Dubai combines the rich history of ancient Arabia with gleaming modern comforts to create a destination of unparalleled appeal. With miles of wide sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and a host of unrivalled luxury hotels, Dubai is a firm favourite for both family holidays and honeymoons. Experience everything from rugged mountains to awe-inspiring sand dunes, lush green parks to traditional villages, ancient windtowers to ultra-modern shopping malls. Oman’s rich history of ancient Arabia combines with gleaming modern comforts to create a destination of unparalleled appeal - with miles of wide sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. Mosques vie with skyscrapers, dhows ply the shoreline alongside luxury yachts and camel racing remains as popular as four wheel drive desert safaris.
Dubai Spice and Food Souks - These range from the traditional narrow streets of the spice souk just a stone's throw from the Creek, to the modern fish souk and the fruit and vegetable souk. Dubai's most famous market of all is the gold souk, where narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with jewellery and bars of 24 carat gold. Oman Batinah Coast - Oman's northern coast where most of the towns feature stunning forts, each different enough to warrant seeing. 108miles west of Muscat, Rustag is best known for its imposing fort. Barka, just west of Muscat, has a fort and a restored house showing how wealthier Omanis lived many years ago. Inland, the town of Nakhal, with its dramatic fort, leads to the lush spring known as A'Thorwarah, which emerges into a wadi here to form a stream and small oasis - perfect for a picnic. Muscat - Oman's capital enchants visitors in a way that no other city in the Gulf can even begin to match. Maybe it's because Muscat doesn't have that slightly artificial feel which typifies so much of the rest of the region. Muscat, Mutrah and Ruwi are the capital's core districts. Jabrin Castle - Rising without competition from the surrounding plain, Jabrin Castle is an impressive sight. Even if you have had a surfeit of fortifications, make the effort to climb one more keep as Jabrin is one of the best preserved and whimsical of them all. Head for the flagpole for a bird's-eye view of the latticed-window courtyard at the heart of the keep. Wadi Shab - This wadi is arguably one of the most scenic destinations in Oman. Beyond the breathtaking entrance, the wadi rewards you with views of aquamarine pools, waterfalls and terraced plantations; kingfishers add glorious splashes of colour. For the adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities for (discreet) swimming and a visit to a partially submerged cave.
Dubai Mar | Horse Racing World Cup - The UAE season climaxes with the Dubai World Cup meeting, the world's richest raceday, which also features the three most valuable races on the planet Nov | National Sailing Championship Jun - Aug | Dubai Summer Surprises - Summer Festival of events at different venues around Dubai. Unique activities for families. Shopping malls are converted into venues for live entertainment, music, dancing, competitions, and workshops Jun - Aug | Dubai Shopping Festival - Part of the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival. This annual extravaganza has rapidly become an internationally-known event, with thousands of bargains, draws, shows, promotions and some of the world's lowest prices Jun - Aug | Dubai Culture and Art Forum Oct | Fusion Exhibition - The hottest fashion, music and style festival, Airport Expo Oct | Dubai Desert Rhythm Festival - A World Music Festival, Dubai Country Club Oct | UAE Desert Challenge - Desert Rally Oct | Dubai International Seafood Expo Nov | Motor Sport Festival, Dubai Autodrome Nov | Dubai Airshow - International Aerospace Exhibition, Airport Expo Nov | Dubai International Rally Championship
Dubai Shopping - One of Dubai's greatest visitor attractions is its superb shopping and bargaining is all part of the fun. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets may operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation as a way of life. Gold Souk - Dubai's most famous market of all is the gold souk, where narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 18, 21 and 22 carat gold. Bars of 24 carat in any form and weight, and bullion coins in 22 and 24 carat are also available. Prices are very reasonable and largely determined by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship. Carpet Souk - In Deira Tower's shopping mall, carpet traders from countries across the Gulf - Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan - have established a carpet souk where prices in the 40 shops range from a few hundred dirhams to many thousands. Consumer goods - In Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Street is noted for its electronic goods shops while nearby Cosmos Lane is lined with stores selling the textiles of West and East, from cool printed cottons to exotic brocades. Further out from the city centre, Karama is Dubai's bargain basement with an array of busy shops selling toys, household goods, textiles, fashions, accessories and much more. Malls - Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food outlets. Dubai Duty Free - Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport has won numerous international awards and ranks among the top duty-free operations in the world. Popular Gifts - Arabic coffee pots; Silver and brass swords and khanjars (Arabic curved daggers); Prayer beads; Soapstone figures; Coasters, letter racks, jewellery boxes, chests etc, decorated with lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite and other semi-precious stones; Marble goblets; Antique silver jewellery; Brass items; Silver and wooden miniature dhows; Persian carpets and cotton dhurries (oblong floor coverings); Inlaid rosewood and walnut furniture. Oman Dates & coffee - A symbol of Omani hospitality throughout the country are the ubiquitous dates, served with khawa, or Omani coffee. Khawa is prepared from freshly roasted ground coffee mixed with cardamom powder. Rice - Widely used and is served in a variety of ways, from steamed to elaborate concoctions bursting with meat and vegetables. Breads range from the plain to those flavoured with dates, sesame, thyme and garlic. For desert, Omani halwa, or sweatmeat, is a traditional favourite.
CLIMATE Dubai and Oman High temperatures throughout the year. Cooler and more pleasant between October and March. Minimal rainfall. TIME DIFFERENCE Dubai and Oman - GMT +4 hours CURRENCY Dubai - Dirham Oman - Omani Rial FLYING TIME Dubai - Approx 7 hours non-stop Oman - Approx 8 hours non-stop
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 – Save £445pp - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 from £1055pp including free half board and reduced rates. Valid until 02/10/10.
CHRISTMAS OFFER - SAVE £2835 per family - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 from £9650 per family of three including breakfast, complimentary accommodation for children and complimentary full board for children. Valid 01 Oct 09 - 10 Jan 10. Free nights offer valid 01 Oct - 20 Dec 09.
Exclusive Offer - Save £160pp - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
3 nights from £950pp including breakfast and reduced rates. Valid 01 Feb - 15 May 10.
Save £470pp. Upgrade to Emirates Business Class from £655pp one way. Valid 01 May - 30 Jun 10.
Save £255pp - Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Middle East
5 nights from £1055pp including complimentary half board and reduced rates. Valid 09 May - 10 Sep 10. Book by 15 Mar 10.
Save £470pp. Upgrade to Emirates Business Class from £655pp one way. Valid 01 May - 30 Jun 10.
Save £635pp - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
7 nights pay for 5 at Dar Al Masyaf from £1200pp including complimentary half board and reduced rates. Valid 09 May - 10 Sep 10. Book by 15 Mar 10.
Save £470pp. Upgrade to Emirates Business Class from £655pp one way. Valid 01 May - 30 Jun 10.
Save £670pp - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
5 nights pay for 4 from £1385pp including complimentary half board and reduced rates. Free night offer valid until 12 Feb & 20 Feb - 26 Mar 10. Complimentary half board offer valid until 11 Apr 10. Reduced rates valid until 17 Apr 10.
Save £470pp. Upgrade to Emirates Business Class from £655pp one way. Valid 01 May - 30 Jun 10.
Receive 10% discount per room - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
For stays between 10 May - 31 July receive a 10% discount per room per night. Book by 28 February 2009.
For stays between 21 August - 20 September receive a 10% discount per room per night. Book by 30 April 2009.
Valid at Al Qasr or Dar Al Masyaf.
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5. Stay 14 nights, pay for 10, including breakfast.
Valid 01/06/09 - 20/09/09 at Dar Al Masyaf.
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
Stay 4 nights, pay 3 including breakfast.
Valid: 01/06/09-15/09/09. Selected room categories only.
Receive 10% discount - Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Middle East
For stays between 10 May -31 July 2009, receive a 10% discount per room per night. Book 28 February 2009.
For stays between 21 August "“ 20 September 2009, receive a 10% discount per room per night. Book by 30 April 2009.
For stays between 05 "“ 20 December 2009, receive 10% discount per room per night. Book by 30 September 2009.
Two children stay free - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
Two children 2-11 years stay free of charge on bed & breakfast basis when sharing a room with 2 adults.
Selected room categories only.
Stay 6 nights, pay for 5 - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
Stay 6 nights, pay for 5. Stay 12 nights, pay for 10 including breakfast.
Valid: 01/10/09-17/10/09 book 21 days prior to travel. Selected room categories only.
Child stays free - The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Middle East
One Child 2-8 years stay free of charge on bed & breakfast basis when sharing a room with 2 adults.
Valid 01/06/09-14/09/09.
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 - The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Middle East
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6. Stay 14 nights, pay for 12. Mandatory breakfast supplement for free nights applies.
Valid 01/06/09-14/09/09.
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 including breakfast.
Valid 11/05/09-31/05/09 & 01/08/09-20/09/09.
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5. Stay 14 nights, pay for 10 including breakfast.
Valid 01/06/09-31/07/09.
Complimentary Half Board - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
7 nights from £1495pp incl free half board.
Valid 09 May - 30 Sep 09.
Save £215pp. Upgrade to British Airways Club World from £530pp one way.
British Airways offer valid for travel 01 Mar - 31 Oct 09; World Traveller Plus book by 23 Feb 09; Club World book by 09 Mar 09.
Save £340pp - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
7 nights pay for 5 from £1370pp incl breakfast.
Offer valid 01 Jun - 20 Sep 09.
Save £215pp. Upgrade to British Airways Club World from £530pp one way.
British Airways offer valid for travel 01 Mar - 31 Oct 09; World Traveller Plus book by 23 Feb 09; Club World book by 09 Mar 09.
Save £285pp - The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Middle East
7 nights pay for 5 from £1505pp incl breakfast.
Offer valid 01 Jan - 21 Dec 09.
Save £100pp. Upgrade to British Airways Club World from £490pp one way.
British Airways offer valid for travel 01 Mar - 31 Oct 09; World Traveller Plus book by 23 Feb 09; Club World book by 09 Mar 09.
Dubai Shopping Festival offer - Save up to £420pp - Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Middle East
4 nights from £1,080pp including breakfast, private transfers and return flights with British Airways. Valid in ocean deluxe room only.
Valid 14/01/09 - 15/02/09
Dubai Shopping Festival - Save up to £420pp - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
4 nights from £1,080pp including breakfast, private transfers and return flights with British Airways. Valid at Mina A'Salam, deluxe room only.
Valid 14/01/09 - 15/02/09
Stay 7 nights, pay for 4 with complimentary half board - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Stay 3 nights, pay for 2, stay 5 nights, pay for 3 or stay 7 nights, pay for 4. Including complimentary upgrade to half board.
Valid 11/01/09 - 04/04/09 & 13/04/09 - 30/06/09
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 with complimentary upgrade to half board - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 including complimentary upgrade to half board for paid nights and late check-out till 15h00 subject to availability.
Valid 20 Jan-30 Sep 09 Book by 15 Mar 09.
Stay 2 nights, pay for 1 - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
Stay 2 nights, pay for 1, Stay 4 nights, pay for 2, Stay 6 nights, pay for 3, Stay 8 nights, pay for 4 or Stay 10 nights, pay for 5 including breakfast.
Valid 01 Mar-30 Sep 09.
Selected room categories only.
Kids travel & stay free - Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Middle East
Inconjunction with Emirates kids go free offer, for families staying at Jumeirah Beach hotel, 2 kids stay free when sharing with parents and eat free when dining with parents.
Terms & conditions apply.
Valid 15/05/09-20/09/09
Kids travel & stay free - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
Inconjunction with Emirates kids go free offer, for families staying at Madinat Jumeirah - Mina A'Salam, 2 kids stay free when sharing with parents and eat free when dining with parents.
Terms & conditions apply.
Valid 15/05/09-20/09/09
Kids travel & stay free - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
Inconjunction with Emirates kids go free offer, for families staying a minimum of 3 nights at Arabian Court or Residence & Spa, 2 kids or 1 teen (under 16 yrs)stay free when sharing with parents and eat free when dining with parents.
Terms & conditions apply.
Valid 15/05/09-20/09/09
Family Offer - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Two children up to 12 yrs stay free on Full Board basis when sharing with parents in a Pool Villa Suite. Valid 01/10/09-10/01/10. Combinable with free nights valid 01/10/09-19/12/09.
Complimentary Half Board - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
Receive complimentary Dinner Dine Around Programme for stays between 08/11/09-25/12/09.
Free Nights & Added Value - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 including complimentary half board and one complimentary massage. Valid until 24/12/09.
Exclusive Offer - Save £810pp - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
7 nights from £2195pp including breakfast, complimentary lunch, room upgrade and late check-out. Valid until 20 Dec 10. Book by 31 May 10.
Save £670pp - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
5 nights pay for 4 from £1385pp including complimentary half board and reduced rates. Free night offer valid until 26 Mar 10. Complimentary half board offer valid until 11 Apr 10. Reduced rates valid until 17 Apr 10.
Save £470pp. Upgrade to Emirates Business Class from £655pp one way. Valid 01 May - 30 Jun 10.
Al Qasr - Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
At Al Qasr - Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 valid until 07/09/10 & 12/09/10-08/10/10. Book by 15/08/10.
Al Qasr & Mina A'Salam - Complimentary half board - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
Book by 09/05/10 for stays at Al Qasr or Mina A'Salam and receive complimentary half board for travel between 09/05/10-10/09/10.
Dar Al Masyaf - Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 nights. Valid to 07/09/10 & 12/09/10-08/10/10. Book by 15/08/10.
Dar Al Masyaf - 10% discount & complimentary half board - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
Book by 09/05/10 for stays at Dar Al Masyaf and receive 10% discount on accommodation and complimentary half board for travel between.
09/05/10-10/09/10.
Stay 3 nights, pay for 2 - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
Stay 3 nights, pay for 2 or stay 6 nights, pay for 4 including breakfast.
Valid 04/01/10-31/05/10, 00/06/10-09/09/10 & 01/12/10-23/12/10.
Stay a minimum of 5 nights between 04/01/10-31/05/10 and receive complimentary half board for entire stay.
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 or stay 8 nights, pay for 6 including breakfast.
Valid 04/01/10-25/03/10, 17/04/10-31/05/10 & 10/09/10-25/10/10.
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 or stay 10 nights, pay for 8 including breakfast and complimentary half day city tour.
Early booking offer - 10% discount - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
Book by 31/03/10 for travel between 01/04/10-31/05/10 & Book by 01/08/10 for travel between 01/10/10-03/01/11 and receive 10% discount on accommodation.
Family Offer - Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Middle East
Book a room for parents and receive a 2nd room for children at 50% including breakfast.
Valid 09/05/10-10/09/10. Not valid for Suites & Villas.
10% discount & complimentary half board - Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Middle East
Book by 09/05/10 for stays at Dar Al Masyaf and receive 10% discount on accommodation and complimentary half board, for travel between.
09/05/10-10/09/10.
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 or stay 10 nights, pay for 8 including breakfast. May be combinable with other offers.
Valid 12/04/10-07/05/10 & 23/10/10-25/12/10. Room restrictions may apply.
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 or stay 8 nights, payf or including breakfast. May be combinable with other offers.
Valid 08/05/10-08/10/10. Room restrictions may apply.
Complimentary evening dining offer - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
Complimentary evening dining on Table D'Hote or Buffet dinner basis.
Valid 04/01/10-11/04/10, 03/10/10-25/12/10 & 03/01/11-09/01/11. Monimum stay 3 nights.
Valid 12/04/10-02/10/10 minimum stay not applicable.
Room restrictions may apply.
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Summer Slow Life at Zighy Bay - Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 or stay 14 nights, pay for 10 on same meal plan as booked nights. Guests will also receive complimentary choice of arrival experience (paraglide or speedboat), sunset cruise, free Arabic cooking class (lunch), 1 singature spa treatment & a 5 hour group dhow cruise.
Valid 10/04/10-15/09/10.
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 or stay 8 nights, pay for 6 on same meal plan as paid nights. Plus book breakfast and receive complimentary lunch or book half board and receive complimentary full board.
Valid 10/04/10-15/09/10.
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 or stay 14 nights, pay for 12 or stay 21 nights, pay for 18 on same meal plan as booked nights.
Valid 01/12/10-20/12/10.
Early booking offer - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Book 45 days prior to arrival and receive £140 per villa per stay resort credit towards Food, beverages & spa treatments.
May be combinable with other offers.
Valid for travel until 20/12/10.
Family offer - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Children under 12 years stay and eat free when accompanied by 2 paying adults, sharing the same room.
Valid 10/04/10-31/08/10.
Discounted rates for christmas - Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay
Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Middle East
Book by 30 Jun 10 and receive 50% discount on accommodation for travel between 01/12/10-26/12/10.
Restrictions apply.
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 - The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Middle East
Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 or stay 14 nights, pay for 10 on room only basis.
Valid 01/01/10-03/01/11.
Family and Airline Offer - Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Middle East
Up to 2 children under 16 years fly, stay and dine complimentary when sharing with parents. Valid until 30/09/10. Book by 20/09/10.
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4 - Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Middle East
Stay 5 nights, pay for 4. Valid 15/06/10-20/07/10.
Mina A'Salam Stay 3 Nights Pay for 2 - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
Stay 3 nights, pay for 2 or stay 5 nights, pay for 4. Valid until 07/09/10 & 12/09/10-08/10/10. Book by 15/08/10.
Complimentary Half Board - Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort
Madinat Jumeirah The Arabian Resort, Middle East
Stay at Mina A Salam, Dar Al Msayaf or Al Qasr and receive complimentary half board for up to 2 persons per room. Valid 05/07/10-07/09/10 & 12/09/10-08/10/10. Book by 15/08/10.
Complimentary Half Board - Desert Palm
Desert Palm, Middle East
Stay a minimum 4 nights and receive complimnentary half board. Valid 10/09/10-31/10/10.
Savings Special - 15% discount - One&Only Royal Mirage
One&Only Royal Mirage, Middle East
Stay a minimum 2 nights and receive 15% discount from nightly room rates. Valid for completed stays 11/09/10-30/09/10, 09/10/10-22/10/10 & 06/11/10-09/01/11. Minimum 7 night stay applies for bookings between 26/12/10-09/01/11. Book by 31/10/10.