THE question most asked of local travel agent Andrew Dickson of St Andrews Travel is "Where's the IN place this year?"

Well, if growth in popularity is anything to go by then he doesn't need to think too long about it, the answer is quite definitely Dubai.

"Only seven hours flying time from Manchester it is by far the fastest growing destination on our books" says Andrew, and with prices from only £615 for five days including Manchester flights in a four star hotel, it is no wonder it is so popular.

Dubai is one of the Seven Gulf states which make up The United Arab Emirates and has embraced tourism in a truly dynamic way and is perhaps a vision of resorts of the future.

The original inhabitants were mainly Nomadic, but more than 170 years ago the first real settlement started to develop around the Dubai Creek.

Trading across the waters to India and Iran became as important as the Camel Trails across the desert. Diving for pearls became one of the main industries until the invention of the synthetic pearl by the Japanese wiped out the business. The late 60s saw the discovery of oil, the rewards of which are being invested in tourism infrastructure.

Many miles of sandy beach remain untouched. Close to the city of Dubai is the long and superb beach area known as Jumeirah where most of the resorts and hotels are located.

For some clients there will be no need to venture outside the confines of their chosen hotel with its range of restaurants, shops and activities. However, Dubai is probably the safest tourist destination in the world and the city has a lot to offer.

SHOP UNTIL YOU DROP

Shopping is often an enjoyable holiday activity and a visit to the gold souk is a must -- savings of up to two thirds of UK prices are possible after some hard bargaining. The spice souk is also great for stocking up those little spice bottles you have in the kitchen. Many UK retailers have a presence in the shopping malls and tailoring and fabrics are excellent value.

All the mosques in Dubai are working mosques, which means non-Muslims are currently not allowed inside. There are many all around, the ornate sandstone ones are generally Sunni Muslim and the ones with blue domes are Shi'ite

However, it is planned that visitors will be allowed into Jumeirah Mosque, perhaps the most ornate in Dubai, with a guide on Thursdays and Sundays. Details are being finalised, but this will be a fascinating opportunity to learn about the Muslim faith.

Next to shopping and visiting Jumeirah Mosque, other cultural options are a well worthwhile visit to the museum or a ride on an Abra (an old form of water taxi).

FOR THE CHILDREN

For a real fun day out the children will head straight for the "Wild Wadi" -- a huge water park located next to the famous Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with water rides as scary as anything Disneyworld can conjure up.

WATCH THE BIRDIE!

For the golfer there are four 18-hole courses, Andrew has played on three of them including the one that was entirely floodlit for night play. Built by professionals, they are sufficiently challenging for the competent golfer with many a water trap and huge bunkers. Dubai also has golf academies that provide coaching for beginners.

Handicap certificates are required and ladies can play with a handicap of 45 or less and for the men 24 or less. Dubai is the only destination to have hosted both the European and Asian PGA tours. St Andrews Travel can pre-book tee off times.

DESERT SAFARI

The "Must Do" excursion is the jeep safari. Two hours of driving up, down, around and across Sand Dunes like a slow motion "Big Dipper" ride -- exhilarating with some small fear factor. This trip also includes a traditional Bedouin dinner in the desert followed by belly-dancing. The ride home is much quicker than the ride out.

What more can we say -- this unusual destination should be included in everyone's future plans and there are many summer offers at St Andrews Travel to further encourage you.

RAMADAN

Travellers have for years tried to avoid travelling to Muslim countries during this period. This is a shame as it is perhaps one of the most interesting and exciting periods of the Islamic calendar. In 2001 the month of Ramadan will be from November 16 through to December 14, based on the sighting of the moon, and is to commemorate the revelation of the Holy Koran.

Ramadan is a holy month and time when the faithful abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset. Muslims celebrate with Iftar feasts after sunset, which break the fast of the day. Non-Muslims are expected to uphold these requirements in public during Ramadan. The destination is a little quieter, and while there are restrictions in hotels on alcohol drinking in public during daytime (guests are allowed to order alcohol in their rooms via room service), the levels of service do not drop and alcohol is available in the hotels in the evenings. Because of the festivities the shops stay open until the early hours to cater for late shoppers, and events are held by the Creek.

All the hotels lay on special events to celebrate, and most set up marquees in the grounds where celebratory banquets are held and all guests are invited. They normally open at about 7pm and stay open until 2am serving snacks, sweets and delicacies. While there is no live entertainment, there is music and games.

This year tours of the Jumeirah Mosque are scheduled to take place as well. This will allow those who are interested to learn more about the Muslim religion, which is practised by about 20 per cent of the world's population.

DUBAI BY NIGHT

Dubai boasts many excellent local restaurants, and the concierge desk of your hotel is the best place to find out about the newest and most in vogue. Otherwise dining tends to centre around the hotels which all have a wide and varied range of restaurants to cater not only for the traveller, but also for the local population. Here you can choose from the culinary delights of the world as every type of restaurant can be found in Dubai. Consequently, restaurants and menus constantly change; so for the best advice check locally. But as an example of the variety available, the Dubai Marine Hotel has a choice of seven including, TexMex, Italian, Japanese and Cuban to name just four.

An alternative dining venue is the Dubai landmark Burj al Arab Hotel (Arabian Tower). The fountains are well worth watching and the hotel itself is impressive with sumptuous luxury to the point of decadence. You will be charged to enter the hotel (approximately £40 a head), which can be offset against food and drink, but if you plan to drink be warned it is the most expensive we've experienced.

Most hotels have a nightclub, the best is probably the Casbah at the Royal Mirage Hotel and it is advisable to book in advance.

Creek cruises in a dhow are also available and these allow a different vantage point to see the city. To get more of a feel for the real city, a stroll along the creek is a nice way to while away an hour or two. Many local families gather, to walk, talk and just socialise. Tickets at bargain prices ST ANDREWS Travel is recognised as the North-west's specialist agent for Dubai, they have the ticketing franchise for Emirates Airlines which serve not only Dubai from Manchester but onwards to Australia, India and the Far East. These tickets are known as consolidated tickets and can often be less than half the normal price.

For flight information contact Flight Deck on 01204 398300 and for holidays in Dubai go to your nearest branch of St Andrews Travel or ring them on 01204 397367.