Why Dubai?

Wind-tower lanes, wooden abras and spice-scented souqs show the trading town that came before the towers.

The Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future and the Dubai Frame make the skyline a design lesson.

Halal food by default, prayer rooms everywhere and the adhan across the city make practice simple.

Emirati breakfasts, Iranian kebabs, Pakistani curries and Lebanese bakeries reflect the people who built the city.

Calm, warm sea and long public beaches make December a rare chance for a winter swim.

Aquariums, water parks, snow slopes and shaded parks keep children busy, and everything is stroller-friendly.

Dunes, mountain pools and oasis towns sit within two hours, perfect for a cool-season day out.

National Day, Global Village, the Shopping Festival and New Year’s Eve fireworks fill the month.