Situated at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia, Dubai is the second largest of the Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is one of the world's fastest growing city destinations for travellers looking for culture, fun and value for money. Its wide range of inhabitants from different cultures makes it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the region. Visitors to Dubai will find plenty of attractions and activities within the city and the surrounding area to keep even the most active person occupied, with historic buildings, modern entertainment complexes and adventurous excursions all available at a reasonable cost.

Dubai Shopping Festival: although Dubai is well known as a shopper's paradise at anytime of the year, the month of January is particularly good for bargain hunters. Throughout January, over two million visitors flock to Dubai for the month-long Shopping Festival, which seems to involve every shop in the city, with concerts, street theatre, firework shows and other events offering a welcome break from the city-wide shopping frenzy.

Business hours vary greatly in Dubai; however, normal business hours are generally from 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, Saturday to Thursday, with most businesses being closed on Fridays. The larger department stores and shops are typically open from 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 21:00 daily, with the majority closing for prayers between 11:30 and 13:30 on Fridays.