The humid air pushes its way down the aisles as the crew open the doors to let us out of the colossal A380 double-decker flight. Buzzing with opulence, the smell of aromatic ouds and the smoke of fruitful sheeshas fly around the luxurious properties and prestigious developments of ‘The City of Gold.’ The sensational feeling of having stepped out onto the soils of Dubai once again is matchless.

The sand on Jumeirah Beach looks almost as if it is sprinkled with gold when the sun is beaming at 30 degrees in the afternoon of February 14.

Hosting over five million visitors during February, in the Deira city centre and the largest mall in Emirates – The Mall of Emirates, surprisingly enough the beach is quite deserted. I think to myself, where have they all gone if Dubai boasts one of the most popular sandy beaches towered by the Burj Al Arab?

Of course, the year - long awaited annual tax-free shopping festival, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).

Launched on February 15 1996 by the UAE Vice President, Prime minister and the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the month long festival hosts about 150 local and international events.

With shopping discounts of up to 75% off on international brands, in 6000 retail outlets spread across 45 shopping malls participating in the Festival, fashionistas are in for a real treat.

Although the aim is to get visitors to empty their wallets, DSF rewards the generosity of its visitors through plenty of raffles and extraordinary prizes drawn every day. The abundance of prizes includes luxury cars and cash prizes of over AED 3 million.

With full-on entertainment ranging from bike festivals, desert family camps and biggest biryani bowl show, to performances from the likes of Kimberley Dale, the number one Britney Spears impersonator, and puppet shows by popular puppeteer Murray Raine, DSF offers something for everyone.

This year, the Festival commenced with fireworks on 28 January and will run until 28 February.

Why go to Dubai?

If the above has not convinced you, then the list does not stop there. With its infamous skyscrapers, man-made islands, desert sand dunes and unique souks, the treasures of Dubai and its hospitality aim to impress. The world renowned business hub and shopper’s paradise is a place you should not forget to put on your ‘must see places’ list.

When to go?

Between November to March, Dubai sees its most pleasant weather. With more fun and adventure during the DSF, January – February is the best time to take advantage of the extra offers. From April to October, the weather is too hot to survive for some. But if that is the only time of the year you can travel, then you can still enjoy your time as everything in Dubai, except the beach, has air conditioning, including the bus stops.

What to do?

If you have limited time on your hands, this 5-day itinerary might help:

Day one: First stop has to be the Jumeirah beach. Lounge on the beach as you listen to the waves lap the shore. Visit the sandy playgrounds and parks opposite the beach and cool down with an ice cream. After lunch, take off to the Mall of Emirates, where ‘shopping is just the beginning.’ Hosting one of the largest indoor ski domes in the world, ski Dubai is a great juxtaposition to the outdoor climate.

Day two: Take a drive down Sheikh Zayed Road to see the magnificent centrepieces and major developments in downtown Dubai, including the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, at a staggering 2,716ft, which was officially launched on 4 January 2010.

Between 3-4pm get a seat on the Dhow Cruise on Dubai Creek (Khor Dubai). Travelling at this time allows you to experience the sights from the cruise in both daylight and in the evening, on the way back.  If you are lucky, you might even get the whole upper and lower deck of the boat to yourself.

Day three: Get a feel of traditional Dubai by visiting Bastakiya, one of the oldest residential areas in Dubai. It will provide a unique experience to the lifestyles of the Emirates peoples’ past. Eat at a local café and then visit the spice, textile or gold souks with more than 300 jewellers lined up one after the other. If you are more into technology then go to Bur Dubai.

Day four: A trip to Dubai without a desert safari ride is incomplete. If you are a fan of belly dancing, then stay until the evening to watch the performances at the desert, alongside BBQ and traditional tea. Try your skills at dune bashing or simply have a humpy camel ride.

Day five: Spend your last day roaming through the local shops. Take a yellow taxi to the Palm Islands, where the driver will talk you through the houses of the famous owners, such as the Beckhams who own a property on the palm stretches. Amuse yourself with the Atlantis Hotel and end your day with a stroll through the beautiful shops and open-air restaurants surrounding a river at Souk Madinat.

Where to eat?

All types of cuisine can be found in Dubai, so whatever your favourite, it will be available. Instead of going Nandos or TGI Friday’s, where access and parking is limited on Sheikh Zayed Road, opt for the local food instead.  The kebab platter, available in almost all restaurants is enticing.  

Recommendation: Do not miss the McArabia kofta in Arabic flatbread at McDonald’s.

Where to stay?

Despite everything being grand in Dubai, you can still manage to find reasonable, yet beautiful, hotels. Al Bustan Centre and Residence is a residential, shopping and entertainment complex comprising of 640 suites, a comprehensive shopping mall with over 80 outlets and one of the biggest indoor amusement arcades in the United Arab Emirates. It is in a great location of five minutes’ drive from the international airport, and en route to Sharjah Airport.

If you are on a budget, then the city of Deira hosts a variety of smaller and cheaper hotels, which are close to the gold, technology and spice souks.

For more information on the Dubai Shopping Festival 2010 visit http://dubai.explocity.com/todayevent/DSF%202010%20Events/ for a complete list of events and offers.