Dubai at Easter - The Perfect Time to Visit

Getting away for some sun in Europe this Easter break may be touch and go because this year the holiday falls rather inconveniently in the last week of March, much earlier than it has in the last few years. However, only six hours away by air the United Arab Emirates offers a marvelous family holiday alternative that includes guaranteed sunshine and lots to do for everyone.

Unless you've had your head under a rock for the last ten years, you'll be aware that Dubai has grown considerably to become one of the region's biggest tourist draws, with gorgeous five-star luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt and the impressive 'wave-breaking' Jumeirah Beach hotel being dazzling features of the Emirate. Indeed a United Arab Emirates holiday is fast making it onto more people's 'must-do' lists as more details emerge of exactly what is on offer in the region.

The ideal time for visiting Dubai is during the winter months of December to March when temperatures are pleasantly warm, averaging 24°C during the day and around 16°C in the evening; ideal for this year's Easter holiday. During the oppressive heat and humidity of summer temperatures can reach the mid-40s, often proving too hot for European tourists. There are occasional showers during March but with only 18mm rainfall in total falls during the month when the sun shines, it does so for an average of 8.5 hours each day.

As well as the climate being ideal for a Dubai Easter holiday, the region also offers a whole host of diverse and fantastic activities for the entire family. Beaches are sandy and very well-maintained in Dubai, with many being attached to the beach side hotels which also offer excellent kids' clubs and leisure facilities designed to appeal to the entire family.

A Dubai family holiday also offers plenty of excursions if you fancy some time away from the beach or pool, such as the immensely popular 4x4 desert safari adventure. This exciting day trip, which also treats participants to dinner at a Bedouin village, is considered by many as the number one organised trip and a 'must-do' on any UAE holiday.

But, it's not just super sun activities that you can enjoy on a Dubai holiday because incredibly, winter sports enthusiasts can also ski and snowboard in the heart of the desert. At the Mall of the Emirates in the heart of Dubai is a 22,500 square metre indoor ski resort - Ski Dubai - where you can also enjoy tobogganing or simply playing in the snow. There are five ski runs, the longest being a black run 400 metres in length with a 60 metres drop, and in addition there's a massive 90 metre quarter pipe for snowboarders to show off or perfect their skills. At Ski Dubai you can hire everything, so don't worry about packing any skis, snowboards or ski suits as they are all available at the resort.

But even if it's not possible for you to enjoy a luxury Dubai holiday this Easter keep it on your 'must-do' list for the future. It is a fantastic holiday destination at any time of the year apart from during the oppressively hot summer months - unless of course you can stand the heat!

By Elisha Burberry