Why not try Dubai for a few days?Al maha, ritz al hamra beach or ritz al khaimah al wadi dessert?Yes it's hot but it's not that bad.
Thanks. Looking at possibly going to PEK and then flying F on EK through DXB. What would the best way to book that be?
Just remember that if you go through China you need a visa unless it's a short stay and you arrive from a different country than you depart to - in which case you can get a visa at the airport, as long as you stay in the vicinity of that city.
Isn't it miserable in the summer?