Things to do in Dubai

Dubai is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Skyscrapers are springing out of the ground and are equipped with the latest mod cons. Big money is both earned and spent here. As a tourist you cannot help being drawn by the extravagance that is Dubai; luxury hotels, beautiful boulevards and futuristic buildings. If you want a break from the city, discover the delights of the desert. There is a multitude of attractions to impress you while you are here. Whether you are here for a week, or just staying overnight, you will find something for your schedule and interests.

Here are our favourite Top 10 thing to do in Dubai:

1. The Dubai Fountain

In this city, a popular saying is 'go big or go home'. The Fountain is the world's biggest choreographed fountain system that was built on the 30-acre artificial Burj Khalifa Lake. One of the most popular tourist attractions, the fountain is over 900 feet long - the same as more than two football pitches - and features incredible displays of glistening water with a selection of different musical themes.

2. Enjoy the view from the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also the tallest building in the world. There are two floors where you can look out over the city (floor 124 and 148). There is also a restaurant on the 122nd floor which is worth a try (not for those scared of heights though).

3. Super Deluxe lunch at the Burj Al Arab

If you're not going to eat at the Dubai Mall, how about splashing out and having lunch at a 7-star hotel: Burj Al Arab. Prefer to drink champagne? Then book a luxury high tea. It will stretch your wallet (and definitely your credit card) but it is an experience never to be forgotten! The interior of the Burj Al Arab is a delight itself, let alone the luxury dining.

4. Visit the old Souks

Wander around the old souks in Dubai. For example, there is the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and the Meena Bazaar. The names of the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk say it all, as here you can buy gold and spices. Haggling is a must in the Gold Souk, otherwise you will pay the price! In the Meena Bazaar you will find old-fashioned shopping, where you can buy products from the homeland of local Indians.

5. Ski Dubai

When you think of the Middle East, snow is probably not one of the first things that come to mind. And yet, at Ski Dubai, you'll find a large indoor ski resort with 22,500 square metres of indoor skiing. This astounding attraction features an 85-metre tall indoor mountain that has 5 slopes in differing degrees of steepness and difficulty. There's a 400-metre long run which is the world's first indoor black diamond run, which makes use of various obstacles including boxes and rails that are changed regularly to keep the experience thrilling.

6. Jumeirah Mosque

The most photographed mosque in the city, Jumeirah Mosque, is also one of the leading tourist attractions. While it's easy to get caught up in the beauty and opulence, it's important to remember that the general population are humble and deeply religious. Unlike many other mosques, the Jumeirah Mosque opens its doors to non-Muslims also. By evening, it makes a strikingly elegant outline against the dark sky and offers a fantastic photo opportunity.

7. Dolphinarium

The city's Dolphinarium is a pleasant escape from the heat with visitors being able to watch and interact with marine mammals at live shows and photography sessions - with the comfort of indoor air-conditioning. There are five Black sea bottle-nose dolphins and four Northern fur seals. The marine mammals were brought here from a country within the Commonwealth of Independent States.

8. The Dubai Museum: history of Dubai

If one wants a little culture, one should head to the Dubai Museum. The Museum shows how people used to live in the city hundreds (if not thousands) of years ago, what their habits were and what the houses and streets looked like.

9. Shopping experience

Yes, in Dubai you really can shop till you drop. The Dubai Mall has over 1,200 shops, so if you’re not sure what to do, this is sure to keep you busy for a while. If you get peckish and need more energy, have no fear because there are plenty of restaurants. Don’t miss the beautiful water fountains! No trip to Dubai would be complete without a visit to one another of its spectacular shopping complexes. The Ibn Battuta Mall has more than 270 shops, excellent restaurants and attractions to keep the whole family occupied. Whatever you want to buy, you'll find it here, be it clothing, jewellery, homewares or electronic goods. The Dubai Mall: Shop till you drop

10. Stay overnight in the desert of Dubai

There are many activities you can do in the Dubai desert. Tear across the sands by jeep for example and then ride a camel; which one will be the most thrilling?! You can also stay there overnight. Now that's really an experience! Not everyone can say they have spent the night in the desert.

As you are now fully aware, Dubai has a lot to offer. And we haven’t even told you about the beaches, there are a grand total of 12. Now that is the good life.