by Lynn Cox
Dubai is known to be a magnet for the rich and famous. I'm
neither, but it didn't stop me lapping up the luxury on offer
there.
The emirate territory has been transformed in recent years and
is now home to some the world's most amazing skyscrapers, hotels
and resorts, a very diverse community. It is also a perfect
destination for families with young children.
It is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates
located on south of the Persian Gulf and it hardly ever rains.
The resort I stayed at, Madinat Jumeirah, has miles and miles of
its own private beach and everything you could possibly need to
have the holiday of a lifetime. The complex houses five hotels,
including the world's most luxurious, the Burj Al Arab.
I stayed in the Mina A'Salam, a traditional looking Arabic
building surrounded by a salt water lake.
Staff bent over backwards to make sure I had everything I needed
and ferried me around the giant site on little boats known as an
Abras, while other staff members helped me into a pair of beach
slippers to cope with scorching sand in the 42°C heat.
The whole stay was like that: nothing was too much trouble, my
room was huge and service was second-to-none.
Michelin-star restaurants and superb facilities are dotted
around the complex and there is even a traditional Souk (market).
As long as you stay on site, staff will keep an eye out or look
after your children any time you want.
Outside of Jumeirah,
I visited the Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Centre of Understanding.
It's a great place to find out about traditional Muslim culture and
a great way for children to understand people from all over the
world have different ways of doing things.
Other fun activities included bumping up and down the dunes in a
jeep, a camel ride and belly dancing.
Dubai Marina is full of eateries and well worth a visit, as is
the nearby Oasis Beach Tower, in the Jumeirah Beach strip.
The world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, was so high I
felt like I was in an aeroplane, as the At The Top observation deck
is 124 floors up.
Youngsters will love Kidzania, a little city built especially
for them in Dubai Mall where they can play at being grown ups in
banks and fire stations and can even grow a beard.
Everything about Dubai is just awe inspiring. I loved relaxing
in the lap of luxury but also liked exploring it's many wonderful,
magical buildings.