London to Dubai, Business class with Royal Brunei Airlines

One of the most keenly-priced airlines linking London with Dubai, Royal Brunei Airlines runs civilised morning flights out of Heathrow.  But the return flight might leave the UAE at 3am in the morning. Although Royal Brunei is a dry airline, business class passengers can use the well-stocked, well-equipped and well-run Etihad lounge in Heathrow's terminal 4 before they board the flight.  On board, the crew are attentive, but the catering can be poor, particularly when they run out of certain dishes. Following the canapes, in theory, you should be offered a choice of starters (the salmon with marinated beetroot is surprisingly meaty and fresh) and main courses. Avoid the spinach and cheese cannelloni, which can look and taste like a sloppy microwave meal, even though it is served on plush china and with crisp white napkins. To follow, there is a choice of cheeses, such as brie, and deserts, such as Haagen-Dazs ice cream. The chunk of smoked Austrian cheese may be small, but it is accompanied by plenty of fruit and biscuits. Before you land in Dubai, you'll also be offered a snack and a drink. The entertainment system is passable and the attendants keep the hot towels coming.

Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates

A smart, sleek hotel spread across two stumpy glass and steel towers, the Radisson Blu in Dubai's Media City is squarely aimed at business travellers.   Tastefully-decorated, the standard rooms aren't spacious, but they are well-equipped with fast, free WiFi, effective air conditioning, a (pricey) mini-bar and a safe. The only significant thing missing is an iron and an ironing board, while the English language TV channels are limited to CNN, BBC Worldwide and their ilk. Connected by a spaceship-style glass walkway, each tower has its own second floor terrace - one with a pool and a bar, the other adjoining a comfortable business lounge.  You can sit here and enjoy a drink in the shadow of skyscrapers. Unfortunately, the lobby, with its portraits of enrobed Arab leaders, is a bit bling.  The buffet breakfast (just 72 dirhams - about £13), which you can eat inside or out, is big on choice, featuring everything from scrambled eggs to chicken sausages to noodles and other Asian dishes. There are also plenty of cold options, including a broad selection of fresh bread rolls. The smoothies, particularly the banana one, are well worth trying, but the coffee can be lacklustre and tepid.  On the top floor, the Radisson Blu has a fairly funky open-air terrace and bar, which hosts DJs and live music in the evenings, turning this conservative business hotel into an unlikely nightspot.  7/10

The Buddha Bar, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina

An over-the-top restaurant for an over-the-top city, the Buddha Bar is in the lively Grosvenor House complex, which draws wealthy locals and some scantily-clad companions in spray-on dresses. Outside, there are Ferraris, Bentleys, Porches and the like. Inside, the Buddha Bar offers dining on a grand, theatrical scale. The spectacular main dining room has a twenty-metre glass wall overlooking the harbour, not to mention a towering statue of buddha, a cascade of chandeliers and a very long bar where you can sample a cocktail. There are also a clutch of smaller, cosier alcoves and rooms decorated in an opulent Asian fashion. Unfortunately, the Thai, Chinese and Japanese food doesn't always live up to the venue. The half a dozen "homemade" dumplings (90 dirhams) - two filled with "squid ink prawn", two with chicken and two with vegetables - are disappointingly short of flavour and very uniform. You need the accompanying chilli and soy sauces. By contrast, the fried Cajun soft-shelled crab is succulent and really delicious - its sizzle is offset nicely by the accompanying rocket. Among the main courses, the Thai green chicken curry (170 dirhams) is quite runny and nowhere near as spicy as the waiter makes out. Still, the flavours are nicely balanced and the accompanying Jasmine rice is precisely steamed. As you would expect, the service is attentive, the wine list is long and the music is chilled, but the venue is the main event - the Buddha Bar is a destination restaurant. 8/10

Barasti Bar at Le Meridien Mina Sehayi hotel, Dubai

The view of Dubai's massive Palm Jumeira (the artificial palm-shaped peninsula) from the Barasti Bar at Le Meridien Mina Sehayi hotel. A pint of beer at this mellow and sprawling beach-side bar costs a hefty 35 dirhams (about £6.50).

Towers of Dubai Marina, Dubai

The sun begins to set over the building sites and skyscrapers surrounding the fashionable Marina district of Dubai

Pascal Tepper French Bakery, Dubai Media City

A cool, clinical cafe in Dubai Media City, the Pascal Tepper French Bakery's fresh, simple food attracts a mix of chic locals and expats. With a magenta, white and black colour scheme, this spacious eatery has a contemporary, clean, light and airy ambiance. The menu is more fuel, than fine cuisine, but you can get a decent breakfast or lunch. The sandwiches (38-48 dirhams) are generous and filling, as is the "French" burger and chips (45 dirhams). The "tradition" grilled sandwich - turkey ham, butter and elemental cheese - is simple, but effective. Each dish comes with a heavily-dressed salad and a large basket of bread. Served with a glass of water, the strong filter coffee (14 dirhams) is good, as are the thick, satisfying smoothies (26 dirhams) - blackberries, banana and apple juice is a good combination. The service is pleasant, if unhurried. 7/10