The desert splendour of Dubai

A city that hardly needs introduction. Rising, shining from the desert dunes, Dubai is the epicentre of excess. High-end supercars traverse streets of uber-luxury hotels, cutting-edge architecture sparkles in the sunshine, and designer stores are as essential here as the souks and markets. And of course, there’s the tallest building in the world.

Head to the highest height

The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks. It’s part of the Dubai Mall, and a must-visit for anyone spending time in the city. Take a moment to marvel at its awe-inspiring architecture, then ascend to the observation decks for 360-degree panoramic views across the skyline. Then descend to the Dubai Mall, where you can browse an array of boutiques, visit one of the many cafes and restaurants, and admire the Dubai Fountain. 

Get back to Dubai’s roots

It may not look like it now, but Dubai was once a humble fishing village. And if you know where to look, there’s still plenty to see from its early days.

Start in Deira, Dubai’s Old Town. Mingle with the crowds at the Gold Souk and Spice Souk before crossing the Dubai Creek on an abra – a traditional wooden boat – to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Here, you can explore the Dagger Museum, dedicated to the ‘khanjar’ dagger – a traditional symbol of strength and bravery. Then move onto the Coffee Museum for a lesson in coffee etiquette – don’t forget to take some with you to practise at home.

Drive into the dunes

Outside the city, there are amazing adventures to be had amongst the sand dunes. You can try a thrilling 4×4 ride over the undulating sand dunes, pausing at the top to witness the peerless splendour of a desert sunset. Looking for extra fun? Why not try sandboarding or even take a camel ride. As night falls, head to a desert camp to enjoy an authentic taste of the local cuisine with a delicious barbecue dinner under the stars, accompanied by traditional dance and music.

Amazing excursions carefully curated