Dubai is the soar away tourism success story of the 21st century.

It might not yet boast the raw visitor numbers of, say, USA or Australia, but no country can match its unprecedented growth over the past five years.

Five airlines currently operate a total of 99 direct flights from the UK to Dubai - that's around 26,600 seats a week.

Dubai has raced from the blocks in recent years to become one of the world's most desirable tourist destinations and a regional hub that is attracting a wide range of visitors from all over the world.

Dubai has 18 heritage sites, museums and galleries- fitting for a country whose history can be traced back to around 6,000BC When the earliest evidence of human settlement was located.

Whether simply lounging by the hotel pool - in between ordering a cocktail or juice from the swim up bar - joining a desert safari or watching the professionals at a golf or tennis tournament, Dubai has an activity to suit all tastes.

The emirate's nightlife scene is constantly reinventing itself and offers the full range of entertainment options expected of any modern cosmopolitan city.

Hotels on the beach are self-contained resorts offering a host of activities and a lot more besides- and many have programmes to keep the children entertained while parents do their own thing.

With a flight time of around 7 hours from the UK and guaranteed year round sunshine it makes Dubai the perfect short break or holiday destination.

For prices and more information on Dubai email Emma Sanger at emma.sanger@tarsc.net.