Dubai is a United Arab Emirate that has transformed itself into one of the world’s most fashionable holiday destinations. And whilst it can’t pretend to offer the tropical escapism of the Indian Ocean orWest Indies, it does have the beaches, the winter temperatures and the hint of mystery that everyone’s looking for, as well as enough hard cash to ensure its leisure facilities are world-class and its hotels are out-of-this-world.

You can stay in anything from a desert retreat where you’ll live like an Arabian prince to an over-the-top beach resort where the treatment is very definitely VIP. And you can enjoy spas that are top notch, golf courses that are championship quality and enough land and water sports to enable you to sample the eclectic cuisine without too many guilt pangs. The staff are cosmopolitan, the service is slick and the resorts are relaxed enough to let you take full advantage of the sunshine during the day and the bars and nightclubs in the evenings.

If you fancy stepping a little further into the Middle East, why not spend a week or so in neighbouring Oman, a forward-looking sultanate on the Arabian peninsula? Here wild deserts, stunning beaches and friendly people combine with the bustling bazaars, ancient forts and towering city walls to create a Middle Eastern visit that is distinctly authentic. Of course, the ever-increasing stable of upscale international hotels only adds to its mystery and allure.

WHEN TO VISIT: SCHEDULE A TRIP BETWEEN THE WINTER MONTHS OF NOVEMBER TO MAY WHEN THE TEMPERATURES ARE PLEASANT. DURING THE SUMMER IT CAN GET EXTREMELY HOT! PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN COMMENCES 21 AUGUST 2009 AND THERE ARE RESTRICTIONS ON ALCOHOL, OUTDOOR DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT DURING THIS PERIOD.

HOW TO VISIT DUBAI: BRITISH AIRWAYS & VIRGIN ATLANTIC OFFER FLIGHTS FROM HEATHROW, THE FLYING TIME ABOUT 7 HOURS. EMIRATES ALSO FLY TO DUBAI FROM SEVERAL UK AIRPORTS.

HOW TO VISIT OMAN: BRITISH AIRWAYS & GULF AIR OFFER FLIGHTS FROM HEATHROW, THE FLYING TIME ABOUT 9 HOURS.