Dubai is the ultimate definition of luxury.
The world's tallest building - the Burj Khalifa - stretches almost 1 kilometre into the sky. A short distance away, you'll find man-made islands shaped to look like a world map. You can even sleep in the world's first underwater villas.
It's also known as the 'city in a sandpit' - with incredible dune adventures to be had less than an hour out of the city.
TOP 11 TIPS
Book online for the cheapest tickets to the world's tallest tower: the Burj Khalifa. You can also book for the sky bar which is only one floor below the viewing platform, plus enjoy a drink with the magnificent view!
Walk around Dubai Mall and take in all the luxury of the world's largest shopping mall. There's an ice-skating rink, literally hundreds of restaurants and cafes (including some of the world's best) and an endless amount of shopping. It also has a huge
The Mall of Emirates is also huge and caters more for the locals - however this mall has a massive ski field inside it, so don't think it's any less exciting! The food court is smaller but also cheaper than Dubai Mall.
Head out to 'The Beach Club on Lebanon Island', where you can enjoy incredible food, drinks and a pool - it's one of the islands that make The World Islands. Bookings can only be made online using credit card (the price includes boat trip). It’s a great way to get away from the city and relax, enjoying the view back towards Dubai.
Spend the afternoon at Wild Wadi Water park (cheapest if you enter after 3pm for the last 3hrs of park opening time. You don't need longer than 3 hours anyway.
Splash out at Aquaventure Water park at Atlantis the palm. Especially if its your birthday because it'll be FREE!! It can also be cheaper to book online 24hrs in advance.
Book in for a high tea or a meal at the only 7 star hotel in the world - the Burj Al Arab. This is taking Luxury to the highest of levels. High or morning tea options range in cost from 400 - 620AED (100-150 Euro).
Book a table at a restaurant that overlooks the manmade lake at Dubai Mall, in front of the Burj Khalifa. There are incredible water displays every half hour from 6pm. We’d recommend Wafi Gourmet, even just for lunch. Pick your dips from the cabinet - make sure you include hummus - and enjoy the afternoon nibbling on the best Mezze plate ever. (it includes unlimited hot pita breads!)
Book a desert safari tour (Groupon UAE always has discounted tours). The tours start around 5pm and will pick you up from your hotel, then take you into the desert for quick camel rides, dune bashing, star gazing and a huge traditional feast for dinner.
Go water jet skiing in the Persian gulf! There are a whole heap of fantastic things to do in the water - or just relax at one of the many beach clubs or public beaches.
If the Burj Khalifa wasn't high enough for you - go Skydiving for the real bird's eye view, and float above the world's most impressive city built in a desert.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
There are some precautions to take when visiting Dubai, so make sure you are aware of them!
Be aware of local customs and dress modestly to avoid unnecessary attention. Be especially careful at night if walking alone or going to bars/clubs.
If you're awake in you're hotel room in the middle of the night because of jetlagged hunger pains, check out an app called Talabat. A lot of places do free delivery and how exciting to order a range of different dishes you've never heard of! Or just get Pizza. Most of them operate 24/7.
Taxis are generally safe. If you're a solo female traveller or just a group of females, take the taxis with a pink roof (they are woman drivers only). You will see them as soon as you exit the airport. Taxis are also cheap, the easiest way to get around and are essential during summer.
There is also quite a good metro line to get from one side of the city to another. Tickets are purchased at the train stations, however if you've got a tight schedule, a taxi will be best.
If it's between November and May, you MUST check out the Dubai Miracle gardens. A flower oasis that will take your breath away.
Want a healthy 'raw food' cafe? We found the top 3: The Acai Spot (Port Saeed), Bestro (in the Galeries Lafayette, Level 2 in Dubai Mall) and Omnia Gourmet (in the closest port to the Mercato shopping centre).
The best 'regular' cafes we found are the Tom & Serg cafe, The lime tree cafe and Fume Dubai but there are many many others.
