My mate wants to drag me to Dubai on holiday.

I know very little about the place, but what comes to mind are expensive hotels, sand and camels.

Has anyone been? Any thoughts or recommendations? Best places to stay?

I have just come back from Dubai and I must say it is the best holiday that i have had. OK; yes it was VERY HOT and HUMID but you do get used to it after a couple of days. Everywhere is Air-conditioned and the people are extremely polite.
Now, the best thing about Dubai is, well where do I begin, cheap taxis, food and drink clothing, all electrical goodsTAX FREE!!!!!!!!!. Believe me you would find it difficult to spend a grand but hey maybe you could. Remember that it is a muslim country so there is no alcohol on sale, but no matter. THere is so much other stuff to do and buy, all brand names, gold, diamond rings DIRT CHEAP!!!!!.
If you do go, visit the Al Wadi water park, do the Dune ride in the desert at night and visit the Jumeira Beach Park (fantastic). So do yourself a favour and go and enjoy yrslf.
I am planning areturn trip next year so if you do go have a great time.

bassplayer

Oh yes , just to let you know that the best clubs etc....... are towards the southern part of the Jumeira Beach stretch near the Oasis Beach. Once again go and enjoy.
Bassplayer

We found loads of alcohol. There're good bars in the hotels, but we even ended up in a club or two. And I definitely remember an Irish pub.

And yes, it's boiling.

We were there working, so didn't see much, just remember the heat.

I lived in Dubai for 3 years, it is a lovely place! I watched the Burj Al Arab hotel being built from my living room window. Think it has become a lot more built up since I lived there, but I had a fantastic time. You can do anything - loads of shopping, beaches, go "wadi bashing", water parks... It's great for a beach holiday. I read an article in The Times a few months ago about how Dubai is now being marketed as a city with no culture. I completely disagree, you just have to look a bit harder! Visit the souks (especially Sharjah gold souk), get an Abra (boat) across the creek to the Bastikiya (traditional windtower houses) district... there's plenty to do.
Other good things are cheap taxis, friendly people, permanently good weather (but a bit too hot and humid in summer), good night life (yes, you can buy alcohol in the numerous bars, hotels and nightclubs), and everyone speaks English.
I still have friends who live there amongst the huge expat community and I can't wait until I can afford to visit, so go while you can!!

Do you need any jabs to go there? Any mosquito problems?

not sure - I had some jabs but I think only because I was going for a long time. Can phone your doctors and ask though. Not much of a problem with mosquitos, it's generally fine.