Dubai

Dubai was built to impress. At its centre Burj Khalifa rises 828 metres, with Dubai Mall at its foot, one of the largest malls in the world, complete with an aquarium and an ice rink, and the Dubai Fountain performing every evening in front of it. On Sheikh Zayed Road the Museum of the Future wears a facade of Arabic calligraphy.

Out at sea lies Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped artificial island, home to large resorts such as Atlantis The Palm with its water park and aquariums. On Jumeirah Beach stands Burj Al Arab, closed in April 2026 for a restoration expected to last about 18 months; its silhouette from the beach and from Madinat Jumeirah remains one of the city's finest views.

Dubai's older face deserves half a day: the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood with its wind-tower houses, then an abra crossing of Dubai Creek to the gold and spice souks of Deira. In winter, Global Village opens its pavilions of world cultures and food.

We suggest three or four nights in Dubai, in a Downtown hotel near Burj Khalifa, or a beach resort if your family prefers the sea and the pools.