Only 7 hours flight from London, Dubai is close to the top of the list when it comes to winter holidays. Where else can you relax on the beach in the morning, shop for must-have haute couture in the afternoon and dine in the desert after dusk? And where else do you find mosques overlooked by skyscrapers and camel racing as popular as horse racing, superb water sports and beautifully manicured golf courses overlooking the desert and the ancient Dubai Creek. Only in Dubai. Its beach hotels are of a reassuringly high standard and brimming with things to do and numerous restaurants. And when you want a change from water-sports and tennis courts, try dune driving in the desert, book a day trip to Abu Dhabi, take an excursion into the Hajar Mountains or treat yourself to a moonlit dinner cruise on the Creek. MAP OF DUBAI 
COMBINATIONS - MULTI-CENTRE HOLIDAYS Whilst all of our featured resorts offer the very highest of standards, sometimes we discover hotels with just that little bit extra. Sometimes it is their setting, sometimes it is their suites and sometimes it is their service. But more often than not it is their commitment to the little things in life that give them the edge. Or perhaps they possess an indefinable quality that could make a fortune if bottled! On our own travels this year we have been particularly impressed with the five hotels featured below. In our opinion, these multi-centre holidays would be difficult to surpass.
GOLF
Only 7 hours direct flight from London, Dubai is an ideal place for a winter golfing break, with virtually no rain and temperatures November to April in the 70-85o. There is a range of excellent 5-star beach hotels. For the golfer there are 4 different clubs. Two of which, the Emirates and The Creek provide beautifully manicured emerald green courses, which have held the Dubai Classic. Green fees are £50-70. DUBAI AND THE MALDIVES
This 12 night holiday encourages you to enjoy the ultimate desert island experience along with two very different aspects of Dubai. Luxury accommodation and personal service are assured. 7 nights Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives B&B
3 nights Ritz-Carlton, Dubai B&B
2 nights Al Maha, Dubai Full board
Prices from £2,329 per person in economy class. CLIMATE
Dubai has a sub-tropical arid climate. Temperatures range from 1O°C to 30°C in winter and and can reach as high as 48°C in summer. Rainfall is predominantly in winter and amounts to some 13cm annually. This is a year round destination, however the best time to visit is probably November to May when temperatures are not too high. Avg Monthly Temperature (max F) | Avg Monthly Rainfall (inches) | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | 70 | ½ | 75 | 01 | 80 | ½ | 85 | 00 | 95 | 00 | 100 | 00 | 110 | 00 | 105 | 00 | 100 | 00 | 90 | 00 | 85 | 00 | 75 | ½ |
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