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Burj Khalifa: In the heart of Downtown, this dazzling 163-story skyscraper (2010) is the tallest building in the world (828 metres) and a unique feat of engineering. Dubai's landmark building houses residences, hotels and restaurants and features two observatories with stunning 360 degree views of the city's horizon, "At the top" (124th floor) and "At the Top Sky" (148th floor). Get a ticket and let the fastest lift in the world (65 km/hour) literally shoot you into the clouds, or enjoy a drink in the luxury lounge on the 122^nd The Burj Khalifa is surrounded by the Burj Park Gardens, an urban zone of greenery and modern outdoor sculptures.
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, burjkhalifa.ae

Dubai Fountain: Set in the middle of a beautiful man-made lake and with the glittering Burj Khalifa as a backdrop, this dazzling ensemble of dancing fountains is one of the most famous sights in Dubai. 22,000 gallons of water rise daily to the height of 150 metres (the highest in the world), following a unique choreography synchronized to the sounds of classical and Arabic music. The 30-minute night show is visible from various points, such as the Dubai Mall and the wooden promenade deck which approaches to within 9 metres of the fountain. If you want to see it from the water, an impressive sight, choose a 25-minute mini-cruise on the lake in traditional wooden boats (abra).

Burj Al Arab: With a silhouette reminiscent of a billowing sail, the world's tallest (and only 7-star) hotel rises 321 metres on a man-made island, just 280 metres from the dazzling Jumeirah Beach. The hyper-luxe architectural masterpiece and iconic symbol of Dubai is the apotheosis of opulence with gilded suites, marble baths, hand-woven carpets and crystal chandeliers enjoyed by Croesuses from around the world. Common mortals can book a ticket for a butler-guided tour of the grounds or make a reservation for afternoon tea/dinner at the hotel's underwater restaurant. The unreal atrium of the hotel, an immense hall of golden pillars and dancing fountains, is rumoured to be able to accommodate the Statue of Liberty.
Address: Umm Suqeim 3, off Jumeirah Rd., burj-al-arab.com

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood: Built in the 19th century by Persian pearl and textile merchants, the historical neighbourhood of Al Fahidi (also known as Bastakiya) offers the most authentic experience of the old Dubai (Bur Dubai) on the east bank of Dubai Creek. Wandering through the quiet, labyrinthine alleys reveals the period's dazzling everyday architecture, a collection of low limestone houses with inner courtyards, arabesque decorative façades and wind towers for natural air conditioning. Today 50 of these have been restored, housing museums, cultural centres, ceramics studios, artistic cafés, art galleries and boutique hotels. Stop off at Dubai Museum (the legendary Al Fahidi fortress of the 18^th century) for a journey through the history and civilization of the Emirates through findings of archaeological digs and hyper-modern dioramas or visit Heritage Village to admire potters and jewellers at work.
Address: Al Fahidi Str., Bur Dubai.

Dubai Miracle Garden: The largest natural flower garden in the world (2000 m2) resembles a surreal dreamland of 100 million flowers and imaginative flower constructions. Walk through heart-shaped tunnels, admire castles and animal effigies (from peacocks to elephants), stand in awe in front of the Emirates Airbus A380, made entirely of flowers. The park contains restaurants, a trampoline and relaxation areas with floor cushions, attracting 55,000 visitors a week. Right next door is the enchanting Butterfly Garden, a complex of 9 enclosed vaulted gardens which is home to 15,000 butterflies.
Address: Sheikh Mohhamed Bin Zayed Road, (Hwy E311), Al Barsha South, dubaimiraclegarden.com

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: One of the largest enclosed aquariums in the world, the aquarium of Dubai has a capacity of 10 million litres of water and more than 140 species of marine life. The giant tank reaches a height of three storeys and is home to over 33,000 aquatic animals, amongst which is the largest collection of grey sharks in the world. The 48-metre-long walk through the glass tunnel of the aquarium, with an open 270-degree view of the enchanting world of the seabed, is an unforgettable experience. The more adventurous can try diving alongside tiger sharks or feeding stingrays. Also don't miss the chance of a glass deck boat tour to admire the underwater spectacle. 
Address: Ground & Level 2 - Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, www.thedubaiaquarium.com

Museum of the Future (MOTF): A cutting-edge feat of architecture and technology, this dazzling museum offers an experiential journey into different visions of the future, from transportation and medicine to climate change and space travel. Constructed of stainless steel, the outer shell is entirely covered with poetry quotations in Arabic calligraphy, while the stark white futuristic setting inside looks like something from a science fiction movie. The elliptical circular shape of the building symbolizes humanity, the green hill at the base of the museum the Earth, while the void in the inner contour of the circle is human knowledge about the future.
Address: 67CP+H4Q - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Trade Centre - Trade Centre 2, Dubai, www.museumofthefuture.ae

Palm Jumeirah: This impressive man-made archipelago of islands in the shape of a palm tree off the coast of Dubai is an architectural miracle and one of the largest man-made islands in the world. The iconic floating city, which is connected to inland areas by a 5 km highway but also by monorail, hosts ultra-luxurious hotels with private beaches, expensive residences, theme parks and beach clubs with infinity pools, and international multi-star restaurants with fantastic views of the Persian Gulf. Come and admire the magnificent Atlantis The Palm hotel complex with the famous Atlantis Aquaventure water park and The Palm hotel with the "The View at the Palm" observation platform for a panoramic view of Dubai from a height of 240 metres. The Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, which encircles the crescent-shaped archipelago, is one of the most beautiful and exotic promenades in Dubai.

Dubai Opera House: Another architectural landmark of modern Dubai, the dazzling building by the Danish architect Janus Rostock is a world class venue of culture and an international centre for the performing arts. Built in 2016 in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the glass and wood construction is reminiscent of the traditional wooden boats (dhow) of the Persian Gulf, while its interior hides a polymorphic auditorium of acoustic and aesthetic perfection, with a capacity of 2000 seats. The impressive glass foyer with its baroque 3000 LED chandelier, and the rooftop restaurant with the beautiful sky garden offer an unparalleled view of famous sights such as the Burj Khalifa and the Fountain of Dubai. The artistic program is one of the best in the world and ranges from famous opera productions and Broadway musicals to major symphony orchestras, ballet and theatre galas, concerts and stand up comedy.
Address: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid (near Burj Khalifa), Downtown Dubai, www.dubaiopera.com

Dubai Marina: One of the most impressive neighbourhoods of Dubai, this coastal district bordering the emerald waters of the Canal with the world's tallest residential skyscrapers is known as the "Manhattan of the Middle East". A favourite meeting and socializing spot, the Marina Walk crosses both sides of the canal for 7 kilometres, attracting cyclists, joggers, eclectic independent boutique shoppers and die-hard foodies to the elegant restaurants, cafés and coffee houses that dot the route. And if this gourmet project doesn't feel like your thing, you can always charter a yacht for a private tour of the area, try extreme sports or go yacht spotting at the marina's luxurious yacht clubs until the sun goes down.

Luxurious, entertaining and... duty free, the markets of Dubai are more than just shopping therapy. For the locals they are a cultural and social outlet, for the visitors an opportunity and key purpose of the trip. The heart of shopping beats in the world-class state-of-the-art shopping centres - attractions with innovative design and entertainment options for the whole family, in atmospheric souks with the aroma of old Arabia, in seasonal pop-up markets and in iconic heritage department stores with a European flavour.

Visit the dazzling Dubai Mall, the second largest shopping centre in the world with 1300 shops, a gigantic aquarium (Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo), closed ice rink (Dubai Ice Rink) and its own Chinatown. Stop off at the Mall of the Emirates, which houses more than 350 international fashion brands, design and fashion houses, with a bowling alley, a ski and snowboard slope, (Ski Dubai) and an amusement park (Magic Planet). For a more exotic shopping experience, browse the elegant Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai's largest themed mall, inspired by the travels of the legendary 14^th century Moroccan explorer. 6 sections dedicated to the culture of 6 countries (China, Tunisia, Egypt, India, Persia, Andalusia) host international department stores, specialized boutiques, unique food and entertainment options.

Hone your bargaining skills in the bustling traditional markets of Old Dubai, an atmospheric celebration of colours and fragrances. Don't miss the Bur Dubai souk in the Old City, next to the Bur Dubai waterfront. Under its wooden roof, you will find incredible bargains on clothing, from pashminas and t-shirts to knockoffs of famous brands. Don't leave without browsing the fabrics section for great quality silk, cotton, satin and velvet at affordable prices. From here, hop into an abra (floating taxi) and head across to the historic quarter of Deira to explore the legendary Gold souk, a bewildering shopping maze with the atmosphere of the Thousand and One Nights, and elaborate gold and other precious metal jewellery of every kind. Visit in the evening when the setting is reminiscent of Aladdin's cave and don't hesitate to design the jewellery of your dreams. Before you leave, visit the famous Spice souk to stock up on Middle Eastern spices (from cardamom, sumac and cumin to dried lime) as well as the Perfume souk for rare perfumes, essential oils and incense (bakhoor) made from precious Oud (agarwood resin). For a more modern form of the classical souk, step through the gates of the dazzling Souk Al Bahar with its captivating arabesque architecture and eclectic shopping mix of handicrafts, carpets, furniture, jewellery, perfumes, artworks and ethnic fashion. Souk Madinat, part of the impressive Madinat Jumeirah (an Arab-style castle state with five-star hotels, villas, restaurants and shops, set around a system of artificial canals reminiscent of Little Venice) follows the same artisanal logic. Here you will find unique souvenirs and objects for the home, antiques, arts and crafts and much more.

 For independent boutiques of local fashion brands as well as exclusive stores with famous lifestyle products, browse the pedestrian City Walk, an outdoor urban chic district with commercial shops, restaurants, cafés and beauty salons. Contemporary art lovers rendezvous in Al Quoz with its cutting-edge art galleries, while the new talents of the creative industry present their unconventional ideas in the studios and showrooms of the fashionable D3 (Dubai Design District), a favourite rendezvous of hipsters and a centre of experimentation in the field of fashion and design. Look out for popular and up-and-coming local brands, such as All things Mochi, L’Afshar, Taller Marmo, Bil Arabi and others. Pop into The Lighthouse, a wonderful concept store that doubles as an art gallery and an all day restaurant.

Dubai is the gastronomic capital of the United Arab Emirates. With more than 125 nationalities in its demographic mix, the Arab metropolis has cultivated an impressive cosmopolitan food culture. Arabic street food, heritage restaurants, molecular cuisine, experiential meals under Bedouin tents, underwater diners and revolving restaurants in skyscrapers, ultra-modern concept stores and deluxe canteens promise a huge range of taste experiences.

For authentic Emirati cuisine and hospitality, head to the Old City, the neighbourhoods of Deira and Bur Dubai. Heritage restaurants in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood welcome patrons to courtyards of heritage-listed houses for meals with authentic Arab delicacies. Taste ghuzi (grilled lamb or mutton served as a kebab with rice and hazelnuts) the national dish of the UAE, samboosas (triangular patties filled with meat, vegetables, fish and exotic spices, the local version of the famous Indian snack), al machboos (rice and chicken or lamb, dried lemons, cardamom and cinnamon reminiscent of Indian or Persian biryani) served on a plate and eaten with the hands, al harees (bulgur wheat with ground meat, onions and cumin or with butter (samen) and cinnamon), Thareed (meat broth with vegetables and pieces of bread). There are also classic Levantine recipes such as baba ganoush (smoked eggplant dip), shish tawook (Lebanese kebab sandwich with garlic dip, pickles and potatoes), mandi, falafel, fattoush (oriental salad of grilled or fried bread for pitas with greens and lemon juice), Persian kebabs marinated in yoghurt, or Indian kebab of fried fish and shrimp.

Stop off at quaint teahouses and gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee) coffee houses for an initiation into the ritual of a strong Arabic coffee flavoured with cardamom and cloves accompanied by dried fruits and nuts. Have a typical breakfast of baith tamat (scrambled eggs with tomato, herbs and saffron) or chebab (warm pancakes made of thin dough with sour cheese and date syrup). Sweeten up with luqaimat (loukouma balls with saffron, cardamom, date syrup and sesame), mahalabiya (rice milk cream with rose water and peanuts), knafeh (semolina syrup with chewy sweet cheese, peanuts and rose syrup), khanfaroosh (sweet cake with cardamom, saffron and rose water) for tea or coffee.

For street food lovers,  shawarma wraps compete for popularity with manousheh (Dubai's pizza), a flatbread with various exotic fillings such as salty Akkawi cheese, olive oil and za'atar, ground lamb and egg, onion and labneh or sweet jam.

In Dubai you can dine as traditionally or sophisticatedly as you wish. The routes on the culinary map are a foodie's paradise. In the fashionable D3 district for brunch with matcha lattes and creamy camelccino (cappuccino with camel milk), in the elegant hangouts of the multinational Jumeirah Lakes Towers for Greek souvlaki, Lebanese manakish (flatbread with thyme, cheese or ground meat) or Vietnamese pho (meat broth with noodles, soy and fish sauce, lemon and chilli), in the alfresco halls of Dubai Marina Walk for Neapolitan pizza, Peruvian ceviche, Mexican tacos and Japanese seafood to gourmet projects such as Pier 7, in the salons of celebrity chefs in Palm Jumeirah or in theme restaurants in the Global Village and IMG Worlds of Adventure.

Dubai is a city that never sleeps. South of Dubai Creek, from Downtown to the coastal zone of Jumeirah, JBR and the Dubai Marina Walk to the Palm Jumeirah Promenade, the night is always young and brimming with energy, opulence and chic looks. Enjoy a performance at the Dubai Opera, have a drink in the hotel cocktail lounges with a view of the brightly lit skyline, indulge in the hedonistic atmosphere of an acrobatic dinner show in ultra-luxurious clubs, or tune into the city's wild all-night party mood with the biggest DJ-ing stars on the decks of beach clubs, among famous patrons and the elite of the international jet set.

National Day: The anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates (2 December 1971) is celebrated every year with a two-day public holiday and numerous events. Dubai participates in the national celebration with a phantasmagoria that includes lighting and decorating its buildings in the colours of the flag, concerts, dance shows, car rallies, sales in the shops and give-aways.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF): Every January, Dubai lives up to its name as the "consumer capital of the Middle East" with incredible discount sales in every mall and souk of the emirate. Even if shopping therapy is not your favourite pastime, the big retail hobby will catch your interest with gastronomic displays, concerts, fashion shows, competitions and give-aways for the whole family.

Dubai International Jazz Festival: A three-day festival in the dazzling amphitheatre of Dubai Media City. The impressive line-up features some of the biggest names on the jazz scene and beyond, from Mariah Carey and John Legend to Lauryn Hill and James Blunt (26 - 29 February).

Dubai Food Festival (DFF): The largest culinary event in the UAE and the Middle East transforms every neighbourhood in Dubai for two weeks into a culinary fiesta for foodies with gourmet concerns and discerning palates. Expect everything from street food temptations, food trucks and pop-up restaurants to themed café and cheese seminars, masterclasses from celebrity chefs and 7+ course fine dining menus selected by top restaurants at symbolic prices compared to the usual cost. The heart of the festival beats on Jumeirah Beach (February and March).

Art Dubai: The ultimate rendezvous for lovers of modern and contemporary art, the exhibition draws the interest of curators, collectors, and art critics. Major museums and art institutions from all over the world are also present. (March).

Al Gaffal Dhow Race: One of the most beautiful sights along Dubai's coastline, the regatta of traditional Middle Eastern fishing boats (dhow) is a tribute to pearl fishing, a centuries-old profession that transformed Dubai into the world's leading commercial port. The boats set sail at 5:30 in the morning and finish at 12 noon at the Burj al Arab, covering a distance of 23 nautical miles. Only Emirati crews take part in the regatta. (February).

Transport from the airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is located 4.6 km south-east of Dubai. The easiest and most economical way to reach the airport is to take the metro red line (R11/Centrepoint - R76/EXPO 2020) that connects Terminals 1 and 3 of the airport with Downtown Dubai. Most metro stops are located close to the city's major attractions and hotels and have a connection to a taxi and bus stop. The Dubai metro is one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world, with premium services such as reservation of a "gold class" seat in the first carriage (without driver) with an impressive view of the tunnel, but also a carriage exclusively for women and children. The routes run daily from 5:00 a.m. to midnight (Monday - Thursday & Saturday), from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Friday) and 8:00 a.m. to midnight (Sunday). Trains depart approximately every 15 minutes. The ride lasts approximately 22 minutes.
You can get tickets from the ticket offices at the airport stations or obtain the rechargeable Nol fee card which is valid for all means of public transportation (metro, tram, bus).

Alternatively, proceed to the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) taxi rank which operates 24/7 at the exit of every terminal. The DTC provides a range of transportation services, which you can check out on its official site (www.dubaitaxi.ae). Reservations can be made by telephone or through the smart application "DTC app" for mobile phones.