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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2014 40 TRAVEL A kaleidoscope of cultures Dubai For the largest, the tallest, the fastest, the biggest, Dubai is the ul- timate destination as it continues to build the biggest constructions in the world. A city of contrasts, Du- bai is a land where the old and the new, traditional and modern, east and west, blend seamlessly to cre- ate a fascinating and exciting des- tination. The kaleidoscopic blend of people and cultures brings to the city a unique fusion of influences, where traditional Arabian hospital- ity is topped with an ultra-modern flourish. Why go? Dubai is the entertainment, shop- ping, 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 interna- tional cuisine, Dubai offers you the world on a platter. Recreational fa- cilities are available in abundance and the entertainment ranges from traditional celebrations to trendy night life options. The numerous shopping malls feature some of the world's best brands, at competitive prices. Dubai boasts warm, sunny weather all through the year. Add to all this the pristine beaches and the time- less landscapes of the desert 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 and has set precedents for the entire region with its vision and diversity. Known in the region as the "City of Mer- chants", Dubai has welcomed sea- farers and traders to its shores for generations. Today, this tradition of courtesy and hospitality lives on, and has something to offer every- one, from holidaymakers seeking a quiet, relaxing break to adventurous tourists looking for a new exciting adventure. What to do? A 4x4 desert safari is a must do while in Dubai. Experienced driv- ers will take you on a roller coaster ride over the sand dunes and take you to the best vantage points to watch the sun set. Try your hand at sandboarding down the sand dunes before dining under the stars with music and dancing to complete the atmosphere. Go for a camel ride or have one of the women decorate your hands and feet with henna tat- toos for a more native feel. Visit Satwa, where the streets of the small community are rowed by small textile shops, offering silks and cottons of all colours. Be sure to bargain for your wares as locals would do. Not only is Satwa a hub for textile shops but some tailoring shops are dotted around the area and will make bespoke dresses after purchasing of raw materials. Take a trip to the Gold Souk mar- ket where gold is sold by weight with an added charge for workmanship. It pays to head down there equipped with the current gold price and a knowledge of the making charges in order to get the best possible prices. Despite the 22 carat dazzling items there is little visible security along the stalls. Not far from the Gold Souk mar- ket, the Spice Souk market has been a part of Dubai since the beginning of the city itself and though the supermarkets have taken over the spice trade it is still an experience to tantalise the senses. Witness a completely different im- age of Dubai from a bird's eye with a Hot Air Balloon Ride soaring in the sky. As you fly high in the sky, be- hold the Arabian desert's amazing sand dunes, mesmerizing oases and camels wandering in the unknown horizon. Where to eat? For a warm and traditional atmos- phere, try Awtar in Dubai's Green Valley. Delicious Lebanese food complemented with lively enter- tainment make it popular among many local Emiratis. The restaurant offers an extensive array of kebabs, raw-meat dishes and hot and cold meze. Gordon Ramsay takes his glowing reputation worldwide to the Creek side restaurant Verre (www.gor- donramasy.com/dubai). Outstand- ing choices on the menu may cause some confusion but classic French dishes will surely not disappoint. Al Mahara does not only offer the most exquisite seafood dishes but also fascinating surroundings. A spectacular aquarium awaits your arrival, filled with fish, sharks, tur- tles and other sea creatures. If you are lucky you may even spot a diver feeding the fish. The menus range from classic, modern, Arabic adven- ture and Seafood experience, offer- ing various types of specialties. This restaurant is one of the most expen- sive in Dubai but its unique atmos- phere is worth at least a visit. Where to stay? Located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, is just 65km from the cos- mopolitan city of Dubai. Al Maha is an oasis of luxury and enchant- ment where you can experience the true beauty and majesty of the desert and observe the indigenous wildlife in their natural surround- ings. Whether you are riding a fine Arabian horse, surfing the sand dunes in an exciting four-wheel drive adventure, experiencing a unique falconry show or polishing your archery skills from the shade of a Bedouin tent, Al Maha's time- less horizons will ensure you are at one with nature. Choose from individual Bedouin suites, with temperature controlled swimming pools, handcrafted fur- nishings, 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 hos- pitality destination in the city and a new benchmark for the industry globally. Every aspect of the hotel's design and service offerings has been de- signed and planned by Giorgio Ar- mani, from bespoke furnishings to restaurant menus and in-room amenities. Practicality and elegance, the cornerstones of Armani's signa- ture style combine with precious materials and sophisticated fin- ishes to create a highly personalised space. How to get there? Emirates operates regular flights to Dubai via Larnaka, Cyprus. Flights departing from Malta on 11 December and returning on 24 December were priced at €685.24, including tax, at the time of going to print. Take in the desert from a different perspective in a hot air balloon Consistently voted the most luxurious hotel in the world, if you cannot afford to stay, the hotel is still worth a visit Go to the Gold Souk market where 22 carat gold items are on display with relatively little security