As a city-state driven largely by the tourist trade, Dubai has evolved into a something of a coastal playground, seemingly geared primarily toward the pursuit of pleasure and entertainment. Accordingly, a wealth of bars, restaurants and hotels have sprung up across the city, with just about every taste and budget well-catered for.

Additionally, a number of water parks and sporting activities are situated throughout the city to keep holidaymakers entertained. Whilst these are modern, well designed facilities, it is always worth checking your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are fully covered. This is particularly relevant if you are planning to engage in any of the many maritime activities on offer in Dubai, or 4x4 overland trips in the nearby desert (both of which might require something in the way of specialist travel insurance).

Situated on the Arabian Peninsula, just south of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is ideally located to receive beautifully warm, sub-tropical weather. Indeed, the climate is predominantly hot and arid, with summer temperatures regularly peaking at above 40°C. For this reason, many holidaymakers may prefer to book their breaks to fall outside of the warmest months (June, July and August), so as to avoid a travel experience marred slightly by uncomfortable heat. Prime visiting time, accordingly, now falls between the months of November and April, when temperatures tend to hover around the low 30s. If, however, the summer heat appeals to you, then you can take advantage of the reduced accommodation rates and travel insurance prices that span the summer months in Dubai.

Although it can seem, at times, that much of the Dubai scene is characterised by glitz, glam and rather more than a little flashiness, there is another quieter, rather more reserved side to this city-state that will appeal to certain types of travellers. For this reason, if the hustle and bustle of the urban epicentre ever becomes a little too much during a holiday, taking a walk through the calmer Karama or Satwa areas of the city could be just the tonic. And, if travelling out of the city is an option, then a trip to the relatively nearby Hatta (an enclave of Dubai emirate) can provide a much-needed escape in a low-key, relaxed environment. The journey from Dubai city is around 71 miles, however, so it might be worth spending a day or two in Hatta once there, so as to make the trip fully worthwhile. Also, it should be noted that a travel insurance package that covers the trip is highly recommended; as the route strays briefly into nearby Oman, some travel insurance policies may not provide full coverage, with geographical constraints coming into play.

For a tranquil, relaxed environment without the need to travel all the way to Hatta, there are a number of options within the city of Dubai itself. The restored Bastakia quarter in Bur Dubai, for instance, enjoys a quiet and laid-back atmosphere, with beautiful architecture that cements its position as one of the most picturesque heritage sites in the city and makes it a perfect spot in which to take a break. Whilst in the Bastakia quarter, if you are feeling peckish, the Basta Art Café offers great small dishes and a courtyard area in which to sit and watch the world go by. For anyone looking to absorb a little artistic culture, there is much to explore in Bastakia; the quarter is a haven for galleries, with the Majalis, Ostra and XVS galleries all nearby. The Majalis and XVS lean toward the exhibition of local artists' works, whilst the Ostra is more focused on the display of contemporary art and sculpture.

With regard to transport within Dubai, there are a number of car rental agencies that offer various cover options, types of vehicle and lengths of contract. However, although unbranded local hire agencies do exist, it is worth checking your travel insurance and the hire agreement small-print to check the level of coverage provided. For total peace of mind concerning breakdown cover, assistance and technical help in case of car trouble, opting for one of the global car rental agencies is generally recommended. Many of the larger companies also offer a service, dropping off cars at your hotel or holiday apartment for convenience, which can be handy if you are pressed for time at the airport. It may even be possible to integrate the rental cover into your travel insurance package, if arranged with your travel insurance provider prior to departure.