Today we took off on a sightseeing tour of Dubai. When our driver arrived we had to choose between seeing old Dubai and the new. Of course, we had opposite choices! Luckily we were the only ones on the tour so he mixed it up for us and we were both happy.

Wandering around the old area near Dubai Creek was an interesting contrast to the new Dubai. We travelled across the creek in an old wooden abra to the spice and gold souks.

Just like any other market we were met with sellers galore, all with the same goods. Anthony met a watch salesmen who took us up and down alleys through the souk to his store. The watches were all fakes of course, cheap and nasty!

While waiting on the corner for our driver we were impressed to see the modern enclosed and air conditioned bus stops.

The rest of our tour took in the usual sites including some palaces, the Burj Khalifa (830m high) and the Dubai Mall and aquarium. Again, empty chairs and empty tables.

Our next stop was the Burj al Arab - 7 star hotel shaped like a yacht sail. We could see this from our hotel room but it was interesting to see it up close.

Madinat Jumeriah is a shopping mall styled as an old souk. This was interesting, plus we found a restaurant that was open (but hidden). After eating we drove onto The Palm - this was a let down as it is best seen by air.

One of the most striking parts of new Dubai was the varied architecture of the skyscrapers - building after building catches your eye.

Later in the day we took off on our Arabian Adventure into the desert. We were expecting this to be a bit touristy but it was really well done and we enjoyed the evening.

The tour was by four wheel drive into a desert conservation park (225 square kilometres). We saw oryx and gazelles before taking off over the sand dunes. 38 vehicles thrashing over the dunes with sand flying in all directions. Disneyland ride for adults!

After stopping to watch the sunset over the desert (which was pretty spectacular) we arrived at the oasis for dinner. Fantastic Arabic food while seated on cushions at low tables on carpets on the desert floor. Wine and beer and a traditional dancer while we gazed at the moon and the stars across the desert dunes. Great night but a tiring day! Off to Glasgow tomorrow.