Dubai has released a guide promoting the Arab emirate as an ideal round-the-year business and tourist destination.

The 2005 edition of "Destination Dubai", issued by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), has information on local cuisine, shopping centres and even facilities available for physically challenged tourists, a release said.

"The manual will help improve awareness about the emirate's world-class attractions and unique facilities," Said Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb, DTCM's operations and marketing director.

"It offers tour operators all the information they need to put together packages from every corner of the world to Dubai."

Around 45,000 English copies of the manual will be made available in DTCM's 14 overseas offices.

Copies will also be distributed at local and international travel exhibitions and road shows.

--Indo-Asian News Service