BEAT THE WINTER BLUES. TOP 10 REASONS TO VISIT DUBAI-THE ULTIMATE WINTER SUN DESTINATION

With the festive party season over, it’s time to escape those inevitable winter blues and jet off to sunnier climes. Ditch the grey skies and cold dark evenings and get away to the guaranteed sunshine in Dubai this winter.

Situated on the crossroads between East and West and only a seven hour direct flight from the UK or Ireland, making it close enough to avoid jet lag, Dubai is the perfect destination to soak up some winter sun. And, now with over 125 direct weekly flights from the UK and Ireland, the emirate is more accessible than ever. You can relax by the beach, enjoy some of the many adventures on offer, from wadi bashing in the desert to scuba diving and deep sea fishing in the Arabian Gulf, shop until you drop in the 40 plus shopping malls or be pampered and indulged in many of the emirate’s luxurious spas.

Over the past four years the UK has emerged as Dubai’s top visitor market and in 2005 attracted over 680,000 British guests. This growth seems set to continue as more exciting attractions and accommodation options are introduced to the emirate.

Dubai is constantly innovating to offer an increasing choice and even more reasons to visit. Over the last ten years visitor figures have increased with more than 6.1 million international guests visiting during 2005 – up 14 per cent year on year. The UK remains the most important source of overseas visitors with over 680,000 during that period.

Dubai truly has something for everyone offering holiday experiences to suit all budgets and audiences including families, groups and young professionals.

There are hundreds of reasons to visit Dubai this winter, but here are the top 10:

1. Guaranteed sunshine and warm climate – during the winter months temperatures average at about 25 degrees centigrade. The evenings are mild with temperatures of roughly 15 degrees.

2. Accessibility – the emirate is only seven hours away from the UK and close enough to avoid jet-lag. There are more than 125 direct flights from the UK and Ireland each week.

3. Fabulous beaches – Dubai has a number of excellent beaches and beach parks. The main beaches in Jumeirah have soft white sand that slip into the shallow warm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.

4. Great for shopping – Dubai is a haven of tax-free shopping, offering a fusion of stores to please all tastes. From locally sourced items such as Bedouin jewellery and textiles in the souks, to top designer labels at tantalising prices in more than 40 shopping malls, the emirate boasts an extensive range of goods. There is also the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, the largest retailing event in the Middle East, which is currently underway until 2 February 2007.

5. Amazing spa treatments – visitors are spoilt for choice with the variety of spas in Dubai, their unique themes, style and concept treatments. Influences are drawn from East and West and this international feel is evident with spa themes ranging from Egyptian and Thai to contemporary.

6. Accommodation – The diversity of Dubai’s luxury hotels means that there is always one to suit everyone whether it is in the city, desert or by the beach.

7. Sports and activities – Dubai has built a reputation as the sporting capital of the Middle East. From golf to tennis, sailing to rugby or powerboat racing to skiing, Dubai offers something for every sports enthusiast which can be enjoyed in year-round sunshine.

8. Gourmet delights – Dubai offers a rich cultural mix of cuisines and boasts numerous restaurants and coffee shops providing a range of dining experiences. Almost any type of food is available, from classic European, through to traditional Gulf and Middle Eastern, and Pacific Rim cuisine.

9. Sightseeing and tours – there is a range of exciting city and safari tours on offer in Dubai, from overnight camping, dining and camel rides in the desert, to shopping tours of malls and souks and dhow cruises.

10. Experience – Dubai offers a fusion of East and West. Visitors can experience the glorious old Dubai, with its ancient mosques and numerous souks and traditional markets; mixed with the modern Dubai, with its innovative, sleek architecture, and growing list of superlatives such as the world’s tallest hotel – the Burj Al Arab and the first indoor ski slope in the desert – Ski Dubai.

So, blast away your winter blues and jet off to Dubai for some winter sun.

For further information about Dubai, contact the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing on +44 (0) 20 7839 0580, email: [email protected] or visit www.dubaitourism.ae