Abu Dhabi multi-centre holidays

Why not see more of the Middle East with a multi-centre holiday to Abu Dhabi and Dubai? These two glamorous Emirates make the perfect pairing, with cultural attractions, glittering skylines and a world-class dining scene.

Nicknamed the City of Superlatives, Dubai has some of the biggest and best attractions in the world. You can visit the largest aquarium on Earth, browse the planet’s biggest shopping mall, and go to the top of the world’s tallest building. Stretching into the sky for more than 800 metres, the Burj Khalifa offers panoramic views over the city and the sprawling desert beyond.

Families will love the rides and characters at Dubai Parks and Resorts, while several waterparks offer adventures for water babies. Pick a sunbathing spot on the shore, where you’ll find golden sands, watersports and slick beach clubs. Or, for a slice of culture, head to Old Dubai for scented souks and authentic cuisine.

City and beach has always been a popular combination. After spending a few days in Abu Dhabi, you can jet off to a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean for a well-deserved rest.

For the ultimate taste of luxury, retreat to an idyllic resort in the Maldives. This cluster of islands and atolls is famous for its picture-perfect scenery, with pearl-white sands, turquoise waters and palm-dotted beaches. Spend your days snorkelling with tropical fish, and your evenings watching the sunset with a crushed-ice cocktail in hand.

Or you could opt for the romantic Seychelles. Highly popular with celebrities, this picturesque archipelago is a haven for beach-lovers. You can expect five-star resorts and VIP treatment throughout, from the gourmet restaurants to the therapeutic spas.

If you’d prefer a beach break with a twist, choose Sri Lanka. As well as boasting blonde sands and bath-warm waters, the ‘Teardrop of India’ is home to UNESCO-protected sites and all kinds of wildlife, including elephants, leopards and whales.

Abu Dhabi is pretty much exactly half way between Malaysia and the UK – so why not continue your journey, and tick this wonderful country off your list? Malaysia has all kinds of attractions, from energetic cities and cultural towns, to rich rainforests and incredible wildlife.

After Abu Dhabi, you can carry on sightseeing in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. Like the UAE, this city mixes old and new – look out for the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and visit the fascinating Batu Caves. If you fancy some time on the beach after KL, head north towards the archipelago of Langkawi. Here, you can look forward to white sands and turquoise seas, along with luxury hotels and fantastic seafood.

Alternatively, travel to Borneo for an adventure in the rainforest. Featured on countless nature documentaries, this stunning place is famous for its wildlife, particularly flame-haired orangutans. But that’s not all. You can also go on a guided hike up Mount Kinabalu – Malaysia’s highest mountain – and snorkel among bright coral reefs.

The Land of Smiles is a popular choice for an Abu Dhabi multi-centre holiday. After a long weekend in the UAE, you’ll fly to Thailand’s lively capital. Best known for its mouth-watering street food and vibrant nightlife, Bangkok offers a complete contrast to Abu Dhabi – but you can still expect to find lots of cultural attractions. Visit the ornate Grand Palace, haggle at the floating markets, and explore Bangkok Old Town’s shrines and museums.

After your urban adventures, it’s time to relax on a sandy beach in Hua Hin. Thailand’s original holiday resort, this northern stretch first became popular in the Twenties, when the Thai royal family built their summer palaces here. Oozing charm, Hua Hin is filled with traditional architecture and quaint temples. The food is fantastic, too. Make sure you dine in one of the authentic overwater restaurants, where you can fill up on freshly-caught seafood.