Talk about a shock to the system. The last few days in Sydney has been quite cold.

Fast forward to our arrival in Dubai, where it’s a balmy 47 degrees. It’s very dusty. I don’t know why they build their buildings so tall here, when they just put you closer to the sun!

We have checked in to our hotel at Jumeirah Beach. Our room has a view out across the beach and the Burj Al Arab, known as the most luxurious hotel in the world.

While not as swanky as the Burj, our hotel is amazing, with little boats taking you along canals so you don’t have to walk anywhere. On our first night, we caught one down to a Lebanese restaurant right on the beach, complete with belly dancers.

On Sunday morning we got up early to beat the heat and see the sun rise. Even at 5:30am, it was 36 degrees. The sunrise was shrouded by dust.

Today we are getting out and about to see the city with Dave, one of Rebecca’s friends who is an expat Aussie living here.