The Emirates embrace a wide variety of scenery that allows the visitor to experience everything from rugged mountains, awe-inspiring sand dunes, sandy beaches and dusty villages to luxurious residential districts in a single day.

A cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle yet with a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia, give Dubai its unique flavour and personality.

With its numerous opulent hotels, towering attractions, unequaled shopping, stunning entertainment and commercial opportunities, Dubai is an ideal destination.

From the world's biggest shopping mall to the intimacy of the souk, dazzling jewellery, designer fashions, Arabian art and crafts and a Western-style tailored suit, or even a simple bag of spices, Dubai's array of shopping opportunities are unparalleled in the Middle East.

Perhaps the most impressive of all these, the Mall of the Emirates is the largest shopping centre outside of North America. Here you can experience the first indoor ski destination in the Middle East, a two-level Magic Planet, the largest indoor family entertainment centre in the country, a 14-screen Cinestar Cinema and boasting over 400 retailers showing their wares, no shopper could be left disappointed!

Dubai's malls are glossy, air-conditioned and often feature extras like fountains, eateries and marble floors. Others offer services such as valet parking and shoe-shining.

The annual Dubai Shopping Festival, which usually takes place in January, sees incredible discounts on goods. Those who are serious about their shopping will definitely be impressed with the sheer volumes of economic activity taking place during the day and night.

Dedicated shoppers from all over the world tend to sidestep the busy and overcrowded markets and head straight to the malls where good deals can be negotiated, depending on your bargaining skills of course.