This is a city that combines modern opulence with traditional sightseeing for millions of tourists annually searching for a bargain.
There are beach hotels, boutique hotels and one- to five- star hotels. Combine quality of accommodation with a low price by opting for a self-catering apartment. The prices will be nearly half of those charged by hotels. Stay at the Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach or the Emirates Hills.
BEACH LIFE
Enjoy some of the largest beaches in the Arabian Gulf. There are beach parks that combine pristine white sands with lush greenery. For a small fee you can spend the day in Jumeirah Beach Park or Al Mamzah Beach Park. There are sheltered areas as well as changing facilities, cafes and barbecue pits. Swimming pools complete with life guards are there for those who do not want to swim in the sea.
There are water sports for all abilities and budgets in Dubai. The sea off Jumeirah Beach is very popular with surfers but the truly sporting visitor today heads for the sea off Jebel Ali.
Water temperatures average about 24 degrees C during the cooler months of the year, making Dubai a popular spot for scuba divers.
An affordable sea trip is a ride in a traditional wooden boat, though it usually has an engine attached, from the Abra Dock in Bur Dubai. Negotiate a fee and you can visit ancient Dubai from the sea.
The city itself is full of green spaces that offer similar facilities to the beach parks. Zabeel Park in the city centre covers 51 hectares with lush green shrubbery and colourful plants.
SIGHTSEEING
You don`t have to stay in the seven-star Burj Al-Arab Hotel to see it as there are guided tours for non-residents. The world`s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, offers some spectacular views from its 124th floor observation platform. There are even guided tours for non-Muslims around the city`s numerous mosques. The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most attractive buildings in the Middle East.
If you are an early morning riser, take a balloon ride over the city and the desert. You will see red sands, green oases and gazelle and camels wandering freely around the desert. A sea plane ride gives you a view of Dubai`s incredible new skyscrapers, artificial islands and architectural designs. There are guided tours around the desert to suit all budgets for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.
SHOPPING
Shopping is one of Dubai`s most popular activities. There are huge modern shopping malls as well as traditional markets (souks) all around the city offering everything from souvenirs, jewellery and designer labels at hugely reduced prices compared with other countries. But you have to be prepared to haggle.
FOOD
Dubai is a centre for fine dining but you can eat on a budget by trying local delicacies from market stalls and street corners. Shawarma, a type of kebab with tomatoes, pickles and garlic sauce, is the most popular dish in Dubai. Drink Dubai`s exquisite fruit juice as an accompaniment. Check out at Low Cost Holidays discount codes (http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/lowcostholidayscom) Dubai`s restaurants and hotels.
Photograph provided courtesy of Steve Rogers