The Scottish Mail on Sunday

Dubai’s where your holidays last all year...

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RISING boldly from the sands, the desert playground of Dubai is the place to go to really spoil yourself, have fun, fine-dine and be entertaine­d.

Brilliant by day and buzzing through the night, Dubai offers super-sized attraction­s. Think mighty malls packed with attraction­s, playful waterparks, more than 100 five-star spa hotels – and the planet’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Or for a more cultural experience, there’s the authentic atmosphere of the Creekside souks, dinners on traditiona­l dhows and desert safaris.

But what you may not realise is the incredible value you’ll find here, especially when you consider the exceptiona­l levels of customer care and service, unparallel­ed elsewhere in the world.

And during July and August, Dubai becomes more affordable than ever, thanks to an amazing range of summer offers. Many of the pristine hotels offer substantia­l discounts on accommodat­ion, with an abundance of free nights and half-board upgrades.

There are also big summer savings on dining and attraction­s. And from August 2 to September 5, the Dubai Summer Surprises shopping festival brings discounts and promotions to more than 6,000 shops, with live music and entertainm­ent all over town.

So it really is a fantastic time to go and indulge in everything that Dubai does best.

You’re guaranteed sunshine, unlike at home. And while it can be hot in the middle of the day, almost everywhere is climate-controlled.

So you’ll stay cool and comfortabl­e, whether in a taxi, at a hotel poolside, sitting down to a sumptuous Friday brunch, or taking afternoon tea.

A world of flavours meet in Dubai, where eating out is akin to a national pastime.

There’s something for every tastebud and budget – from the exotic Al Fanar or the dazzling new Supperclub, featuring music and performing arts, to the malls’ bountiful food courts and delicious street food.

And outside of Ramadan, the range of other nightlife options and live performanc­es is staggering.

Enjoy a cool sea breeze and shisha at well-known hangouts such as the Jetty Lounge at the One&Only Royal Mirage. Watch sport at the ever-popular Barasti beach bar, where an air-conditione­d ‘stadium’ is being built to screen this summer’s football World Cup.

Or, for a sophistica­ted ambience, try cocktails at Neos at The Address Downtown, or At.mosphere high up in the Burj Khalifa.

For those looking to party into the early hours, try Embassy, Mahiki or N’Dulge.

And there’s more. Play golf early or late – the Faldo course has 24-hour floodlight­ing. Experience 4x4 dune bashing, camel riding and falconry in the desert, followed by a barbecue under a star-filled sky.

Or go parasailin­g, windsurfin­g, kayaking or powerboati­ng, arranged through your hotel.

Above all, act now to make the most of the affordable summer high life in Dubai.

This modern marvel with ancient roots may be a city of never-ending surprises. But one thing’s for certain: come September, Dubai’s astonishin­g summer offers and discounts will definitely diminish.

 ??  ?? DELIGHTS: Shop your heart out in the souks – or just enjoy the sunshine, left
DELIGHTS: Shop your heart out in the souks – or just enjoy the sunshine, left

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