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Ride camels along Dubai's beaches

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Dubai beaches

Thanks to its sweeping beaches, bath temperature waters and first-rate facilities, it is easy to see why Dubai has become such a popular destination over the last decade.

Beach

Dubai boasts a long stretch of Gulf coastline, much of it sprinkled with fine sand and turquoise waters. The heart of the action is on Jumeirah Beach. This coastal strip is awash with luxury hotels, with many boasting their own corners of beach with all the usual facilities such as sun loungers and parasols. A range of watersports is also available. These are best arranged through your hotel. The best public beach is found at Mamzar park, where families and holidaymakers relax together amid the green palm trees.

Beyond the beach

The city of Dubai boasts plenty to see and do. You can take a cruise on a traditional dhow through Dubai Creek, visit one of the city's impressive mosques or just stroll around the older quarters taking in the sights and smells of this bustling urban centre. A cheap and cheerful way to see the city like a local is on one of the old abras, the small boats that charge a nominal fee to ferry you from one side of Dubai Creek to the other. Dubai also boasts around 12 golf-courses, with more being built all the time, and is perfect for taking in a round or two.

Family fun

Many of Dubai's hotels offer holidaymakers a range of things for their children to do, from kids clubs through to beach games. For adventurous children a 4-wheel drive into the deserts on an organised trip offers the chance to bounce up and down the sands 'dune bashing'. These trips can include a camel ride and a Bedouin-style meal in a desert camp.

Exploring further

Taking a day trip out to the Hajar Mountains is one of the most popular day trips in Dubai. A number of companies take holidaymakers out across the deserts towards the Omani border. One of the highlights of the trip is 'wadi bashing' when the 4-wheel drive vehicles thump through the mountain water pools in a dramatic splash. Lunch is often included on these safari trips.

Splashing out

If you enjoy fine dining then make a beeline for Verre at Hilton Dubai Creek, Beniyas Road. This is the chance to sample the cooking, or at least the cooking styles, of legendary Scottish chef Gordon Ramsay. Ramsay's first Asian venture has been a roaring success with the same top quality ingredients and creative cooking that made his British restaurants so popular.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.