Dubai

Dubai has intrigued me for many years now and I have been desperate to experience this destination first-hand. So when, after completing the Dubai Tourism training course, I was offered a place on an educational trip I absolutely jumped at the chance!

Etihad Airways provided an excellent flight direct from Manchester to Abu Dhabi, which is just a one hour coach transfer into central Dubai. I was extremely fortunate to experience the wonderful Pearl Business Class with flat bed on the outward overnight flight - I felt like royalty, the service and the food was exceptional and a truly memorable experience. The Coral Economy Class experience on the return flight was also excellent - it was comfortable, had 1.4inch individual touchscreen TV's and again exceptional food and service - it was a pleasure to fly!

The whole trip was amazing. Dubai is just so diverse with something to appeal to everybody, whether you like to spend your time on the white sandy beaches, shop 'til you drop in the huge Malls or try your hand at skiing on the indoor slope - you really can't be bored in Dubai. I went on an Abra across the creek to the spice and gold souks and visited the Dubai Museum which was really interesting, showing how Dubai has developed and changed in such a short period of time - this expansion is still ongoing and is visible, but is exciting too.

I visited Downtown Burj Dubai where the Dubai Mall is located and experienced the Dubai Fountain, the worlds largest dancing fountain - it was fantastic - the water hit heights of around 150meters in time to music and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement.

I can't wait to return to Dubai, not only for the fabulous hotels, the impeccable service, the wonderful food, the dune bashing desert safari, the sunshine...I could go on and on as the list is endless - it truly is an experience and one I can highly recommend!