Dubai has embedded itself firmly on the world map as an emerging business metropolis, shopping mecca, and beach destination for those looking to see life through the eyes of someone living in the lap of extraordinary luxury. All records are broken in Dubai. If it can be built, it will be built higher here. If it can be imagined, then it can be made reality. The world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa), the world's only 7-star hotel (Burj al Arab), a ski resort in the desert, and man-made islands in the shape of a palm tree (Palm Islands) are among a few examples. The large number of skyscrapers and unique designs make it an architect's dream. Besides enjoying the luxuries of "The City of Gold" like riding supercars and having high tea at Burj al Arab, Dubai also offers activities for the adventurer at heart like desert safaris, ATVs, camel rides, sand boarding, or supercar tours.

I went to Dubai en route to Maldives and spent three days there during my layover. I felt it was a sufficient amount of time to explore all the major tourist attractions and it was a nice way to break up my long flight to Maldives.

Desert Safari

Camel ride

Sandboarding

Dinner and a show at the Desert Camp

Jumeirah Beach

View of Burj al Arab

Dubai Marina

Entering the Burj al Arab

Inside the Burj al Arab

High Tea at Burj al Arab

View from the top of Burj Khalifa at sunset

when to go

November to March is high season with December and January being the peak. January to March is rain season, but usually short-lived. Summer is very hot and humid and not a great time to be outdoors without the risk of heat stroke.

transportation

Taxis are convenient and relatively inexpensive. For desert safaris, excursions can be booked with pickup and drop off to your hotel.

things to do

Dubai Fountains - Beautiful fountain show near the Dubai Mall (large scale Bellagio fountains)
Burj Khalifa - World's tallest building; go to the observation deck on the 124th floor in the late afternoon and watch the sunset along the skyline and see the city light up once darkness falls; book tickets in advance online
Dubai Mall - Luxury shops galore; entrance to Burj Khalifa and Dubai aquarium
Burj al Arab - World's only 7-star hotel; can only enter if you are staying here or dining here (book reservations for a meal or have high-tea); amazing views of the Palm islands and the skyline from high tea at their Skyview Bar
Aquaventure or Dolphin bay - Waterpark at Atlantis
Desert Safari - Book a tour for a desert safari during which you can ride the sand dunes, ride camels, sand board, and have dinner on the sand.
Jumeirah Beach
Dubai Marina - Walk along the marina and view the hundreds of skyscrapers or view it by boat.
For an ultra luxurious time, you can take yacht cruise, helicopter ride, or hot air balloon ride to view Dubai from different vantage points.
Book a tour to Abu Dhabi for the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a beautifully designed mosque worth viewing with chandeliers and white marble.

where to stay

Burj al Arab - World's only 7-star hotel
Raffles Dubai - Luxury hotel with beautiful views of Dubai's skyline
Grosvenor House Dubai - Located in the heart of the Dubai marina promenade