The flight

I flew Emirates from Gatwick to Dubai International Airport, my company wouldn't pay for business so I flew economy, but to be honest, the flight is so pleasant, that you don't need business. The meals were good; you got free drinks, alcoholic and soft. Entertainment was immense with your own screen loaded with so many movies, CD's, games and other programmes, you didn't get bored.
Watch out for Dubai airport though, if you're going to a hotel, I would recommend you book a transfer through the hotel as this would be a lot less hassle.

Hotels

I stayed in 2 resorts, Dubai Creek and Jumaira Beach, both in Hilton Hotels and in different standard of rooms from a double suite to a standard guest room.
What you notice, is that nothing is too much trouble and there are so many staff. Right from when you arrive, everything is taken care of, bags are taken, doors are opened, someone even pushes the lift button and directs you to the correct one. Service can be a bit slow when ordering food, but if you're on holiday, who cares! If you have a beach resort, you can do any water sport you like. The Dubai Creek is more of a business orientated hotel, so I wouldn't recommend more than a couple of days in this hotel, Jumaira was much more relaxing.

Beaches

Glorious miles of pure sandy beaches, clean if you're in a resort, can be a bit messy on the public beach. The water is crystal clear, and as warm as a luke warm bath.

Weather

HOT, in May - June the temperature hovers about 40c, going up to a maximum of 55c in July - August, if you don't like it hot, go in October - March when it's cooler AND PLEASE, USE A MAXIMUM SUNSCREEN.

Desert Safari

This is great fun, get in a 4X4 and scare yourself by going up and over massive sand dunes, I went with friends who live here, but you can go on an organised tour.

Skiing

The largest indoor real snow ski slope in the world (until they build the bigger one). It cost me 170 Dirham's, that's £23 for two hours, this includes all your ski's, boots, trousers and jackets, and the gloves you have to buy.. The slope is quite steep, and if you haven't been skiing in a while will find it pretty challenging for the 1st couple of runs.

Malls

Dubai not only has the biggest malls in the world, it must have the most per capita as well, there is literally a mall on every street corner, ranging from 10 shops to the biggest of all (for the moment), the Mall of the Emirates.
every designer label you could wish for is available, and then you have you more reasonable shops like Next and BHS.
Prices in Dubai are similair to the UK, but cheaper in Sharjah.

Traffic/Driving

Nightmare.. Dubai is big, and you need to drive everywhere, you can get taxis wherever you need to go, there cheap. If you do drive, have your wits about you, and prepare to be aggressive, one hand on the wheel the other over the horn, if you imagine roads like london and the M25 at rush hour, all of the time with jungle rules.

If you want to hire a car in Dubai, you need a temperary drivers license, it costs 110 Dhs and you need a copy of your passport, a copy of your driving license, 2 passport photos (4 dhs), and an eye test (4 dhs), you can obtain this from the.. RTA centre, the rental firm should know of the closest one.

Eating and drinking

Yes you can just eat in the hotel every night, it's safe, it's easy.. blah blah.
I found that eating out is great, the food is cheap and there is masses of choice, Chinese, Indian, Iranian, Greek, and the list goes on.
For example, I had a chicken and mushroom Pasta Fetuccini, an Italian salad, garlic bread, and a glass of apple juice, all for an unbelievable seven pounds, not only did it taste authentic, but there was loads of it.

You have to remember that the UAE is a Muslim state, so although alcohol is available, you can only purchase it in the hotel or bars associated with hotels.
Sharjah is a dry state as well as the restuarants outside of the hotel, but this should not stop you trying them.

Conclusion

Dubai is a fantastic place, and it will get even better when it's finished in about 4 years time, there's plenty to do, great beaches, great shopping, and if you go at the right time of the year, great weather.

HOWEVER, if you hate flying.. are a nervous passenger or hate driving in aggressive busy road conditions, don't like it to be too hot, are in debt and don't want to get further in debt, like things done in a rush, then don't go to Dubai!

Videos coming soon

Photographs