JourneyEtc

Dubai truly is an unforgettable city, where the wealth of the Arab nations meets the commercialism of the West, providing visitors with access to some of the most luxurious hotels, shops and restaurants in the world. Dubai has a lot to offer in the off peak season, when deals on flights are often at their lowest, including the excellent shopping fair which is held every January, where you can get some simply unbeatable deals on designer clothes and jewelery, as well as amazing and unique handmade goods from artists and craftsman from all over Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Hotel Burj Dubai and other smaller skyscrappers

Dubai has one of the busiest international airports in the world and a third terminal has recently been added, making it also one of the largest and most progressive airports as well. Work is also underway on a new mega terminal, which will have its own dedicated metro link. You will find shops, restaurants, banks and ATM machines here, as well as a fully equipped, 24hr medical center and an impressive health club with a gym, swimming pool and spa facilities. Dubai airport also has 5 star accommodation in form of ‘The Dubai International Hotel’ (www.dih-dca.com), and also a cheaper option for those traveling on a budget in the nearby ‘Holiday Inn’ (www.ichotelsgroup.com). The airport is 4km from the center of the city, so you will need to arrange transport once you arrive at your destination. There are several car hire firms operating out of the airport, as well as reliable public transport buses, and the airport also has its own limited shuttle bus service, which can take you to straight to your hotel. Taxis are also available 24hrs a day, and prepaid taxis can be booked in advance, ready to meet you from your flight.

Lots of major and budget airlines fly to Dubai, and there are plenty of deals on offer such as:
* Gulf Air – this is one of the premier Middle Eastern airlines, and is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain. It provides international flights to airports all over the world, and has some of the latest, state of the art jets in its fleet. Some of the flights to Dubai from UK connect through Bahrain airport before reaching their destination, which can make flight times at least 30 minutes longer. Flights are available from as little as £260 in off peak seasons, flying from London with economy tickets, and you also has the option of upgrading for an additional £64 per ticket. See the website for more details on the latest offers and also to book flights at www.gulfair.com.
* British Airways – this major international airline has regular flights to Dubai, and tickets are very reasonable in off peak seasons, with economy return flights from Heathrow airport for as little as £149 including tax and surcharges.
* Cheap Tickets – this booking website collates all of the cheapest flights for you, and you can also book and pay for them at the same time. Currently Cheap Tickets has some great deals from major airlines including KLM (from £125 for a economy class return) and Egypt Air (from £160 for a economy class return), all departing from Heathrow airport. Find out all the latest deals at www.cheapticket.co.uk.