Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates is an extraordinary mixture of ancient Arabic culture and modern Western capitalism. The most opulent hotels in the world fight for attention with open tracts of desert that stretch, uninhabited, to the horizon. Hundreds of kilometres of sandy beaches, which run into the warm and clear waters of the Arabian Gulf, are only interrupted by desalination plants that create enough fresh water to keep acres of Dubai public gardens in luscious bloom. No expense has been spared to make Dubai a five-star paradise for up-market tourists looking for great food and drink, extraordinary duty free shopping, and all-year round sunshine.

Discover sunken wrecks that attract divers from around the world; nightclubs hosting Europe and Asia's hottest DJs; desert driving in death defying conditions; restaurants run by globally renowned chefs; and shopping trips that mix bazaars full of ancient Iranian spices with tax free-priced suits from Armani and Versace.

*Sightseeing in Dubai *Dubai hotels *Dubai restaurants *Dubai bars *Dubai shops *Dubai maps

Founded in 1968, Time Out has grown from humble beginnings into the leading resource for anyone wanting to know whats happening in the worlds greatest cities. Alongside our influential weeklies in London, New York, Chicago and Dubai, we publish more than 20 magazines in cities as varied as Beijing and Beirut; a range of travel books, with City Guides now joined by pocket-sized Shortlist series; and an information-packed website. The company remains proudly independent, still owned by Tony Elliott four decades after he launched Time Out London. Written by local experts, and illustrated with original photography, our books also retain their independence. No business has been featured because it has advertised, and all restaurants and bars are visited and reviewed anonymously.

The Time Out Dubai city guide explores the city behind the towering glass skyscrapers and luxurious beach hotels