ESSENTIALS

Getting there & around

British Airways and Emirates fly nonstop from the UK to Dubai. ba.com emirates.com

Average flight time: 7h.

A swift, cheap, two-line metro system connects 47 stops across the city, otherwise public transport is generally limited and slow. Heat and road conditions make walking and cycling long distances very tricky, so taxis are the best option. Uber or local equivalent Careem have the lowest fares. rta.ae/en uber.com careem.com

When to go

December to March is the best time to visit, with average temperatures of up to 29C. Most outdoor events are held during this period; Dubai Art Week takes place in March. Avoid the searing heat of summer, at its peak in July and August, when the mercury regularly soars above 40C.

Where to stay

The 25hours Hotel One Central, Trade Centre. Doubles from £170 per night, B&B. 25hours-hotels.com

The Rove City Walk, Al Wasl. Doubles from £87 per night, B&B. rovehotels.com

Places mentioned

XVA Gallery. xvagallery.com

Marwan Shakarchi. myneandyours.com

Alserkal Avenue. alserkal.online

Cinema Akil. cinemaakil.com

Dubai Art Week. artdubai.ae

More info

visitdubai.com LonelyPlanetDubai&AbuDhabi. RRP: £14.99

How to do it

LOVE HOLIDAYS offers six nights in Dubai at The Canvas Dubai from £566 per person on a B&B basis including flights. loveholidays.com