Dubai 'exciting' for holidaymakers

The fast-developing emirate of Dubai is an exciting place for travellers and shoppers alike, it has emerged.

With a growing tourist market the country is not only a commercial "hub" but also a fantastic place for keen shoppers who can enjoy tax-free purchases, Barclays Buying Abroad's senior business development manager, Suzanne Clay, said recently.

"The government in Dubai is planning to increase the number of tourists to around 15 million by 2012; they are building Dubailand [which is] bigger and more sophisticated than anything we'll ever know.

"There is a snow dome…They are really trying very hard to market to holidaymakers," explained Ms Clay.

Furthermore, she said, Dubai is a great place for travellers to "stop off" and break up their journey on their way further east.

She added that increasing numbers are choosing to invest in the country, especially British Asians and young professionals.

A staggering 5.4 million guests stayed in Dubai in 2004, an increase of 13 per cent from the previous year.