More and more Brits are now living and working in Dubai, as well as taking a holiday in the emirate. One of my old school friends told me at the end of last year that he was moving to Dubai with his new job. He was the second person I had known to make the decision to increase his career prospects with a move to the emirate.

As an expat living in Dubai he will need to be aware of the cultural differences between the West and Islam and get used to living according to the Islamic (lunar) calendar.

The holiday dates are different to the UK and people may need to watch the news or read the morning paper to know if the next day is a normal working day or a holiday.

Dubai is host to two major tourist orientated events during the year. First is the Dubai shopping festival (through January-February), which has led to Dubai being the ultimate global shopping destination. The party offers residents living in Dubai and visiting tourists the opportunity to get involved in a feast of purchases, free promos and giveaways.

The Dubai Summer Surprises festival is similar but held later in the year. Lasting for 10 weeks the festival has a weekly theme and runs from the 23rd of June until the 31st of August. It’s a great time to visit Dubai.

Dubai is trying hard to promote its appeal to the wider world. It is certainly attracting British workers who have become disillusioned with life in the UK.