Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/191652
38 maltatoday, TRAVEL SUNDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2013 A kaleidoscope of cultures Dubai For the largest, the tallest, the fastest, the biggest, Dubai is the ultimate destination. It continues to build the biggest structures in the world. A city of contrasts, Dubai is a land where the old and the new, traditional and modern, east and west, blend seamlessly to create fascination and excitement. The kaleidoscope of people and cultures brings a unique fusion of influences, where traditional Arabian hospitality is topped with an ultramodern flourish. Why go? Dubai is the entertainment, shopping, sports and culinary capital of the Middle East. Home to some of the world's finest hotel chains, and dining options that include a range of eclectic local and international cuisine, Dubai offers you the world on a platter. Recreational facilities are available in abundance and the entertainment ranges from traditional celebrations to trendy nightlife. The numerous shopping malls feature some of the world's best brands, priced competitively. Dubai boasts warm, sunny weather all through the year. Add to this the pristine beaches and timeless landscapes, and it is easy to see why Dubai is an exciting year-round destination. Dubai is one of the Middle East's biggest success stories; its vision and diversity have set a precedent for the region. Known in the region as the Burj al Arab: consistently voted the most luxurious hotel in the world, if you cannot afford to stay, the hotel is still worth a visit "City of Merchants", Dubai has welcomed seafarers and traders to its shores for generations. Today, this tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on and has something to offer everyone – holidaymakers seeking a quiet break and adventurous tourists looking for adventure. What to do? Take in the desert from a different perspective in a hot-air balloon A 4X4 desert safari is a must-do in Dubai. Experienced drivers will take you on a rollercoaster ride through the dunes and take you to the best vantage points to watch the sun set. Try your hand at sandboarding down the dunes before dining under the stars, with music and dancing to complete Too hot for snowboarding? Try your hand at sandboarding down the desert dunes for the ultimate adrenaline rush the atmosphere. Go for a camel ride or have one of the women decorate your hands and feet with henna tattoos for a more native feel. Visit Satwa, where the streets are marked by small textile shops offering silks and cottons of all colours. Be sure to bargain for your wares as locals would do. Some tailoring shops are dotted around the area and make bespoke dresses after the purchase of raw materials. Take a trip to the Gold Souk market, where gold is sold by weight, with an added charge for workmanship. For the best price, It pays to head there equipped with the current gold and labour rates. Despite the presence of dazzling 22-carat items, there is little visible security. Not far from the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk market has been a part of Dubai since the beginning of the city itself; and though supermarkets have taken over the spice trade, it is still an experience to tantalise the senses. Witness a completely different image of Dubai with a hot-air balloon ride. As you soar high in the sky, behold the Arabian Desert's amazing sand dunes, mesmerising oases and camels wandering on the unknown horizon. Where to stay? Located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa, is just 65km from the cosmopolitan city of Dubai. Al Maha is an oasis of luxury and enchantment, where you can experience the true beauty and majesty of the desert and observe the indigenous wildlife in its natural surroundings. Whether you are riding a fine Arabian horse, surfing the dunes on a four-wheel-drive adventure, experiencing a unique falconry show or polishing your archery skills from the shade of a Bedouin tent, Al Maha's timeless horizons will ensure you are at one with nature. Choose from individual Bedouin suites, with temperature-controlled swimming pools, handcrafted furnishings, antiques and artefacts, or, for an even more regal experience, select a Royal Suite or Emirates Suite, with luxury bedrooms, expansive living areas and a beautiful private courtyard and swimming pool. The exquisite Presidential Suite is ideal for those who crave exclusivity and it offers an expansive private pool, unique water features and luxurious furnishings. With its landmark location inside the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, the Armani Hotel is poised to be the most exclusive hospitality destination in the city and a new benchmark for the industry globally. Every aspect of the hotel's design and service has been designed and planned by Giorgio Armani, from bespoke furnishings to restaurant menus and room amenities. Practicality and elegance, the cornerstones of Armani's signature style, combine with precious materials and sophisticated finishes to create a highly personalised space. Accommodation packages are available at Emirates Holidays on www.emiratesholidays.com. How to get there? Emirates operates regular flights to Dubai via Larnaka, Cyprus. Flights departing from Malta on 27 October and returning on 8 November were priced at €704.62, including tax, at the time of going to print. Further information can be obtained from the Emirates Sales Office on 225577255 or from local travel agents.