Set your sights on a Dubai city-break

Set your sights on a Dubai city-break

Recent research has highlighted a movement away from traditional short-haul city-breaks, towards mid-haul destinations such as Dubai where there has been a significant growth in short-break travel. According to Mintel, in 2007 there were over 7.5 million short-break holidays taken abroad. And, the UAE market grew by an outstanding 46% in 2007 to reach an estimated 8,540 short-breaks, with Dubai emerging as the “luxury R&R and shopping break destination of choice”.

The short-breaks industry is now worth over £2 billion, having tripled over the last decade from £600 million, and one in ten UK adults has been on a short-break holiday in the past 12 months. Dubai has capitalised on this growing market, boasting a range of pioneering new developments for the city-break traveller to enjoy.

Ian Scott, director of the UK and Ireland representative office of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), comments on the growing short-break market: “Dubai is becoming the city-break destination of choice, particularly for couples seeking an alternative to more traditional destinations such as New York and Paris. Offering a fusion of the old and the new, Dubai caters to all tastes boasting excellent luxury hotels, fantastic world-class facilities, the ultimate shopping experience, fine dining at internationally-renowned restaurants and sensual spa treatments, all set to a stunning backdrop of breathtaking desert landscapes, azure waters and pristine beaches”.

Dubai is home to some of the best city hotels in the world, perfect for the short-break traveller and couples in particular. For example, Hilton Dubai Creek is located at the heart of the emirate’s city-centre and guests can relax by the rooftop pool whilst taking in the spectacular views over the Creek and city. Grosvenor House West Marina Beach by Le Méridien is a landmark of sophisticated luxury and perfection, the innovative architectural structure comprises 45 stories, overlooking the exclusive Dubai Marina. There is also the Fairmont Dubai, an iconic hotel with a unique blend of contemporary design and urban chic, inspired by a traditional Arabian wind tunnel. Or, the Mediterranean style Ritz Carlton, located at the centre of Dubai Marina which provides an intimate retreat for city-break travellers, found adjacent to The Emirates Golf Club and The Montgomerie Dubai golf courses.

Shopping in Dubai is simply phenomenal and is a major attraction for the short-break visitor. With leading designer brands, available tax-free, Dubai is a shopper’s paradise with some 50 plus shopping malls, including the Dubai Mall which is set to be the world’s largest shopping, lifestyle and entertainment destination. And, there is also the more traditional Arabian shopping experience to be had in Dubai’s many souks, showcasing the finest local products, from gold, spices and textiles through to fruit and fish. Remnant of the 19th century, the majority of souks can be found in the Deira and Bur Dubai districts and are great places to haggle for a bargain.

Furthermore, the emirate has created a range of events to celebrate its shopping excellence. Dubai Summer Surprises, which runs in the summer months (June 19 - August 22 2008), and Dubai Shopping Festival which is the largest retailing event in the Middle East and runs in the winter (January 15 - February 15 2009), play host to a variety of activities. Shopping malls are converted into venues for live entertainment, music, dancing, competitions, workshops and interactive programmes.

When the shopping is done, the best way to unwind and get some well-deserved R&R is at one of Dubai’s numerous spas. Dubai’s spa industry is growing rapidly and is of huge appeal to short-break travellers. Spoilt for choice, visitors can take advantage of a host of premium international spa brands such as the Givenchy Spa at the One&Only. There is also The Ritz-Carlton Dubai’s Balinese themed spa, and in 2009 the first Armani Spa, designed by Giorgio Armani, will open in the world’s tallest building, Burj Dubai.

At the end of a busy day, city-break travellers can refuel at some of the world’s finest gourmet dining establishments. Michelin starred Gary Rhodes heads up Rhodes Mezzanine at Grosvenor House, and Gordon Ramsey presides over Verre at Hilton Dubai Creek to name but a few. In September 2008 Nobu and Ronda Locatelli will open their doors at Atlantis on the Palm Jumeirah, and The Ivy and Le Caprice have recently announced that they will be marking their international debuts by opening in Dubai - ideal for couples looking to indulge.

Dubai offers a diverse and vibrant night life with a selection of licensed late-night bars and clubs. Amongst the most popular is Buddha Bar at the Grosvenor House with its chic Asian fusion-style and lively atmosphere - it’s the place to see and be seen by the Dubai glitterati. Boudoir bar, another popular venue, is set in opulent surroundings at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort, and is frequented by the celebrity set and the city’s elite; elsewhere Vu’s Bar located on the 50th floor of the Emirates Towers has breathtaking views over the Arabian Gulf, with a tempting menu of equally stunning cocktails .

Arranging your city-break to Dubai has never been easier, in particular with the launch of Dubai Travel Market, the DTCM’s first online search engine. Dubai Travel Market (www.dubaitravelmarket.co.uk) provides a one-stop shop dedicated solely to Dubai, allowing consumers to search, compare prices and book holidays to the emirate, enabling them to develop their own tailor-made city-break package.

With an increasing number of travellers opting for shorter and more frequent holidays, Dubai has witnessed a surge in visitors. Its myriad diverse and world-class attractions mean that the emirate is fast establishing itself as the city destination of choice.