Dubai is a fantastic city, says Gordon Ramsay

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has hailed Dubai as a "fantastic city" and it seems he is planning to open a new eatery in the emirate very soon.Speaking to tabloid!, Ramsay said that he has a lot of affection for the Middle East.He had run the popular Verre restaurant in Dubai until 2011 and he is now hoping to return to the city."We are looking at two locations now and it's only a matter of time," he was quoted as saying.The award-winning chef would not say exactly where the new establishment might be, but he did rule out the Hilton Hotel."We had nine fantastic years in Dubai and we introduced the concept of really high-end dining there," he continued.The Verre was Ramsay's first restaurant outside the UK and he thinks it was ahead of its time.In many ways, Ramsay provided the catalyst for a fine dining boom in the UAE and now the streets are full of world-class eateries run by some of the most talented chefs on the planet.The Scottish-born chef already has an interest in the Gulf, having opened two establishments at the St Regis in Doha.He paid a visit to the city last week and treated guests at the Gordon Ramsay Doha and Opal by Gordon Ramsay Doha to a stunning feast.The fact that such a famous and highly respected chef is so keen to do business in Dubai again speaks volumes for the city's status.Dubai has a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous and it seems hardly a day goes by without another new gourmet restaurant, five-star hotel or luxury boutique opening in the emirate.With so many wonderful places to visit, it is no wonder that visitor numbers have soared in recent years - something that has not gone unnoticed among investors.Hotel occupancy rates were extremely impressive in 2012 and this trend is set to continue this year too.