Next Bond novel set in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- British superspy James Bond is heading to Dubai on his next mission.

The author of the upcoming Bond novel, "Carte Blanche," said the Persian Gulf city-state will be the backdrop for 007's new adventures.

Jeffery Deaver said Monday he was attracted by Dubai's "exotic" mix of gleaming towers and desert. But Deaver did not divulge any story lines in the novel, scheduled to be released in May.

Deaver, who has published more than two dozen novels, was commissioned to write the book by the estate of Bond creator Ian Fleming.

It's the first time Dubai has been featured in a Bond plot.

But the debonair secret agent has company. The next "Mission Impossible" film, due out in December, has scenes filmed in Dubai.