of the city´s hip eateries. The United Arab Emirates is the cheapest place in the Middle East to buy electronics. The Palm resort is visible from outer space. Dubai has the worlds only seven-star hotel, Burj al-Arab, where each suite has its own private butler. Dubai´s multicultural population (more than three-quarters of the population are expats) means restaurants of every description, from Russian to Indo-Pakistani. Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai´s ruling family, won the UAEs first ever Olympic medal (gold, of course) at the Athens Olympics, and features in this guide.

Dubai thrives at broadband speed - blink and you´ll miss the opening of the most fantastical mall, the most orgiastic hotel or the weirdest theme restaur­ant. But sunshine, nightlife and a touch of the exotic East are guaranteed year-round.

Best of Dubai selects the best of the true and the new for the discerning traveller.