The oldest Arabian trading city, Dubai is a pulsating desert metropolis in the Middle East which is today synonymous with High Tech and Bedouins plus tall desert sand dunes, rocky terrain and the blazing sun.

The Al-Fahidi Fort is Dubai’s oldest building and was built at the beginning of the 19th century and now houses the Dubai Museum. Narrow alleys lead through the Goldsuk, the traditional covered bazaar, in which shops and stalls are packed closely together, with merchandise worth millions glittering in tempting shop windows.

But for those who wish to experience something a little different, the sand dunes of the desert are the perfect setting for Dune Riding, an exhilarating extreme sport that’s off the normal tourist trail.

Setting off in convoy in four-wheel drive vehicles, at first the track is smooth, though undulating and, to get into the mood, this initial terrain is usually tackled with caution. And then it begins: as though on a continuous roller coaster set on sand, the horizon moves constantly as the ride follows deep ruts and then, at high acceleration, ascends high dunes, only to return downwards at stomach-churning speed. Then, in the mountains, the Wadi Water Drive follows craggy riverbeds and bumpy gravel tracks followed by further thrills in the fascinating Hajar Mountains.

After all this, a camel ride turns the frenzied ridiculous into tranquil sublime and a Bedouin barbecue rounds off a perfect day in an ancient land that offers more than just a holiday!