The temperature in the UAE passed the magical 50 degrees Celsius mark last weekend.

As residents and tourists enjoyed Time Out’s summer survival guide (click here to see our suggestions of ways to avoid the scorching summer) weathermen in Dubai were recording the 2008 highs.

According to arabianbusiness.com the sweltering 51.4 degrees was recorded at an inland military base in the UAE.

The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology is forecasting temperatures of about 45 degrees on Monday and Tuesday in Dubai, with Abu Dhabi likely to hit 47 degrees and Al Ain predicted to reach 48 degrees.

It’s a game of two halves, it’s a funny old game, it’s not a matter of life and death - it’s more important than that.

Yes, it’s Euro 2008 and I would be quaking in my size nine boots if England’s disjointed misanthropes had somehow squeaked into the final. They haven’t, which means I get to watch the tournament for its beauty, pizazz, style and theatrics, and raise a nonchalant wise old eyebrow as I watch my European amis get themselves all in a tizz. I may even attempt to muster support for Romania - my wife’s team - but I probably won’t manage - after seeing them defeat England twice in the recent past. The hurt lingers on. (Plus, wife never lets me forget).

One thing I will not be short of this Euro 2008 is organisation - not because I have overnight developed the efficiencies and time keeping skills I have always yearned for, but because I have at my fingertips a complete guide to the event - where to go, when to go, who to see, and which players to look out for. And, this is the good part, you do to - because we are publishing The Euro 2008 Guide right here, right now.

You will find everything you need to know about the event - the event calendar, details about the stadium, ‘golden players’ to watch out for - plus scores on the door as we progress through the tournament.

If you have any comments about the event, our guide, or just the quality of the football as we progress through the tournament - we would love to get your comments.

Simply post them here…

The Dubai Tennis championship is living up to my billing as one of the emirate’s greatest events.

There is some fantastic tennis being played and some major upsets. It is fast becoming one of the most important events on the professional tour.

Lucky punters who were quick enough to snap up tickets before they sold out are being given a masterclass and a treat.

Andy Murray sent the top seed and world number one Roger Federer crashing out of tournament last night.

Meaning the favourite is out in the first round.

Despite going a set down, and facing the 14-time grand slam winning Federer, Murray produced a fantastic performance to win the match.

This is the first time Federer has been knocked out in the first time of a tournament since 2004 and means he suffers the same fate as the women’s tournament favourite Justine Henin.

I’m a bit disappointed to see the Fed Express derailed so early on. But it just goes to show the level of quality in this event.

This year has seen the best quality line up of the event so far. But for regular attendees this is no surprise.

There have been a lot of memorable matches and highlights at the Garhoud stadium over the years.

But the real tennis highlight, and one of modern Dubai’s most iconic moments took place well away from centre court.

Mr Federer having a quick game with Andre Agassi on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab.

An amazing moment and an amazing video. Enjoy it again here:

Please come back again next year Roger - Dubai just wouldn’t be the same without you.

I’ve been waking up earlier and earlier recently.

Not to beat the traffic or go to the gym.

But to catch the Arabian sunrise. It is a passion of mine.

And I think I’ve found the ultimate way of enjoying it.

I used to think the best way was to watch it rise and set in the same day. The UAE is a country where you can realistically do this. Watch it rise over the Indian Ocean from a suite at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach resort in Fujairah. Then, after a snorkel, a snack and a sunbathe drive take the Emirates Road back to Dubai and watch the same sun set over the Arabian Gulf. Preferably at the panoramic 360° bar in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

But to really get the best sunrise you have to chase the stars.

And that means an early wake up call and a hot air balloon ride.

I took a trip with the Balloon Adventures Dubai group this morning.

It is an amazing experience and instantly one of my favourite things to do in Dubai.

I’ll write more about it on this blog later but check out the picture gallery first.

Misty mountains at dawn

Dead calm

Busy skies

Mind the ghaf

Captain of the ship

Aerial views

You can book balloon flights of the UAE desert from Blue Banana or Jumeirah Hotel concierge.

I’m always baffled when I hear people moaning and groaning about the Shopping Festival.

If it was just about shopping then, maybe, they’d have a point.

But there really is much more to it than that.

Art Avenue, bungee jumping and the amazing fireworks over the Creek at weekends are all well worth a visit.

As is the Pepsi Sports Fiesta.

Somebody just suggested it to me and it is the sort of event I think will be a lot of fun.

Darting between stores isn’t the only exercise you can do during Dubai Shopping Festival.

The Pepsi Sports Fiesta is made up of two major sports - basketball and football - and is being held over three weeks at Safa Park, daily from 3pm until February 23.

The tournaments are open to ‘ballers of all ages, whether you want to form your own team or just go and watch after school, work or jogging on the bouncy path round the park in the evening or at the weekend.

If all that physical activity wasn’t enough, there is also live entertainment, competitions and prizes from Nike and Wild Wadi.

Lose pounds, don’t spend Dirhams and strap on those shin pads and visit the event online here.