Dubai, a relatively new tourist destination, is basically a desert city with excellent infrastructure and superb tourist amenities. Its liberal policies as well as its convenient location just three hours away from most Asian countries and five hours away from Europe, make Dubai very popular as a short-break destination for tourists from both countries that are looking for exciting shopping, fine dining, great partying and a host of unique sporting events.

Though Dubai can get extremely humid and hot in the summer months, with temperatures touching 50 degrees Celsius from May to September, it is a great place to visit during the more pleasant months of September to April.

As a prerequisite to obtaining a tourist visa to Dubai, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months before your arrival. Individuals who intend to spend less than thirty days in the United Arab Emirates may apply for a tourist visa, whereas visit visas are issued to those who intend spending more than 30 days in the country.

Dubai, a city of superlatives, is home to the tallest, highest, largest and fastest. It is home to Burj Dubai, which upon completion in 2008 will be the tallest building in the world, surpassing the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

Dubai offers visitors a host of unique experiences including the exciting Dune Bashing, thrilling hot air balloon rides, golfing or for something entirely different- sand golfing. Visitors to Dubai can experience the extreme as they go skiing and snowboarding in the large, specially built snow skiing center or go sand-skiing and sand boarding in the hot desert sands. Wild Wadi, a water amusement park, in the heart of the city is a great place for kids and adults alike. The Overnight Desert safari is as different but just as exciting as the Morning Desert safari. The Dubai Dhow Cruise takes you sailing down the Dubai Creek while aboard a wooden dhow that is traditionally decorated. Marvel at the major landmarks that are beautifully lit up at night as you take a midnight cruise for a completely different experience.

With so much to see and do in Dubai, maybe you'd need much more than just a short break after all.