Traveller's guide: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Getting there

Dubai is served by Emirates (0870 243 2222; www.emirates.com) from a range of UK airports; British Airways (0844 493 0787; www.ba.com), Virgin Atlantic (08705 747 747; www.virgin-atlantic.com), Biman Bangladesh Airlines (020-7629 0252; www.bimanair.com) and Royal Brunei Airlines (020-7584 6660; www.bruneiair.com) from Heathrow; and Silverjet (0844 855 0111; www.flysilverjet.com) from Luton.

To reduce the impact on the environment, you can buy an "offset" through Abta's Reduce my Footprint initiative (020-7637 2444; www.reducemyfootprint.travel).

Staying there

The Grosvenor House, West Marina Beach (210m; 00 971 4 399 8888; www.starwoodhotels.com). Deluxe suites, including access to the 44th floor lounge, start at 3,900 dirhams (£540), room only. Burj Dubai, Downtown Dubai (629m; 00 971 4 367 3333; www.burjdubai.com). Opening in 2009 to include hotel and private apartments.

The Chelsea Tower Hotel Apartments, Sheikh Zayed Road (250m; 00 971 4 343 4347; www.chelseatowerdubai.com). From 780 dirhams (£108), room only.

Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach (321m; 00 971 4 301 7777; www.burj-al-arab.com). From 4,800 dirhams (£666), room only. Cocktails at the Al Muntaha Skyview Bar cost 70-140 dirhams (£10-£20).

More information

Dubai Tourist Board: 00 971 4 223 0000; www.dubaitourism.ae

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