DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

1. DO NOT go there during summer. It’s a desert; 'nough said. Plus during the cooler months (November to April) a lot more outdoor activities are on offer like rooftop movies on beanbags at Wafi City and surfing lessons at Jumeirah Beach.

2. Don’t leave the hotel without these essentials: a bottle of water, a high SPF sunscreen, some chic sunnies, body wipes or some cool scented spritzer (to freshen up from all the melting you’ll be doing in the sun), and some loose change for cabs (when you get frustrated).

3. If you’re sightseeing, trade glamour for comfort in the wardrobe department. Everything’s so overwhelmingly vast that you’ll be shedding weight just walking and getting very lost; which is definitely no fun in the heat. 

4. On another note, the Dubai club scene is all the rage and people dress to impress when the sun goes down. But ladies, be careful. The country’s repressed Muslim morals mean that to them you look like a hooker when you step out in your body con mini dress and precarious heels. Show some respect for the culture and take it down a notch, unless you’re willing to be honked and glared at.

5. Public Transportation is ridiculous! Don’t even bother playing it cool and taking the bus. It’s cheap as dirt but the service is as unreliable as British weather. 

6. When you visit the markets, haggle like hell. And flash your biggest, brightest smile if you’re dealing with a guy.

7. Think hard about the risks before you go home with that hottie from the club. Non-marital sex is extremely frowned upon (as in people have been deported when caught), and morning after pills are a mission to come by and are usually only for ‘matters of life and death’. 

8. There’s more to Dubai than its precariously tall glass and metal facades. When you’re in no rush, take a bus and just window gaze at the working class lifestyle that goes on behind the scenes; it’s as crazy, cluttered and colourful as India; and a breath of cultural fresh air.

9. Dubai is famous for world class treatment and luxury service so take advantage of that; try out the bizarre treatments on offer in at least one spa, and/or dine elaborately at an upscale venue in one of the many high-end hotels.