If you’re in town for business, chances are you’ll want to hole up in the central hotels of Bur Dubai or Garhoud, rather than the shoreline suntraps of Al Sufouh. In Bur Dubai, the skyscraper-heavy Sheikh Zayed Road boasts a cluster of business-minded properties.

The Shangri La (971 343 8888, from Dhs1,800) with its minimalist chic and excellent facilities, is a great option for those who can afford it, as is Emirates Towers (971 4 330 0000, from Dhs2,400), the most iconic building on the strip.

Two cheaper locations on the strip are the Ibis (971 4 332 4444, from Dhs295) and the neighboring Novotel (971 4 332 0000, from Dhs550): Both are clean, fuss-free and functional.

Other options away from the Sheikh Zayed highway are the Grand Hyatt (971 4 317 1234, from Dhs1,800), a grandiose, zebra-striped colossus that contains its own lobby-based rainforest; and the Hilton Dubai Creek (971 4 227 1111, from Dhs1,000) a chic marriage of chrome and steel designed by Carlos Ott (of Opéra de la Bastille fame).