Although Singapore enjoys consistently warm days throughout the year, travel to some exotic destinations must be planned with care to avoid either excessive heat in the summer, or damp, chilly rain and snow in the winter. The ideal time to visit Dubai is during their winter months, from November to March, when the days are sunny and dry and the temperatures are a pleasant 24-30C (75-87F).

Now is the time to plan a great trip to this wonderful destination, where markets become souks, castles are citadels, sailing boats are dhows and earl grey is traded for mint tea. Dubai offers all the pleasures of a modern city: top class hotels, excellent shopping and air-conditioned transport, yet just beyond the city limits lies the endless desert.

Dubai is situated on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is one of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, known for its oil, real estate, tourism and financial services. Although it is a densely populated city, it is friendly, safe and virtually crime-free.

A trip to Dubai can be anything you want it to be, as attractions and sights are many and diverse. Eco-tourists will delight in the tidal wetlands which are home to over 400 species of birds including flocks of pink flamingoes, herons, ducks and other shorebirds. Those seeking extreme sports can sample the thrills of Dune driving, jet boating, parasailing or sand skiing. Courses in sand driving are available in 4-wheel drive vehicles before drivers experience for themselves the roller-coaster rides which the dunes offer. The challenge to keep vehicles moving on the soft, shifting terrain is not easy. Those with a taste for speed will enjoy skiing down the high dunes where the ‘fast sand’ is like glass. Other sports are also catered for including golf and more golf!

Those wanting to see more of the desert can take a trip to Hatta or book one of the various Wadi tours. Hatta offers a little of everything – an hour long trip in a 4-wheel drive through the desert sand dunes and Hajar Mountains to the fortress village of Hatta. Visit the 200-year old village and the old fortress before exploring Wadi Hatta with its lush greenery and wildlife, a paradox to the surrounding arid expanse of desert. The canyon area has rock pools where you can swim and discover small waterfalls inside the gorge.

Dubai also caters to more cultural tastes. See how traditional dhows are still made at a dhow-building yard or visit the wonderful Jumeirah Mosque, the dominant landmark of the city. This spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture offers tours to non-Muslims to give an insight into the Islamic faith and well as seeing this wonderful building. Sheikh Saeed House was the official residence of the Sheik from 1912-1958 and is open to visitors. Follow Dubai’s history through rare photographs, documents and paintings. The architecture and design of the house also makes this an interesting place to visit, along with the Dubai Museum located in the nearby Al Fahidid Fort.

One final recommendation are the Camel Races, which will be a memorable highlight of any visit to Dubai. The races are vigorous and exciting. As the camels set off, urged on by their jockeys, trainers follow the race in their 4-wheel drives which plough through the dust on the inside track. The race of the trainers is almost as fierce as that of the camels! The exciting atmosphere is contagious. The races have a village-fair atmosphere, with vendors selling local crafts to race-goers. If you are planning your winter vacation now, consider a trip to mysterious Arabia with all that it has to offer.