Shop 'til You Drop In Dubai

Dubai is famous for its wide range of shops, malls and markets - so it may come as no surprise that the emirate's annual shopping festival is a big draw for locals and holidaymakers alike.

The event takes place over four weeks in January and February every year, with participating retailers offering a plethora of discounts, prize draws and free products throughout its duration.

Other highlights of the Dubai Shopping Festival include firework displays, children's activities, fashion shows and theatre performances.

Elsewhere, Dubai is packed with other attractions and activities. You could relax on the beach, go on a tour of the emirate to spot its most spectacular hotels or haggle for a bargain at the gold souk.

Sporty types may want to play a round of golf or two, go sailing, swim a few laps or perhaps take in one of the major events hosted by Dubai every year.

These include the UIM Class One Powerboat World Championships, the Dubai Sevens Rugby Tournament, the ATP Dubai Tennis Open, the Desert Classic PGA Golf Tournament and the Dubai World Cup horse race, among others.

If you prefer to explore Dubai's culture and heritage, you could take in an exhibition at the Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Municipality Museum or the Naif Fort and museum.

Dubai is crammed with historically important sites and monuments dating back hundreds or thousands of years, including the official home of Saeed Al Maktoum - who ruled Dubai for the first part of the 20th century - and the Burj Nahar watchtower and its beautiful gardens.

Why not take a walk along the narrow, winding lanes of the Bastakiya district and catch a glimpse of the courtyard houses that are something of a tradition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?

Other possible activities include visiting the Dubai Zoo, going on a desert safari, attending the rather odd camel races and taking day and weekend trips to other UAE destinations such as Abu Dhabi and the desert-bound Bedouin villages.

Taking a cruise to Dubai could be one memorable way of exploring the delights of this Middle Eastern location.

By: Dipika Patel

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