Bye Bye Dubai?

I also visited the fish market and the Friday market a few miles from Masafi. The Friday market is crammed with colourful wooden shacks with canvas roofs, hosting an array of produce from beautifully crafted rugs and carpets, to seas of colourful fruits such as pomegranate, mango and lychee. Many of the traders are local farmers and have a wonderful sense of spirit and fun, I had a great time practicing my bartering skills and thought I had bagged a real bargain buying two sweet mangos for 25 Dirhams, until I realised that was actually four quid. Make sure you're hot on your currency conversion before you get there.

If, like me, you're interested in buildings, and architecture, a visit to Dibba - one of the oldest settlements on the East Coast - is well worth it. It is actually divided into three, one part owned by the emirate of Oman, another by Sharjah and the third Fujairah; and the architectural influences of all three ruling Sheikhs are in clear evidence, from the design of the buildings, down to the shape of lampposts, each enclave has its rulers taste uniquely engraved in its infrastructure and architecture.

I must admit that despite my initial indifference to the Middle East, I left in awe of Fujairah and all it had to offer. I spent a few hours in Dubai before leaving for home, and although impressive for shopping and architectural dynamism, I found it somewhat hectic as a relaxing holiday destination. But for an authentic Arabian experience - where you can unwind in splendour while still immersing yourself in the diverse cultures and geographies of UAE, head for Fujairah; the unique little emirate that doesn't need gold to glitter.

More information
The best time to visit the UAE is between October and May. I flew with Emirates airline, and Emirates Tours 0870 128 6000 are offering five nights B&B at the five star Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort from £641 per person. Price includes return Economy Class flights with Emirates to Dubai from Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester or Glasgow, private transfers and all taxes. For more information on Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort go to www.alaqah.lemeridien.com