Dubai - Sightseeing
Shopping
Without doubt, if you're looking for some retail therapy, you've hit the jackpot in Dubai. A 'duty-free' price zone, the Emirate's glitzy malls aren't as expensive as you'd imagine, and the sheer competition (not to mention the recent economic downturn in the region) leads to prices being forced down even more.
So, what's your style? Ultra-sleek modern malls, replete with snow-domes, food courts and thrill rides? Or more-or-less-authentic souks, where age old traditions of bartering and haggling cling on, under the shadows of the awnings?
If it's the latter, then you've got to head to the Gold Souk - where a little patience and a firm haggle will get you a real snip. Best to offer half the asking price and settle at somewhere approaching three quarters, as a rule. But don't start the process unless you're committed to finishing it.
For heady scents, follow your nose to the Spice Souk, and for the beguiling perfumes of Arabia, the Perfume Souk will mix and match their base ingredients to conjure up your very own signature scent!
Most of the duty-free outlets are located in Jebel Ali, where you'll find bargains on electrical goods, big-brand sportswear and the like.
For malls, you can't beat the Mall of the Emirates - a bustling mini-city complete with Harvey Nic's, Prada, Chanel and other designer brands, as well as a ski centre at its core. Slightly bigger, Dubai Mall is home to a staggering 1,200 shops from fashion (Burberry, Diesel, D&G, McQueen - all the leading fashion brands are here) to gadgets, beauty to art, and has an ice rink, indoor aquarium and plethora of restaurants. It's next to the Burj Khalifah, the world's tallest building.
Principal attractions
Wild Wadi Water Park makes for a wet and wild afternoon spent among a tangle of waterchutes, lazy rivers and a massive, 33-metre high almost-vertical slide. Expect tidal waves you can surf on, child-safe paddling pools and plenty of spots to sunbathe and picnic.
Dubai Creek is an esturine inlet lined with informal bars and restaurant complexes, and is a great spot to while away the evenings in. The Creek Park is a little oasis of green, with lawns, flower beds, children's play areas and cafes. There's also a golf course and amphitheatre, where concerts add a pleasing soundtrack all year round.
A great day out in Dubai would include the The Shaikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the historic Bastakiya Quarter of Dubai. They offer guided tours of this area, plus traditional breakfasts, lunches and Arabic tea with question-and-answer sessions afterwards. It offers great insight into Arabic food and customs.
The Burj Khalifa Tower is the tallest manmade structure in the world, clocking in at an incredible 828m (2,717 ft). The building's observation deck, on the 124th floor comes, of course, with the best views in town.
Burj al-Arab, said to represent the curved sail of a dhow, is another famous Dubai landmark. Even if you're not staying, it's worth a visit - perhaps to its Al Muntaha restaurant, suspended 300m over the sea!
The Burj Dubai Lake, next to the Mall of Dubai, is home to the world's largest dancing fountains. With water jets shooting 500 feet into the air, the display is complete with a well deserved tourist-supplied soundtrack of 'oohs' and 'ahs', and shows run every evening.
Beaches
Dubai is home to a cluster of decent stretches of sand. Jumeirah Beach is around 20 minutes drive from the centre, with clean, safe waters and a range of beach-side facilities. Mamzar is a private beach resort, but worth paying the not-exorbitant entrance fee for the clean, safe sands, shallow waters, kid's facilities and snack shops.