Top ten things to do in Dubai

V1. Visit the iconic 7 Star Hotel; Burj Al Arab, where the columns inside are said to be gold plated. . . Then walk to the nearby Jumeirah Beach to swim and suntan. Part of the Arabian Gulf, the water is calm and warm enough to swim in virtually year round.

    

2. Have your photo taken in front of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Or take the lift to the observation deck 124 floors above the ground. If you’re here for a short stay we recommend that you link this outing to a visit to the Dubai Mall. Also, if you visit here at night that you don’t miss seeing the Dubai Fountain, a spectacular water, music and light show. (The photos below – taken by Eugene Botes - were taken from the same spot on the Dubai Mall piazza. This is where you can also watch the water show.)

    

3. Walk through the tunnel inside the aquarium at the Dubai Mall and see the rest of the mall which features a Middle Eastern court (Photos below centre and right courtesy Nadia van Staden)

   

4. Take a dhow cruise or abra (water taxi) ride on Dubai Creek. Then hop off and visit the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Dubai Museum. Electronic goods are also available here. Day or night the creek is quite safe so it’s always popular. Dhow dinner cruises are a must-do for honeymooners.

   

5. See the Atlantis Hotel which is situated on The Palm Jumeirah. Visit Aquaventure at the resort for an opportunity to play with dolphins

  

6. Spend a day at Wild Wadi Water Park.

 

7. Check out the flamingos at the Ras Al Khor Sanctuary (they migrate there during the winter months). This salt-water wildlife reserve is located at the inland end of Dubai Creek. The only drawbacks are that it’s not really a day trip. Also it’s quite a drive from the other main tourist spots.

8. Book a dune bashing safari. The drivers are skilled so you will be in safe hands. Afterwards experience an Arabian BBQ and belly dancing in the desert

  

9. Take a drive down Sheik Zayed Road - 6 lanes of traffic running both ways between some of the world’s most amazing modern buildings. This is a memorable excursion day or night.

   

10. Shop till you drop! The possibilities are endless, so we’ve picked seven shopping destinations that offer something for everyone. Do bear in mind that the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) takes place annually from late January to late February. This is the time when the weather is at its best and stores, spas and restaurants across the city offer huge discounts and the Dubai authorities lay on lavish free entertainment such as firework and falconry displays.

1.) Souk Madinat – styled like a traditional souk, but with all the comfort of a modern mall. This gorgeous development also offers abra rides on the surrounding waterways and good restaurants. Catering more for the well-heeled European tourist, this is not really the place for bargain hunting, but it’s definitely a must-see. (Photos below centre and right courtesy Nadia van Staden.)

      

2.) Mall of the Emirates – home of indoor ski resort Ski Dubai, this mall is well laid out with a large variety of stores. The large Carrefour supermarket inside stocks very reasonably priced souvenirs such as pashminas, hookah pipes, Dubai T-shirts, small Persian carpets, Indian silver jewellery, etc.

     

3.) Ibn Battuta Mall – typical mall but the decor is gorgeous as it’s themed around the various destinations this famous explorer visited including China, Persia etc. Also features an IMAX theatre.

4.) Karama district - bargain hunting day or night was never so much fun. Is that a pair of fake Jimmy Choos we spot on the right? Avoid wearing skimpy clothing or you will be gawked at, sometimes a little too appreciatively! Also be prepared to bargain; as you will find many enthusiastic storekeepers all vying for your attention as you walk through the streets. While in the district keep an eye out for hotels - their loos will be a lot more user-friendly than those in the public facilities.

     

5.) Dragon Mart – This place is huge, but worth a visit if you’re on the look-out for cheap and cheerful imports from the East – including ultra trendy fashion items for teenagers, soft furnishings, toys etc. Wear comfortable shoes!

6.) Festival City – mostly popular because its home to IKEA; the Danish megastore that stocks really well priced home ware. But also because it boasts a marina where the rich keep their boats.

     

7.) Global Village – Features a fun-fair, cultural entertainment and shopping. Only open from end November to end February. Great bargains from all around the world can be found here.