Spend some Arabian days and nights exploring the culture and coastal beauty of the Gulf

Culture, Qatar

With its long, elegant corniche bristling with futuristic skyscrapers, Doha – the capital of Qatar – has enjoyed a transformational decade. The most exciting new development is the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art, designed by Chinese-American architect IM Pei. Rising in a series of limestone cubes from a purpose-built island, it houses the biggest collection of its kind in the world.
• ITC Classics (01244 355 527, itcclassics .co.uk) offers five nights at the Ritz Carlton Doha from £1,180pp, inc flights

Scenery and art, Abu Dhabi

High culture is also a high priority in Abu Dhabi, the largest and richest of the United Arab Emirates, although the most prestigious projects – new branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums – are yet to open. Outside the capital, the peaceful city of Al-Ain has atmospheric old forts, a beautiful date-palm oasis and a lively old camel market. In the desert far to the south lies the Liwa oasis, a vast arc of villages and farms in an awe-inspiring landscape of sand dunes.
• Destinology (0800 634 2844, destinology.co.uk) has a seven-night tour of Abu Dhabi, including the Anantara Qasr Al-Sarab Hotel in the Liwa oasis, from £1,659pp inc flights

Museums, Sharjah

Sharjah, the third largest emirate, is socially conservative, with a strict ban on alcohol, but it’s worth a visit for its lively souk and many small galleries and museums – including the impressive Museum of Islamic Heritage and the Bait al-Naboodah, the home of a 19th-century pearl-fishing family.
• Cox and Kings (020 7873 5000 coxandkings.co.uk) offers an eight-day tour of the emirates, including Sharjah, from £2,295, inc flights

Coast, Fujairah

Mountainous little Fujairah has the loveliest coastline in the UAE (though it’s on the Gulf of Oman, not the Arabian Gulf), with clear waters and white sand beaches. The drive from Fujairah town to the sleepy fishing village of Dibba is spectacular – and from there, you can take a dhow to unspoiled dive sites on Oman’s spectacular Musandam peninsular.
• Emirates Tours (0844 800 1400, emiratestours.co.uk) offers three nights in Fujairah from £610pp, inc flights

Remote, Oman

Oman’s remote Musandam peninsula offers amazing scenery: rocky fjords rise sheer from the sea, dolphins leap alongside traditional wooden dhows and a handful of slumbering villages guard access to the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway. Musandam’s dusty capital, Khasab – newly linked to Muscat by regular fast ferry – gazes out to the Gulf from behind its modest fort, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and honoured this year with the international Museums and Heritage award for its renovation, excellent displays on Omani history and ongoing community engagement.
• Oman Tourism (omantourism.gov.om). National Ferries Company (nfcoman.com). Oman Air (0844 482 2309, omanair.com) flies direct from Heathrow to Muscat

Dubai has long been a hotspot for British travellers wanting to experience something extraordinary. Rising out of the dusty and barren desert, the urban sprawl of the city towers into the sky, with mans accomplishments obvious for all to see. And now, the city has gained an even more exciting element, with tourists able skydive within an indoor arena.

Famous for its towering skyscrapers, ostentatious hotels, and luxurious settings, Dubai already has a host of exciting experiences for travellers. Immense malls offer the ultimate shopping experience, with globally recognised brands providing the latest and chicest styles. Meanwhile, the gold souks are some of the best in the world to acquire stunning jewellery, and an inside sky slope provides the fun of the snow without climbing to mountainous heights. And now with indoor skydiving and the feeling of the wind racing past at 55m per second there's plenty of fun and excitement to be had.

Often used to train pilots and professional skydivers, the facility in Dubai opened in April and whilst it may not be the cheapest activity it will certainly be one of the most exhilarating. With the holiday hotspot remaining ever popular, a large array of flights to Dubai are available from the UK. Whilst Swiss and Turkish Airlines provide services from Birmingham and Manchester respectively, both British Airways and Virgin offer premium economy flights, offering flyers a range of upgrade options suitable for their needs.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2010 – Just The Flight

Dubai has long been a hotspot for British travellers wanting to experience something extraordinary. Rising out of the dusty and barren desert, the urban sprawl of the city towers into the sky, with mans accomplishments obvious for all to see. And now, the city has gained an even more exciting element, with tourists able skydive within an indoor arena.

Famous for its towering skyscrapers, ostentatious hotels, and luxurious settings, Dubai already has a host of exciting experiences for travellers. Immense malls offer the ultimate shopping experience, with globally recognised brands providing the latest and chicest styles. Meanwhile, the gold souks are some of the best in the world to acquire stunning jewellery, and an inside sky slope provides the fun of the snow without climbing to mountainous heights. And now with indoor skydiving and the feeling of the wind racing past at 55m per second there's plenty of fun and excitement to be had.

Often used to train pilots and professional skydivers, the facility in Dubai opened in April and whilst it may not be the cheapest activity it will certainly be one of the most exhilarating. With the holiday hotspot remaining ever popular, a large array of flights to Dubai are available from the UK. Whilst Swiss and Turkish Airlines provide services from Birmingham and Manchester respectively, both British Airways and Virgin offer premium economy flights, offering flyers a range of upgrade options suitable for their needs.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2010 – Just The Flight

With the very first A380 super jumbo jet due to land at Manchester at the beginning of September, the airport has revealed that it is to sell tickets for those wanting to witness the landing. For £12, airplane enthusiasts can now purchase a place to see the double-decker plane touch down on September 1st.

Flying on Emirates Dubai to Manchester route, the landing will be the first regional touchdown of the new double height jumbo jet within the UK. Containing 517 seats, capacity on the service has been increased by 75 seats per day, allowing additional room for passengers wishing to travel on the popular route. In addition, those wanting a truly luxurious service can purchase one of Emirate's First Class cabin seats. This option includes an industry first by offering showers onboard.

Landing at approximately 12.25pm, Manchester Airport's managing director, Andrew Cornish, explained that they were expecting a large turnout for the day. Whilst viewing is free, those travelling to the location by car must ensure that they pre-book a parking ticket for £12. "This is a really significant day for aviation here in the North West and we aim to celebrate it appropriately," Mr Cornish said, adding that the sight would be a "once in a lifetime opportunity." And with large crowds expected for the landing of the jumbo jet, the Runway Visitor Park will be opened at 8am so enthusiast can gain their best vantage point.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2010 – Just The Flight

Arab airline Emirates has revealed that they are to introduce direct flights from Dubai to Dakar, a move that will likely reinforce Dubai's role as a major international hub that services connections from all over the world – including the UK. Famous for its vibrant music scene, the capital of Senegal triumphs some of the best music events in all of Africa, and with flight service seeing an increase, the city's popularity is set to rise.

A truly vibrant city with a buzzing nightlight, Dakar hosts some the best live music events, nightclubs and arts festivals in Africa. Situated in Africa's most western point, the Cap Vert peninsula, the French city provides a soothing European atmosphere with tree-lined streets and exquisite views out to sea. With plenty to see and do, tourists will have a range of options at their fingertips, whether it be dancing all night to African drumbeats, or exploring Dakar's bustling markets.

There are also plenty of opportunities for visitors to leave the confines of the city and explore further afield. The old fort and lobster reserves of Cape Almadies provide an interesting excursion, while the villages of Cayar and Rufisque provide a glimpse into the coast's fishing culture. Elsewhere Lac Retba offers the rare sight of a pink salt lake, while those interested in religion can visit the Benedictine monastery and attend an African mass.

With the new flights from Dubai, and a range of options from London Heathrow with carriers including Brussels Airlines and Air France, arranging travel to the Senegal capital is easier than ever before. And with an exuberant yet European setting, it may be the home from home that many travellers are looking

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2010 – Just The Flight

Data revealed by Birmingham Airport has revealed that the most popular destinations among passengers passing through its gates include New York and Dubai. With both cities remaining popular hotspots for business and pleasure, Birmingham's range of flights are proving to be in strong demand.

As an international hub for the West Midlands, Birmingham offers those in the Midlands with an easy route abroad. Flying to various locations around the world, from European cities including Vienna and Istanbul to further flung destinations such as Orlando, it remains a hugely popular transport link. And with news that the airport is looking to improve its passenger service by merging two terminals, high demand for flights to Spain, Greece, New York and Dubai is likely to continue.

Birmingham Airport has already revealed that a runway extension will increase capacity by approximately nine million annual travellers.  With plans to further extend long haul services even after the work is complete, passenger numbers could reach 21 million by 2014, providing a vital travel hub for Britain. Speaking of the developments, Daniel Sutcliffe, spokesman for the airport, revealed "When completed later this year the scheme will lead to a larger centralised passenger security search area, an enlarged meeting and greeting arrivals point, and an improved shopping and catering offer in both landside and airside areas." As the hub begins taking invaluable pressure off of London Heathrow, Birmingham Airport's popularity is set to soar.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2010 – Just The Flight

Want to take advantage of the country’s decision to block BlackBerry services? Here’s what you can do

For stressed-out BlackBerry addicts who really need to get away from it all, a new holiday destination has just opened up. The United Arab Emirates has announced it is banning certain BlackBerry mobile services, citing concerns over security. So what other attractions does this federation of gulf states, including the desert kingdoms of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have to offer?

1 The Burj Khalifa Dubai is home to the tallest man-made stucture in the world, at 828m (2,717ft).

2 Shopping Consumerism rules at Dubai’s gaudy Mall of the Emirates – yes, the one with the indoor ski slope.

3 The desert Stay at plush Dubai resort Bab Al Shams, or take a jeep safari with obligatory sunset camel ride.

4 Al Hosn Palace Built by Abu Dhabi’s 18th-century rulers, this elegant white fort has palm-filled gardens and adjoins the vast Cultural Foundation.

5 Fujairah The pristine beaches of the fifth-largest emirate are the best in the region for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Ever the popular destination for travellers seeking luxury, culture and a hot climate, Dubai remains a favourite holiday hotspot. With a large number of new hotels opening their doors and contributing to lower accommodation prices, now is an ideal opportunity to visit the city and take advantage of cheap flights.

Famous for its wealthy and luxurious surroundings, Dubai remains an exotic destination among travellers. Whether visitors to this exotic location opt to shop in the city's multiple souks, experience the extravagant malls and shopping areas, or simply soak up the sun, individuals continue to flock to this location, particularly as the temperature during the summer soars to even greater levels. With a number of new hotels flooding the Dubai tourism market offering additional available rooms and Ramadan starting on 11th August, many hotels have had no option but to lower the prices in an attempt to attract customers.

Plenty of flights are available to this city from a variety Britain's airports, including Birmingham and London Heathrow, so there are plenty of opportunities available in which to find a low-cost flight to Dubai.

Low-cost accommodation in the city is ample, with Jumeirah Beach hotel Sofitel offering 5 star accommodation at $141 per night. Meanwhile the Amwaj Rotana provides guests with 5 star rooms for $136 per night, dropping to $95 per night if tourists book a minimum of seven days ahead. While the number of individuals flying to the region continue to increase, further hotel projects in the future are likely to prolong the decreased accommodation rates for some time.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2010 – Just The Flight

Emirates, the Middle Eastern based airline, has revealed that as of September it will increase the number of seats offered on flights to Dubai from Birmingham airport. Adding a new plane onto the service to the popular business and tourist location, the move will allow for 900 passengers to fly between the destinations daily.

Having provided a daily service from Birmingham for a decade, Emirates revealed that the addition of their Boeing 777-300ER would allow for a 22per cent increase in the number of seats available. With 78 additional seats, the evening service to the popular Arab destination will reflect the size of Emirates' afternoon flight. Speaking on the importance of the service between the two cities, the Air Service Development Director for Birmingham Airport, Martyn Lloyd, explained that the route had moved from strength to strength. "Emirates provides a vital service for people wanting to reach not only Dubai but more than 100 onward destinations across its global network," he added.

Commencing its new operation in September, the new plane will service Emirate's 21.20 Birmingham departure service and arrive in Dubai at 07.20 the following morning. Offering 400 economy and 42 business class seats, the route remains very popular with those from the Midlands looking to access Middle Eastern destinations as quickly as possible, and with seat numbers now increased the route looks set to continue being in high demand.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2010 – Just The Flight

Brunei government owned airline Royal Brunei Airlines have revealed that an additional jet to its fleet will allow business travellers to benefit from a newly luxurious and upgraded environment. With the Boeing 777-200ER now launched on the indirect service from London Heathrow to Bandar Seri Begawan chief executive officer of the firm, Robert Yang, expressed "RBA's B777 aircraft will greatly enhance passenger travel experience."

Incorporating 30 business class seats on the route, the B777 is the first of six which are due to be delivered and take to the skies before September 2010. Carefully crafted so that travellers can take advantage of the luxurious and comfortable surroundings the newly upgraded cabin class is currently only available on the route from London via Dubai. However, when delivery is taken of the other aircraft such services will also be offered for routes to Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

With the overhauling of the fleet Royal Brunei brings a range of upgrades to the business traveller including larger pillows, cushioned duvets and a full length bed allowing for a comfortable sleep whilst in flight. Inflight services have been improved with ginger and mango chocolates being offered as an after dinner treat whilst pandan and lemongrass drinks have been incorporated into the menu. Meanwhile the craft, which also has 255 economy seats, includes the SkyShow entertainment system, allowing viewing of more than 600hrs of television shows and movies to make the flight time as enjoyably as possible.

Cheap Flights and Travel News – © 2010 – Just The Flight