Things to do in Dubai

Dubai is a city of contrasts: record-breaking towers and vast malls on one side, golden dunes and old souks on the other. You can ride an elevator into the clouds in the morning, bargain for spices along the creek in the afternoon and eat dinner under the stars at a desert camp. It is safe, well connected and easy to navigate.

The best time to visit is November to March, when days are warm and evenings comfortable. From May to September temperatures regularly climb above 40°C, so outdoor plans shift to early mornings and evenings. Ramadan changes the rhythm of the city, so check the dates if you're travelling in spring.

• Red dunes desert safari
• Burj Khalifa observation decks
• Old Dubai, the creek and souks
• Dubai Marina and the beaches
• Dubai Fountain shows