Dynamic DUBAI

Luxury, shopping and sunshine - your Arabian adventure awaits

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Why go?

Gazing out over Dubai's skyline, an eclectic array of megalithic skyscrapers jutting through the clouds, it's so hard to imagine that this mega-city began as a sleepy fishing village. One of seven emirates, or states, that comprises the United Arab Emirates, Dubai straddles the coast of the Arabian Gulf, with swathes of meticulously designed luxury hotels and resorts. You're never more than a stone's throw away from the architectural marvels - from the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, to the vast Dubai Mall at its feet, which plays host to more than 1,500 shops and restaurants.

Head for heights

Great views are aplenty at the top of the Burj Khalifa - the renowned 2,722ft building that stands over twice as high as the UK’s tallest, London’s Shard. Get the express lift to whizz up to the At The Top observation deck on the 124th floor (from £33 or AED 159; burjkhalifa.ae). Right outside, watch the astonishing - and free - show at the Dubai Water Fountains. Synced to music and lights, they shoot water as high as 500ft - that’s as tall as a 50-storey building.

Visit the iconic man-made island