DUBAI...year long sunshine

Visitors to DUBAI can experience towering modern architecture, traditional trading at the Souk, dune driving, rugged mountains, and breathtaking coastal scenery all in one day. Little wonder that this city's vibrant personality is attracting an increasing number of Irish visitors to its shores. The second largest of the seven Emirates that comprise United Arab Emirates, Dubai represents just 5% of the country's total area, yet its broad appeal has made it the foremost destination of choice in this south easterly part of the Arabian Peninsula.

Dubai is undeniably a world away; a Muslim country where English is widely spoken; an international business destination, and yet maintaining its rich cultural heritage. For Irish honeymooners one of its many appealing aspects is its climate, which is sub-tropical with year long sunshine. For couples marrying in autumn it is a great choice for a honeymoon as its most 'comfortable' months for weather are September-May where temperatures reach a climax of 30 degrees. The summer months are oribably not as good as an idea unless you can handle soaring daily temperatures of between 40-48 degrees!


The Emirates paradise is also more accessible than ever since Aerlingus introduced direct flights from Dublin in 2006, avoiding the hassles of flights connections through the busy hubs of London Heathrow and Paris CDG.

Dubai ticks so many boxes for Mr and Mrs. For Mrs, there is world class, tax free shopping in ultra chic surroundings and especially so for buying gold jewelry; maybe an advance purchase of the eternety ring maybe on the cards! In fact many of the leading international brands are cheaper in Dubai than in their country of origin due to its taxation system. Great bars and restaurants make the most of quality time together and the beatiful beaches are a way of topping up the post-wedding tan.

For Mr, golf is of international standing in Dubai and attracts the world's finest to its annual competitions resulting in some of the finest greens on offer in this part of the world. If you want to take to the seas, there is execellent fishing, sailing and scuba diving in the Arabian Gulf- it's the stuff of James Bond!

For time spent together, enjoy a desert Safari where Dubai's eastern heritage comes to the fore. Starlit nights, clear skies...the perfect romantic seeting. Another option is to enjoy driving through sand dunes-not for the faint hearted... The excellent range of tours and guided activities make the most of the experience with local experts in Dubai serving up a rare feast of activity and cultural based pursuits.

A great night in Dubai is also on the menu, with relaxed dress code and availability of alcohol including all international brands(and even guiness!).
Dining in Dubai offers the world on a plate, with all popular European, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines on offer. The sky point about dining out is that most of Dubai's leading restaurants in the city numerous and glamorous hotels, due mainly to licensing laws regarding the service of alcohol.
If Indian cuisine is for you, Our pick is Ashiana, at the Sheraton Dubai Hotel and Towers, which the most famous and highly respected Indian restaurant in Dubai. For luxurious Thai cuisine, visit Banjarong, at Dubai's only Thai inspired hotel, Dusit Hotel. This 24th floor restaurant overlooks the desert; a rare view over dinner. The Ayam Samam restaurant is also one of Dunai's ,ost revered and serves amazing Lebanese and food is based at the Century Hotel.

For many Irish visitors to Dubai, the acknowledgement of local customs is important. As a Muslim country it is expected that men and women dress in unrevealing clothing when out in the street or in public places, although standard western holiday wear is acceptable. Swimwear by the pool is completely acceptable, but not out of doors. It is forbidden in Dubai to photograph Muslim women so mindful of this taking scenic shots during your honeymoon.
When it comes to bargaing this is the hallmark of a visit to Dubai's many Souks, or markets. Traders expect bargaining from customers and enjoy it! It is believed that you will get a much better price when you bargain at the Souk, especially for cash sales! Speaking of cash, the currency of Dubai is the Dirham, broken down into 100 fils. €1 currently amounts to 5 Dirham(AED).

For hotels, book via your travel agent who will have the best available packeage rates and offers. Dubai is a destination of international standing so the world's leading luxury hotel chains are present, including Sheraton, Raffles, Shangrila, Ritz Carlton, Radisson SAS, Fairmont, and Kempinski. For the epitome of luxury in Dubai, the Jumeirah Hotel Group offers stunning accomodation in locations along Jumeirah Beach. The world renowned Burj-al-Arab, the world's only 7 star hotel with it's billowing sail shape, is once in a lifetime opportunity to savour a hotel of this level.
Getting to Dubai is, as wev've mentioned, increasingly accessible given the direct flights from Dublin to Dubai. For honeymooners you will be issued with One Entry Visit Visa to cover your holiday and this is issued on your arrival into the UAE.

For complete information on Dubai, visit www.dubaitourism.ae , www.dubai.com , www.aerlingus.com , www.dubai.ie , and www.uaeinteract.com