During the summer, temperatures nudge 40C and with humidity around 100% it is hard work to do much except laze by a pool and wait for the drinks waiter. Increasing popularity as an alternative to Dubai as a holiday destination means that over Christmas, Easter, and Half term holidays, the hotels are very busy and there is a premium on the rates. If you are planning to travel during one of the major annual events that take place in the country as a whole, including the Dubai Gold Cup, it is important to book very early, as the hotels fill up quite quickly once the dates are announced.