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A CITY OF CONTRASTS
Awash with luxury and glamour, Dubai is the new play ground for the world's rich and famous, but its strong cultural roots and ancient history ensure this glitzy shell has a genuine heart...
Probably the world's most rapidly expanding tourist destination, Dubai offers visitors an exciting and intoxicating blend of year round sunshine, shopping and seaside.
The second largest of the seven The United Arab Emirates (UAE) members, Dubai is seen as a new, different and dynamic tourist destination that combines the traditions of the East with the comforts of the West.
A six hour journey from the UK is all that separates newlyweds from guaranteed sunshine and with direct fights now available from Dublin and many UK airports it has become the most convenient luxury honeymoon destination
 Dubai's ultra modern hotels reach high into the sky and promise to deliver every luxury and satisfy every whim. Modern shopping malls rise form the sand dunes and beaches exist where once there was only desert. For honeymooners this is a one-stop-wonder destination where the sophistication of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era.
Visit Dubai and you can stay in the world's finest hotels, eat in the world's leading restaurants and shop in the world's most tempting designer stores, all while embracing the awe inspiring scenery and dipping into the Islamic culture via a lively souk (the traditional market) or a walk through the lantern lit alleys of the Old Town.
A day in Dubai It's hard to define a typical day in this ever evolving city. With a long standing reputation as a leading port and trading centre the word Dubai remains synonymous with shopping. From souk to shopping mall, Dubai has it all - duty free, gold, electronics, textiles, cars - and the competitive prices means your money goes further making this a true shopper's paradise.
 Distinguished by their striking architecture, shopping malls flourish here, each offering its own theme and retail experience. Choose one and you could easily spend a whole day exploring its designer boutiques and expansive choice of restaurants and cafes. For a more authentic experience visit one of the souks and enjoy the hustle and bustle, colourful displays and spicy aromas of the market place. The spice and gold souks are two of the most famous. Be prepared to haggle for the best price and look out for traditional gifts such as Arabic coffee pots, prayer beads, decorative jewellery, semi-precious stones, Persian carpets and other textiles. The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalising glimpse of old Dubai and is a wonderful place to absorb the traditional village atmosphere. Make sure you save some money for the world famous Dubai Duty Free shops that offer a superlative range of high quality products at unbeatable prices.
Shopping aside there are plenty of ways to pass the time here. Take trip to Atlantis, home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world and stare in awe at the 65,000 marine animals before enjoying the water slides and rides including The Lost Chambers, a maze of  underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Seek refuge from the heat at Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort to open in the Middle where you can try your hand at skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. There's also a Snow Park dedicated to people who just want to play in the snow with some nice slides. Get a rare glimpse of traditional culture at The Heritage & Diving Village where exhibits reveal the emirate's maritime past, and visit Dubai Museum for a fascinating insight into the emirates rich history and cultural heritage.
Outside the city, Dubai's desert offers a variety thrilling experiences ranging from safaris by four-wheel-drive vehicle to sand-skiing.
When to go Dubai enjoys year round sunshine with temperatures ranging from lows of 10 to extreme summer highs of 45+ during the hottest months of July and August, when even the sea temperature hits 40!
Where to stay When it comes to accommodation, choice isn't a problem. Dubai has ambitions to attract 15 million tourists per year by 2010 and a staggering 116  new hotels will be built by 2016, ensuring brining the total to around 550.
Famously home to the world's only seven-star hotel, Dubai offers a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Decadent designer hotels, boutique hotels, themed hotels and glitzy and glamorous five star offerings line the beach front, while tranquil desert resorts provide a true haven from the facts paced city life.
Hot hotels for Arabian nights...
Burj Al Arab Designed to resemble a billowing sail, Burj Al Arab soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai skyline. The world's most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab offers undisputed luxury from the Rolls Royce fleet to the personal butler service and is illuminated at night by a choreograped lighting representing water and fire - truly impressive.
Atlantis The Palm A 1,539 room, ocean-themed destination resort located at the centre of the crescent of the man-made Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Luxury accommodation combines with water park amusement, marine and entertainment attractions and a collection of some of the most renowned world-class chefs and luxury boutiques for an unforgettable experience.
Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa The 40 suite Al Maha Desert & Spa is an exclusive boutique resort and undeniably one of the most unforgettable places on earth! Set in the heart of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with panoramic views of the Hajaar Mountains and the surrounding dunes, Al Maha promises an experience like no other. Here you can enjoy your very own private pool, fine food and wine, a signature spa and personalised service all in a environment of tranquility and peace.
Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Rising up from the desert sand dunes like a mirage, Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa is an elegant retreat in a traditional Arabic setting. All 113 rooms and suites are appointed in traditional Gulf décor, complemented by an authentic open-air Arabic restaurant and a superb range of recreational facilities.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai Noted for its incredible design that resembles a wave, this hotel offers a high class service and perfect location on the most beautiful beach in the Persian Gulf.
The Palazzo Versace Hotel, Culture Village and the Armani Hotel, Burj Dubai Two new designer hotels that will offer the ultimate in designer luxury living, featuring an array of fabulous facilities and lavishly designed interiors fit for an Arabian Prince.
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Honeymoon 
I posted 4 photos on Facebook in the album "Bridal inspiration from Cannes...." 
