Dubai is a city of excess, superlatives and lavish living. It has some of the biggest shopping malls in the world, some of the best hotels - including the world's only seven-star hotel, and plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants to leave you feeling dizzy but elated. For all this excess Dubai's gradually transformed itself into an eminently affordable destination - check DialAFlight for the latest flights to Dubai.

Dubai's star attraction is its shopping. This city-state may be tax-free but it is still worth packing the plastic as you may get a little carried away by the sheer number of malls and shopping opportunities. The largest of which is Dubai Mall and this is the biggest shopping mall in the world with over 1200 retailers housed within its walls. But, if you want to get away from the International designers and air-conditioned boutiques, then cross over Dubai Creek and into Bur Dubai and explore the myriad souks (traditional markets) and test your bartering skills on some Persian rugs, gold and Arabian textiles.

After traipsing around the malls and markets, your body will need a well-deserved break. That's where Dubai's second attraction comes in handy - miles of sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. The best of which are Palm Beach and Jumeirah Beach where you can laze around on the golden sand or have a go at windsurfing or wakeboarding. Or for sheer fun, pack your swimming gear and head to Wild Wadi, a 12 acre water park with slides, water rollercoasters and huge waves to surf in the wave pool.

Seeing as this is a city where the impossible is made possible, why not going skiing in the middle of the desert - Dubai has the largest indoor ski area including a chair lift. So if you fancy cooling down and escaping the heat for a day head to Ski Dubai in the Emirates Mall.

Something that you may not see elsewhere is camel racing. This is a traditional sport in the Emirates and is immensely popular among the locals. The season runs from September to March and is well worth a trip.

Dubai definitely blends old with new and excess with traditionalism. Before you leave this city of contrasts, meander along the banks of Dubai Creek watching the Dows go about their daily trading and get lost in the Bastakiya district where courtyards and wind towers still line the narrow lanes giving you a real feel of Arab culture all the while the modern, glass and metal skyscrapers remain in the distance.