Al Hayat Hotel Apartments, Sharjah

Advantages: Something for everyone - history, culture, scenery, beaches, shopping - quite unlike other holiday destinations
Disadvantages: Horribly humid from May - October, and fasting during Ramadan strictly enforced

...Having family there, we often visit Dubai and it never ceases to entrance us. From the moment you leave the plane and begin the route march to the Arrivals Hall (it is a long way), you know you are somewhere quite unique. The no-expense-spared architecture, the gold leaf, the palm trees .... Dubai International Airport is stunning. If it is your first, or even your second, visit there are certain things you must do and see: take a Dhow Dinner Cruise (book direct with Al Boom Tourist Village for best value); visit the Gold Souk (for sheer opulence); take an abra (water taxi) ride across the Creek to the Spice Souk (for sensory overload); "do" the Malls (my favourites are City Centre and Wafi City, which has a wonderful Spa); haggle for electronic goods in Al-Fahidi Street; visit the Pearl Diving & Heritage Centre; visit the Burj-al... Read review

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Advantages: Year round Sunshine
Disadvantages: Scarrrrrrrrrrry Drivers

..., Caving, Dune Buggy Riding, Hot Air Ballooning, Kite surfing and wakeboarding to name but a few. By the end of 2005 there will be the worlds largest indoor ski resort (with snow), a hotel, a 14 screen multiplex cinema and numerous shops and food outlets. Many beaches, beach parks and parks can also be found all over Dubai. From Dubai you can easily explore the rest of the United Arab Emirates (recommended), Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, East Coast and even Oman by car or 4 x 4. Most places can be reached within about 1 ½ hrs or less. When going into Oman you have to obtain a visit visa which can be picked up at the road border for between £3 ~ £5. It can be expensive to drink here as you can only drink in bars in the hotels, but with the many hotels here you are never stuck for someplace different to go... Read review

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Advantages: Easy going place, with lots of different views to see.
Disadvantages: Some strict areas.

...great hotels and still alows drinking in them, so it is worth spending a night or two here. I most enjoyed visiting the market where I could pick up anything from a traditional arabic dress (dont wear this in public unless you are arabic) to a dodgy watch. Also worth a visit is the harbour area which is really pretty. I would say that Abu Dhabi is not the pretties Emirate, it was full of ugly buildings and didnt seem to have hotels with nice beaches such as Dubai but it did seem to be more cultural. You would often see people praying in the street and it has a smaller british ex pat community so you are more likely to meet some of the locals here and get to know what it is all about. If you go outside of Abu Dhabi but stay in its Emirate you may wish to visit Al Ain, this is an Oasis town which is very pretty. Imagin nothing for miles... Read review

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