Dubai – the city of rich extravagance

Indulge your every desire

With many theories as to the origins of its name, one Arabic proverb suggests ‘Daba Dubai’ or, ‘they came with a lot of money’, could have been the root of this most opulent city’s name. Whether named after money or an abundance of locusts, as suggested by another historian, Dubai seems to concur with the ancient proverb – it is the most expensive city in the Middle East, with its hotel rooms rated as the second most expensive in the world.

Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The H Hotel
Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
Atlantis The Palm

Climate

With a hot desert climate, Dubai can get warm for most during the summer months. Best avoided in July and August when temperatures have been known to soar to over 52˚C. Its coldest month is January, but even at this time of the year, temperatures average over 25˚C.

Dubai - the city of rich extravagance

Hotels

Dubai boasts a spectacular skyline. With modern interpretations of Islamic architecture mixed with contemporary shapes and architectural innovation, Dubai has a vast array of luxury hotels, including the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa.

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The city also hosts several man-made islands. Guests can stay in one of 19 hotels on Palm Jumeirah, with The World and three other island projects currently under construction.

Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands

However, if you’re looking for ultimate luxury, you must visit the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Its distinctive sail shape is an icon of modern Dubai, and with personal butlers, a helipad and some of the world’s best dining, it has been voted the world’s most luxurious hotel.

Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The lobby of the Burj Al Arab
Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
A suite at the Burj Al Arab

To Do

From spas to water parks, desert resorts to shopping malls, Dubai has every attraction you could wish for. There’s something for everyone for romantic breaks, family trips, or a quick stopover.

Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
Explore the Bastakiya District
Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The Sabkha Spice Market
Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The Arabian Tea House

Experience a hint of tradition at an Arabian tea house in Old Dubai, visit the tempting fragrant Sabkha Spice Souk, reach the heights of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and of course, leave some time for the most luxurious of retail therapy at the Dubai Mall, where top designer brands sit alongside each other. Or alternatively, you could stroll along endless beaches before dining at some of the most exquisite restaurants in the world.

Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The Burj Khalifa
Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The Dubai Mall
Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
Dubai’s beaches

Celebrity Residents

With its sky-high price tags, Dubai is popular among the rich and famous for second homes and holiday escapes. David Beckham owns an apartment in the Burj Khalifa, Madonna’s bought a slice of The World, and Giorgio Armani has his hotel within the Burj Khalifa. However, there’s plenty of real estate with the new man-made islands still under construction. Prices for an apartment in the new Royal Atlantis development on the Palm Jumeirah start at an excellent £6.995m. However, if you want to feel the heat of this wealthy city, you’ll need to flash some serious cash.

Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The Palm Jumeirah
Dubai - the city of rich extravagance
The Royal Atlantis

We couldn’t imagine a more perfect place for the ultimate lavishly luxurious experience. Dubai has to be seen to be believed, and with its ever-evolving skyline and soaring ambition, there’s only ever more to marvel at.