Heading west out of the city, it's not long before you reach the basic facilities offered at Jumeirah's public beach and, further west still, the Jumeirah Beach Park, where landscaped areas of grass, barbeque pits and lifeguards are part of the scenery. Continuing westward, those looking for a bit of seclusion can, for a small fee, enter the private beaches allocated to the hotels that line the Gulf Coast.

More water based fun is found at Wild Wadi Water Park near the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, where rides such as the Summit Surge and Rushdown Ravine provide as many thrills for adults as for kids. For less hair-raising activities, there are quiet spots complete with loungers, and wave pools and shallow paddling areas in which little ones can splash about.
Thought the sand and water may provide opportunities for fun, it is often suggested that it's the shopping that ignites Dubai's resident's competitive streak. So completely dedicated is the emirate to its national obsession that it celebrates the glory of retail with an annual 45 day festival at the beginning of each year. Tourists may initially balk at the idea of gigantic shiny malls that are the norm here; but once you experience the summer heat, which is intense, no longer will the air-conditioned shopping centers seem quite so unappealing.

There are about 50 malls in the city and new ones spring up constantly. Worth including in any itinerary is the elegant Wafi City Mall, whose Egyptian exterior house 200 plus shops, a huge fitness center and spa, two swimming pools, an indoor climbing wall, tennis and squash courts a long with the shops. Meanwhile the incredible new Ibn Buttuta coast a staggering 379 shops and restaurants, which are divided into six themed shopping courts built in the style of 14th Century China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalucia.

For a taste of the real Dubai, head for the traditional souks. Deciding which to visit isn't easy, but for something authentically local, the Deira Gold Souk offers glittering goods that are priced by weight, and the window displays never fail to dazzle. The Deira Spice Souk is the most commonly visited, not only for its pungent powders but also for the wonderful souvenirs of saffron, frankincense and rosewater.

Part of the sport of shopping in Dubai is bartering, especially in the souks. The rule of thumb is to halve the price you've given and go up or down with the seller from there. If you keep your cool, discounts of 20 to 50 per cent are possible.

Ever more astonishing sights and activities are planned for Dubai, include the aptly named "The World"-a series of artificial islands shaped like a map of the globe. If you've ever fantasized about owning your own private island, prices range between 15 and 45 million US dollars.

There are few things you should remember before visiting Dubai. The temperatures can be intense, especially between May and October. Visitors not used to this kind of intense heat should be careful of dehydration and sunstroke. Dubai is a Muslim country, therefore skimpy clothes can cause offense. Beachwear is fine for the beach, but cover up as soon as you leave. Topless sunbathing is completely forbidden.

The Holy Month of Ramadan starts 10 days earlier each year than the last. In 2007 it began in mid-September. Practicing Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset before flocking to feast at the hotels' Ramadan tents. In daylight hours during the festival even visitors must not drink, eat or smoke in public. Some hotels, however, have a room set aside in which non-Muslims can dine.