So, if you have managed to find 2 minutes to read this month's traveling actuary I'll endeavour to transport you to  a place where the sun almost always shines, the beaches are sandy, the seafood is in abundance and if you fancy going a little bit crazy you need not harm an actuarial student.
Dubai is unique in it's offering of classic Eastern mythology mixed with fast-moving Western consumerism. However, if it's pure Arabian culture you're after go to Oman as Dubai offers only a diluted Arab experience, even with its excellent gold and spice souks. Because, you see, Dubai
isn’t about authenticism but escapism, less about the past and more about the future. It's the ultimate pick me up destination, all year round.
Flight time is only around seven hours from Heathrow and you can do as much or as little as you like. Here are some suggestions for a long weekend.
Where to Stay:
Dubai has more luxury hotels than most cities, and indeed more skyscrapers than Manhattan; the Chrysler building has been recreated in the CBD, twice. Dubai is also the home of the Burj Khalifa, once known as the Burj Dubai (don’t mention this though), also known as the tallest building in the world. Giorgio Armani was quick to home his first hotel in this 828 metre masterpiece and what has been created is a chic minimal oasis of calm, quite fitting for its location. It’s difficult to find fault in the Armani Hotel, the staff are charming, the food delicious (check out the branded mayonnaise and ketchup), on arrival you are greeted by an allocated ‘lifestyle manager’ to assist with any requirements during the stay. Mr Armani seems to have thought of it all and it works really well, brilliantly in fact.
www.armanihotels.com
What to See:
Here’s a tip; never buy a Dubai guidebook, it dates the moment it goes to print!
Dubai is constantly evolving and today’s top attractions are soon old news. Luckily there are some oldies that are still goodies. A 4x4 desert safari is always good fun. The guys who run these may appear to have a death wish but are extremely experienced, don’t’ be fooled by the gentle introduction to dune bashing and don’t eat first! Most Desert safari adventures include a Bedouin experience too; expect shish kebabs, belly dancers and camel rides.
www.alphatoursdubai.com
If water parks are your thing, then whilst WildWadi sadly gets a bit of a raw deal now that the Atlantis water park in the palm has opened, it’s still the original and the best. Good news too is that the queues are also smaller now that various C list celebrities and low division footballers flock to the Atlantis with their families. Don’t forget a sturdy bathing costume though, guys and girls- the jets are very strong and this is still the Middle East.
www.wildwadi.com
Something different? How about a death-defying jump out of a plane over the Palm Jumeirah? Skydive Dubai is the new phenomenon and you’re in expert hands, the team are friendly, and full of nonsense, and the training is excellent. Save on a seaplane or helicopter flight and see it all in the most adrenaline fueled way possible! The dive includes a DVD and disk of photographs your friends will never believe back home!
www.skydivedubai.com
Where to Eat:
For luxury seafood and celeb spotting you can’t go wrong with the Ossiano restaurant at Atlantis on the palm. It’s excellent, although far from cheap, and the giant fishtank in the restaurant makes you wonder who’s next…
www.atlantisthepalm.com
Dubai can leave you feeling on top on the world, so a trip to At. Mosphere on the 122 floor of the Burj Khalifa is where you can physically replicate your mindset. The tallest restaurant in the world, the best views, and award winning food booking makes this a must-do.
www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Dubai Mall plaza- there are so many eateries offering a mix of Asian and European cuisine. The main attraction isn’t the food though, every half an hour you’re treated to a fantastic musical fountain display. These fountains make the Bellagio’s look like a North London suburbia water feature. The same guy designed them, only in XL.
www.thedubaimall.com
Where to Shop:
Personally, there is only one place for me, the Mall of the Emirates. There is something for everyone, a Harvey Nichols, An Apple store, even a Marks and Spencer. Oh, and did I mention the ski slope? Yes, really. Ski Dubai is tremendous fun, all kit is provided (just bring hat and gloves) for this -5 degree experience. You can even stop half way down the piste for a fondue and a hot chocolate.
www.malloftheemirates.com
Getting There:
Virgin Upper Class from Heathrow is the obvious choice. Enjoy the Virgin lounge first, it’s quirky, relaxed and lighthearted not unlike Dubai itself.
www.virgin-atlantic.com
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