• Shopping
• Entertainment
• endless water-sport
• Desert Safari or Dune Bashing
• Ski
• Wild Wadi
• Dubai Creek Cruise/Ride
• Golf
• Hot Air Balloon
• Dubai Zoo
• Legends Steakhouse

• Dubai has an arrangement with Oman to allow visitors who qualify for an Omani visa on arrival, visiting permission by road through Hatta.
• Tourists may also visit the nearby Emirate of Sharjah for its many museums, beaches and parks.
• The Iranian island of Kish is close by, and most visitors do not require a visa. 
• The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is an entirely different city and it is worth the one and a half hour ride to see the contrast.