Dubai of course is the number one destination for holidays to the Arabian Gulf, offering beaches, shopping, culture and some of the world's boldest building and design projects.

Beyond downtown Dubai and the beach however, Dubai has some excellent desert resorts. The United Arab Emirates (of which Dubai is a part) offers the burgeoning Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the less visited Ras Al Khaimah.

Oman is quite a contrast to the UAE and offers a destination much more traditional and some would say 'authentic'.

Visit the mountains, stay in the desert, drive the coastal road, stroll along the corniche in Muscat, see turtles hatching and enjoy the beaches.