Dubai is one of the seven United Arab Emirates, situated on the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula, and it has become one of the most popular of the Emirates, with superb accommodation on offers for holidaymakers.

Flying time is seven hours from London, and Dubai holidays offer almost everything you could wish for on a holiday, including sun, sea, shopping, nightlife, golf, water sports, and skiing. Yes, skiing! Skiing started in December 2005 in Dubai Emirates Mall, with the world's third largest indoor ski slope. It measures 400 metres and uses 6,000 tons of real snow. A second indoor slope is planned for Dubai, so there will even be a choice of runs!

Dubai is called the City of Gold thanks to its souks of gold and jewels. In fact, you will be able to find any precious metal or jewel that you like - and at prices much lower than in the UK. If your shopping requirements are less aurous, then you will delight in the modern-style shopping Malls, like The Pyramids and Diera City Centre, which open to midnight on some days.

Accommodation in Dubai is well-known for its high quality, with a large range of four, five and even seven star hotels! However, such luxury coupled with great service does not necessarily come at a high price, and much accommodation comes at very reasonable prices.

As well as great hotels, there is an excellent selection of restaurants to choose from that will suit all budgets. Note that alcohol is only available if served in a hotel, but nightlife is good, with some clubs open until the small hours.

Dubai has its own heritage to go with its accent on stylish modernity. You could try the Bastakiya Quarter, the Jumeirah Mosque, the Dubai Museum, and Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House to satisfy your cultural needs.

Note that the weather is very hot between March and October (around 40 C) during the day, but in winter temperatures on a Dubai holidays are much more bearable.

Danny Jones has been working in the travel industry for over 15 years. He enjoys writing about travel destination, especially Dubai holidays - http://www.beatthebrochure.com/holidays/Arabian_Gulf/Dubai/default.asp.