Dubai holidays

Spend the evening watching powerful Arab horses racing to the finish line. Evening meetings are staged by the Dubai Racing Club at the Nad al Sheba racecourse, the venue of the Dubai World Cup – the world’s richest horse race. You’ll be taken to the course, gain entry to the Club and Millennium Grandstand, plus your race card is included. From this point on, see if luck is on your side and place your bets.

Take a full day to explore two starkly contrasting landscapes in a 4x4. Enjoy a desert trip to the picturesque old mountain village of Hatta and visit a 14th century Portuguese fort. Then travel through wadis to mountain pools for a refreshing dip before lunch at the Hatta Fort Hotel. After a wadi-bashing session in the dunes, head to a Bedouin camp at sunset for camel rides, shisha pipes and a delicious barbecue while you watch a traditional belly dancer.

Experience a 4x4 rollercoaster ride over Arabia’s golden sand dunes. This half-day safari takes you to the highest dune for a breathtaking photo stop where you can capture the sunset. You’ll visit a Bedouin campsite in the desert where you can admire henna designs with a drink in your hand, and try a camel ride or a fruity shisha, its smoke spiralling into the air. Finally, there’s an enchanting belly dancer followed by a delicious barbecue buffet.

Sail along Dubai creek in the moonlight aboard a decorated wooden dhow, and admire the new and old architecture passing by. Enjoy a beautifully-prepared traditional dinner, where local delicacies will tantalise your taste buds as the scenery slides past. It's a romantic way to pass a magical couple of hours.

Journey through the old and new areas of this vibrant city. From produce markets and the Dubai Gold Souk, traditional wind towers and the old Fahidi Fort, to the soaring modern edifices that signify such dramatic change, this is an eye-opening experience. You can photograph the beautiful Jumeirah mosque and, as an optional treat, indulge in a sumptuous lunch at the Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

Explore larger-than-life modern Dubai. You’ll find the world's tallest building, Burj Dubai, at the heart of the Dubai Mall. Gaze eye-to-eye with sharks and stingrays in a world-class aquarium. See Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island and take a photo stop at the magnificent Atlantis hotel. After, wander in and out of the shops in the vibrant Souk Madinat Jumeriah. You can also add on high tea at the Burj Al Arab.

This 30-minute flight starts as you pass Dubai's spectacular waterfront. Then it's up into the sky and over the marina for a bird's-eye view of the world-famous Palm Jumeirah and the impressive Burj Al Arab hotel. Turning inland, fly over downtown Dubai and pass the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building. Finally it's over The World islands and down the coast again to the harbour.

From an ancient form of transport to the latest-adrenalin-fuelled ride, this will be an unforgettable half day tour. Drive into the desert in a 4x4 and meet your camel caravan for a half-hour ride across the spectacular red dunes of Margham. Dismount your camel and strap on your sand boards - you’re now ready for sand skiing. Draw a deep breath and take an exhilarating rush down the steep-sided dunes to the floor of the valley below.

This is a truly magical evening in the desert. You'll depart in the afternoon for an adventurous drive into the red dunes of Margham, where you can photograph the camel camps and take in the breathtaking scenes of a desert sunset on camel back. A succulent barbecue will be served among the dunes while you watch an authentic belly dancer pulsate to the rhythm of drums.

Experience one round each at the beautiful and challenging Emirates Golf Club (Wadi course), Montgomerie Golf Club and the Desert Course Golf Club. The cost includes green fees and return transfers from your chosen hotel. Please call for further details. NB: please note that Dubai golf courses are ‘spike free’ and a minimum handicap of 28 for men and 45 for women is required.

This fascinating afternoon walking tour begins along the creekside with its ultramodern glass structures and charming oldworld Arab architecture. Continue past the restored old wind-towered houses of the Bastakiya area to the hustle and bustle of the old souk before taking an abra ride across the Creek to the exotic spice souk. The alleys of the spice souk lead to the dazzling gold souk. Finish your walking tour with a stop at the fish and vegetable market, from where you return to your chosen hotel. NB: This tour operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Jan 01–Apr 30 and Oct 01–Dec 31 only.

This is the ultimate waterpark. Wild Wadi is based at Jumeirah Beach and is one of the world's most technically-advanced water parks. Hurtle 50mph down the Jumeirah Sceirah flume, be fired uphill in an inflatable ring on a Master Blaster slide, or try your hand at surfing on the Flowrider experience. Book through Kuoni Concierge 01306 744774.