Just a movie length of airtime beyond the Mediterranean, the UAE offers sun, sea, shopping and plenty of sand! Dubai of course is the headline grabber with its gleaming skyscrapers, mega-malls, indoor ski-ing, opulent beach hotels and man-made islands.

But if the bling is not your thing, there's much more besides. Dubai has a handful of boutique hotels in Old Dubai for those who prefer things a little more restrained. Beyond the city and beach, Dubai has some great luxury desert resorts.

Abu Dhabi too is becoming increasingly popular with city, beach and wildlife holidays. Ras Al Khaimah is also becoming much more well known with a couple of luxury resorts now open.