Dubai

Few places can surpass Dubai for sheer audacity when it comes to putting on a show. With a spectacular array of attractions, you’ll never be bored in this fascinating and futuristic urban destination. There’s something for everyone, and it’s all here in fabulous technicolour. 

Dubai’s white sand, crystal-clear waters and year-round sunshine are a major draw. Jumeirah Beach is home to wonderful family-friendly hotels, including the Burj Al Arab. The Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island built in the shape of a palm tree, boasting some of Dubai’s most lavish resorts and private beach residences – not forgetting family-favourite, Atlantis the Palm.

Thrill seekers will enjoy Dubai’s wealth of attractions. Wild Wadi Water Park in Jumeirah offers a range of fun rides, from hurtling down the 33m-high Jumeirah Sceirah at 80km/h to cruising on the gentle current of Juha’s Journey lazy river. The Palm is also home to Atlantis Aqua venture, the pièce-de-resistance being a slide through a shark-infested lagoon (thankfully enclosed!) Adrenalin lovers can take to the slopes at Ski Dubai, an astounding indoor snow zone in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates.

Long before the discovery of oil, Dubai was known as the “City of Merchants”, welcoming traders from afar. Today, it’s still famous for its shopping, with sophisticated venues such as the Dubai Mall (the largest in the world) and the Mall of the Emirates, which houses designer brands alongside local shops. Away from the modern malls, traditional Arabian souks sell everything from spices to carpets. Don’t miss a trip to the fascinating gold souk, even if your spending money doesn’t quite stretch to platinum and diamonds!

Beyond the glitz, the beautiful desert landscapes are packed with unforgettable family experiences. Ride camels across the sand or watch a falconry display. For an adrenalin rush, try dune bashing – traversing the sand in a 4×4 – before dining under the stars.

The lesser-known Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah is more of an undiscovered gem. Enjoy its warm climate, beautiful beaches and desert panoramas without the Dubai price tag. It’s the perfect backdrop for a relaxing sunshine break, only an hour’s drive from Dubai.