You are sure to scratch yourself about whether it is in the middle of the thick Arabian Desert you are in, or in New York or Paris of London, when you see some of the high rise buildings here! This is an oasis in the desert, in terms of infrastructure development. This is known as Dubai to the rest of the world. Its pristine Arab name is Dubayy. Dubai is often called Dubai City to enable people to distinguish it from the emirate itself. It has such illustrious companions as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dubai City is situated at the crossroads of the Emirates. Dubai City is one of the seven Emirates that are located at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf and make up the UAE. If there is one emirate that can claim to be the epitome of development and sophistication, it has to be Dubai City. Dubai City, as the proud capital of Dubai, symbolises the essence of this development. Though its wealth is derived primarily from oil, Dubai is a great example of how income generated from one resource –an exhaustible one at that –can be utilised prudently for the overall development of the nation. Dubai holiday packages will expose you to the fact that there is not one single sector that has been left behind in development. Real estate, construction, entertainment, IT, transport and education are just some of the areas in which the city has grown.

General Etiquette in Dubai City

It is a good idea to give some close attention to public behaviour and etiquette when someone from the west visits this part of the world. Although one of the more open and tolerant nations of the region, most public behaviour and etiquette have to be in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence, or the Shariat. Live-in relationships; adultery and homosexuality are strict nos.  As in the rest of the Emirates, drinking is strictly prohibited in Dubai City, except in select hotels. In this Islamic Emirate, women have to conform to set dress codes. They cannot wear clothes that expose some parts of the body, such as the top of the arms and legs. Sitting with legs pointing to the person with whom the interaction is being made; using the left hand to greet people or take things from them and taking photographs of people, especially women, without permission are considered the height of bad etiquette. In hotels, tipping does not have the importance it enjoys in western cultures. Having said this, Islamic law does not prohibit tipping. So, a small amount is fine. It pays to brush up one’s knowledge of these things on last minute holidays.

You can search for a holiday in Dubai City using the search facility on the top left of this page but we have also put together some special deals in selected accommodation.

Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach - Dubai

Cast away in the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, Amwaj Rotana lies delicately in the pristine beauty of New Dubai with perfect views and endless sunshine. The hotel overlooks the famous Jumeirah Beach and is nestled amongst the lively 'Walk' in Jumeirah Beach Residence. This brand new hotel offers superb rooms and facilities with an excellent choice of restaurants and bars. There is a fully equipped fitness centre and swimming pool.

1. Departure Date: 20/06/2012

Price: £598.96

Towers Rotana Dubai

The Towers Rotana - Dubai hotel offers the true essence of the Arabian hospitality. Conveniently situated at the Financial Centre Metro Station, only 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 5 minutes from the golden sands of the Jumeirah Beach front and the exhibition halls. The exciting Downtown Burj Dubai, home to the world's highest building and largest shopping mall, it is just few minutes with the taxi.

1. Departure Date: 13/04/2012

Price: £743.53

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Built to a shape of the reflecting breaking waves of the Arabian Gulf, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is set on the sandy beach of Jumeirah, side by side to the majestic Burj Al Arab. A wide variety of leisure facilities makes it one of the most comprehensive resorts in the world. With 617 rooms, suites and villas, all guests enjoy incredible views over the sea. The Club Executive concept caters to the needs of business travelers, whilst the Premium Leisure Club accommodates families on holiday. Guests can enjoy A World Of Cuisine throughout the 22 restaurants, bars and lounges around the Resort. The conference center, designed to resemble an Arabian dhow, has an enormous exhibition area plus a 416-seat theatre and 11 seminar rooms and multiple options for outdoor venues. The Hotel offers a magnificent sports club with a complete range of fitness equipment. In addition, to the host of water sports available, the Hotel provides extensive tennis, squash, beach volleyball, golf practice, five swimming pools and the PADI 5 Star Gold Palm IDC resort Dive Center.

1. Departure Date: 27/04/2012

Price: £904.54

Metropolitan Palace

The Hotel has excellent location on Al Maktoum Street, within approx. 10 minutes drive (7 - 8km) to Dubai International Airport and the World Trade Centre Exhibition Halls. Al Rigga and Union Square Metro stations are just walking distance away. The hotel provides shuttle service to the 5* Deluxe Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa located on the popular Jumeirah Beach.

1. Departure Date: 28/04/2012

Price: £448.93

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

The Jebel Ali Hotel is set within a 128-acre beachfront resort, this five-storey hotel is located two kilometres from the man-made Palm Island. Jebel Ali is located 30 kilometres from Dubai Internet and Media Cities and Abu Dhabi Airport is only a 45 minutes drive away. All 256 rooms of the Jebel Ali Hotel have been tastefully furnished and decorated throughout in bright, warm color schemes, and offer guests all the amenities expected of a five-star property.

1. Departure Date: 07/06/2012

Price: £569.13

Golden Sands Hotel Apartments

Perfectly placed, in central Dubai, the Golden Sands Hotel Apartments are Dubai's largest and premier serviced apartments offering you the comforts of home and the conveniences of a hotel. Located in the heart of the commercial, shopping, leisure and night life areas, and just a drive to the beach. Good leisure facilities combined with the location make this a great choice for family holidays or business travellers.

1. Departure Date: 16/06/2012		Price: £382.61
2. Departure Date: 27/04/2012		Price: £471.13
3. Departure Date: 04/05/2012		Price: £502.85

Winchester Grand Hotel Apartment

Winchester Grand Deluxe Hotel Apartments is centrally and conveniently placed in the heart of the city, yet comfortably nestled in the quiet reaches of a residential neighbourhood. The Winchester Grand gives guests the advantage of an unrivalled location in Dubai. The living environment is gently soothing and plush with a distinctive yet understated elegance.

1. Departure Date: 11/05/2012

Price: £383.81

Le Meridien Dubai

Le Meridien Dubai is a five-star deluxe hotel built on two floors and surrounded by 38 acres of landscaped gardens. The hotel is elegantly furnished with a French accent that incorporates the individual character and flair of the local culture, making your stay a unique and pleasurable experience. Le Meridien Dubai is minutes away from the commercial districts and shopping centers and a short distance from Dubai International Airport. The hotel offers 383 stylish bedrooms including a choice of 19 suites. Other features include extensive conference and banqueting facilities, which can accommodate from 10 to 1200 people. Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

1. Departure Date: 02/06/2012

Price: £418.55