Dubai and the Emirates in a week

Really worth a visit - allow a couple of hours to do justice to a fascinating look at Dubai past and present. Also it's cool inside so could be a trip in the heat of the day.

Centrally located for anyone staying near the creek or airport. Classy and less busy than many of the malls. Some brilliant restaurants - would recommend Thai Chi

We went to Al Ain for a day and went up Jebel Hafeet - what a stupendous view - well worth the effort. There is also the Mercure hotel - the best buffet lunch all week

An evening cruise up and down the creek with a 'gourmet' dinner thrown in. Get a table near the front, as the enthusiastic live music can be a bit intrusive near the centre of the boat.

If you're staying in central Dubai then it's worth the trip out here (about 50 dirhams for a taxi) Big and brash but where else could you sit beside a four hundred metre snow slope and watch the skiers whilst having lunch while the temperature outside is in the high thirties.

Regular familiarisation visits for non Muslims explain a little of Islam and what is involved for believers. They also answer questions with good humour emphasising the similarities rather than dwelling on the differences - an hour or so well spent we thought.

Don't try to do too much - we hired a car and driver on a daily basis for about 600 dirhams but didn't use him every day- if you don't spend time a the beach or by the pool you won't be up to haggling at he Gold Souk.