It's almost impossible to pick up a newspaper these days without reading about Dubai. In just a few short years the emirate has exploded onto the world stage, staking a claim as a major hub for tourism and business.

Dubai is already rapidly emerging as the region's financial centre, attracting large numbers of international firms with its combination of a tax-free environment, excellent infrastructure and business- friendly regulations. Dubai also serves as a gateway between East and West, making it an ideal business destination. But it's for tourism that Dubai is really famous, drawing millions of visitors each year with its welcoming atmosphere, world-class hotels and shops and year-round sunshine.

Dubai is home to people from all corners of the earth, who mix together freely in a cosmopolitan city.Dining options reflect the heritage of Dubai's residents, with delightful dishes from across the globe on offer. Just as diverse is the number of activities available: in a single day a visitor can lounge on the beach in the morning, ski on real snow in the afternoon before watching the sun go down over the dunes on an evening desert safari.