Where is it?
Dubai is one of seven rich oil states that make up the United Arab Emirates.  It's also sandwiched between Saudi Arabia and Oman.  A direct flight from London is just over six hours. 
Where should I be heading for?
Erm, Dubai or to be precise, the most sophisticated and technologically advanced (and jaw-dropping) $540 million Dubai International Airport.  There are plans to expand (expand?!) for a further $600 million.  Surprisingly, Dubai is not the capital of UAE - it's Abu Dhabi.
Entry requirements:
Check your UAE consulate in your country for precise details. However, if you're a British citizen, you are given a 30 day visa (free of charge) on arrival.  The staff at the passport control are so efficient so by the time you whizz through, your luggage is already doing the rounds on the conveyor belt.
Health: 
No concerns though you are advised to arrange travel insurance (as with any holiday) to cover you for anything just in case.
Top 5 things to do:
1.  The beach!  Clean sandy beaches, clear blue water and a pier to make Brighton's look like a Copydex and matchstick effort.  Wait till you try out the showers.  Corrr!  Jet-speed and heated to the right temperature and mini-foot showers too!  You'll find this on the open beach, free to the public otherwise the rest of the coastline is hogged by mammoth five star hotels for their residents.  For a small fee, you can use the facilities of the private beaches of any of these hotels.
2.  Dubai Zoo - opposite the beach, this truly remarkable attraction has 144 different species (with a total of 866 animals) and costs about 50p for a ticket.  I'm serious!  Bear in mind, the hot heat puts the beasts into permanent siesta mode so no amount of rattling their cages will wake them up...except for the ostriches.  Watch out for them - they'll have your fingers off if you're not looking.
3.  Wafi City - a ridiculously over-priced shopping mall, housing designers like Chanel, designed and built with an Egyptian theme.  The restaurant area is in a separate pyramid, and Planet Hollywood is just around the corner from it.
4.  The gold market - tax-free shopping for 24 carat gold nuggets.  Ranging from delicate, fine necklaces to gobsmackingly huge sets that you could wear as a blouse on its own.  Big brownies points if you can smuggle that through customs.  If not, it's great for window shopping.
5.  Desert safari - DO NOT MISS THIS!  Don't expect to pay more than £40 per person for an evening of sand-dune bashing (that's an assault course over the dunes of the desert in a 4x4 wheel drive) followed by camel rides, henna painting, belly dancing (yeah, you have to get involved) and a barbecue.  If you are a weakling, stick to Alton Towers.
Is it expensive?
It's all tax-free so if you're from the UK, it's slightly less but that doesn't mean you can't hunt down a bargain if you try.  All brands are catered for - Burberry, Skechers, FCUK, Benetton, Versace, DKNY, Armani, Guess, Giordano.  It's also the latest merchandise - none of last season's left-over crap. 
What's the food like?
Absolutely delicious!  All types of cuisines available from Mongolian to Mexican and the portions are very generous.  Highly recommended is a Lebanese restaurant near Clock Tower (just mention that to any cab driver - it's a well-known point), where the staff are friendly, quick and serve the best Lebanese food.  You'll probably need a wheel barrow to take your doggy-bag back to the hotel, though.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Yes, though bottled water is the obvious choice.
What are the toilets like?
Gloriously clean - best loos are at Wafi City and the airport (which flush automatically and fragrance (ahem) after you're done. 
What to wear:
Whatever you like but as it's an Islamic state, you must respect others (and yourself for that matter) so no streaking, please. 
Best time to visit:
Between November and March.  Visit between May and October, and you'll roast yourself silly.  Even people living there claim they can't cope with the hot, hot heat.  Also remember businesses and shops close during the afternoon for the afternoon siesta and re-open in the evening.
Don't miss:
Burj Al Arab or the Arabian Tower - the world's first seven star hotel, a stunning example of modern architecture (it's shaped like a yacht), with its own heli-pad.  For about £30-£40, you can take a tour inside and spend your entry ticket in the restaurants or buy something.  Also, there is an annual shopping festival, which gives huge reductions on brands - sometimes up to 70% off, but you have to check when that takes place as it rotates round the year.
Most overrated thing:
The nightlife.  Apart from some clubs, there isn't a lot to do in the evenings, which is why you'll find the population of Dubai at the cinema, or milling around in the shopping malls.  Other than that, you'd be a fool to miss this amazing city.  I feel so at home here - can't wait to go back!
(5/5)