Your Dream Dubai An oasis of fun

Get a taste of old Dubai at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), a non-profit organization that offers cultural activities for tourists and expats. Guests can enjoy a shared breakfast, lunch or dinner and experience traditional cuisine with an Emirati host.

A centuries-old Arabic sport that’s still popular with locals, a visit to the camel race track in Al Marmoom is a unique cultural experience. Racing season runs through the cooler months, from October to April. Insider tip: Races are free to attend, although it’s recommended to book your seat in advance.

While most shoppers hit the city’s world-famous malls, the historic souks in Deira combine shopping and sightseeing. You’ll find the spice, gold, textiles and perfume bazaars all within walking distance of one another. It’s well worth a look, even if you’re not planning to buy. Free walking tours are available if you want a guide through the maze.

Before there were metros, monorails and trams whizzing around the city, people traveled by water on raft-like boats called abras. Crossing Dubai Creek on a public abra costs next to nothing, or you can charter a private cruise to explore the city the old fashioned way.

Inspired by the folk tales of 1,001 Arabian Nights, Jumeirah Al Qasr sits on two kilometers of private beach on Dubai’s expansive coastline. It’s part of a megaresort complex that includes Souk Madinat, a contemporary take on a traditional Arabian marketplace, although the palatial hotel retains a boutique feel with just 294 rooms, all with private balconies or terraces.

This renovated industrial zone houses a 500,000-square-foot creative hub of contemporary art galleries, event spaces, indie fashion stores and cafes that are perfect for grabbing a bite on the go. Visit the Palestine Bakery for some seriously tasty pies, known as fatayer, or try vegan-friendly favorite Wild and the Moon.

Two miles of waterways wind through the old-style alleyways of Souk Madinat Jumeirah, where shoppers can peruse boutiques and gift shops. While it’s modeled after a traditional Arabian market complex, expect to pay more than in the Old Souks in Deira and most stores have fixed prices. Shoppers can take a break at one of the many restaurants, or enjoy a leisurely boat ride.

Located next to the Burj Khalifa in the city center, The Dubai Mall is the ultimate shopping experience with over 1,200 stores. Big spenders can take advantage of the “Shop, Drop and Deliver” service and head to The Lounge in the mall’s Fashion Avenue: here, “top-level” customers can enjoy gourmet snacks and refreshments between shopping sprees.

No good shopping trip is complete without a bit of R&R. The award-winning spa SensAsia has four spas across the city — most importantly for retail enthusiasts, two are in the Mall of the Emirates. Its express spa services are ideal for recharging weary shoppers and include treatments that incorporate virtual reality for a physical and mental break.

A beachside resort with views across the Arabian Gulf and the iconic city skyline, W Dubai oozes cool with vibrant, bold interiors and trendy rooftop bars. Its Wet Deck is an absolute must: turquoise swimming pools are surrounded by sun beds and cabanas, with a bar sunk into the water for the ultimate beach party.

On the banks of the creek, Twiggy by La Cantine is a French Riviera-inspired beach club serving up Mediterranean cuisine. A place to see and be seen, it’s one of the trendiest top-secret spots in town. Spend a day lounging by the poolside, and don’t forget to order a cocktail in time for golden hour.

Witness sunrise over the Arabian Desert, floating at 4,000 feet above the dunes in a hot air balloon. Balloon Adventures Dubai offers a half-day experience that includes a drive through the desert in a vintage Land Rover, a short camel ride, and a gourmet breakfast at a Royal desert retreat. Or try an overnight package and stay in a traditional stone dwelling in the desert.

The 150-meter (492-foot) tall structure in the middle of Zabeel Park is literally picture perfect. While photos from its base are iconic, don’t miss the view from the top, where you can see both old and new Dubai. Insider tip: Time your visit for sunset, and afterwards, take a wander through the neighboring Dubai Garden Glow for some gloriously neon photo-ops.

The world’s largest themed shopping center, this retail destination takes inspiration from the travels of medieval explorer Ibn Battuta. Each zone is modeled after a different region he visited, replicating 13th-century Persian, Chinese, Indian, Egyptian, Tunisian and Andalusian architecture, and creating Insta-worthy scenes at every turn.

A zen escape of Andalusian-inspired architecture, One&Only The Palm is a secluded island paradise on a private beach. Families of sun seekers can opt for the two-bedroom beachfront villa, which has direct access to the sandy shoreline, although you’ll be sure to hear the waves from every room and suite in this resort.

A favorite for visitors and locals alike, Bu Qtair is a no-frills fish shack that has been serving up simple but delicious seafood beside Kite Beach since the 1980s. There’s no fixed menu because it depends on the catch of the day, but diners can expect fresh prawns and fish fried in batter made to a decades-old secret recipe, and side dishes like paratha and curry sauce.

As the name suggests, Kite Beach is often dotted with the colorful sails of windsurfers and kitesurfers making the most of its winds and waves. Newbies can get kitted out at the Kitesurf School Dubai, and join morning or afternoon lessons for a crash-course in the sport.

For a beach day with a side of entertainment, check out Bla Bla Beach Club. With 20 venues, you won’t be short of things to do here once the sun sets. Those with a penchant for the shoreline will likely be content at the beachfront bar, where guests can kick back in a hammock and enjoy shisha and buckets of beer.

You’ll find athleisure and high street brands galore at this open-air mall. But the real treat is the silvery sand of JBR public beach just minutes away, where you can unwind after a long (or short!) shopping spree. There are plenty of places for a beachside bite here, too, including Mediterranean fare from Italian dining concept Eataly on the Beach.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira’s 2,000-square-meter spa offers relaxation with a five-star seascape. If you have the time and money, it’s worth splurging on a day retreat to get the full experience and use of the stunning beachside infinity pool and cabanas. Insider tip: For a sandy sweat sesh before a day of downtime, check out the spa’s seasonal Beach Blaster Bootcamp.

The first luxury wellness retreat in the Middle East, The Retreat has long been a favorite among health-conscious travelers. Bespoke, all-inclusive packages with a range of health goals, including weight loss, detox, fitness and stress management, are available for three to 14 days. Guests can also pick to go à la carte, choosing spa and fitness activities when it suits them. Take note that there’s no alcohol on-site, in keeping with the resort’s health focus.

At Super SUP Fit, yoga, Pilates and HIIT classes are conducted while balancing on a stand-up paddle (SUP) board at some of the city’s trendiest pools. With a focus on fun, it’s a feel-good way to start the day. Try out a morning class at its flagship location, Drift Beach Club, or opt for a sunset yoga flow session at Nikki Beach Club.

This renovated industrial zone houses a 500,000-square-foot creative hub of contemporary art galleries, event spaces, indie fashion stores and food concepts. Wellness junkies should visit fitness studio CRANK, zen out at Shimis Yoga, shop at sustainable fashion and design store The Edit, and grab a bite at vegan cafe Wild and the Moon.

With Arabesque marble arches and mosaic tile art, One&Only Royal Mirage’s spa is one of the most beautiful spas in the city. For some proper R&R, try its Royal Hammam treatment, which includes a full-body exfoliation, body wrap, face mask and massage. The spa also offers mani-pedis from the renowned Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez.

Five-star luxury in a spectacular beachfront location, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira provides state-of-the-art fitness facilities for those seeking an active retreat, including a gym, infinity pool and new padel court. The resort’s exercise classes include a seasonal Beach Blaster Bootcamp and yoga. Personal training and nutritional consults are also available, alongside tailored wellness programs.

Paleo cafe The Cycle Bistro has become a firm favorite with the city’s fitness crowd for its high-energy shakes, smoothies, snacks and meals. Free from sugar, dairy and gluten, the cafe’s emphasis is on locally sourced, wholefood ingredients.

This isn’t your average bike ride. Winding through the desert dunes, the Al Qudra cycle route is one of the best ways to explore Dubai’s Desert Conservation Reserve. It’s home to some rare desert animals like the Arabian oryx, a native antelope once extinct in the wild. There are four routes of different lengths, up to 53 miles and vehicle-free for safer riding. Bring your own bike or rent from Trek Bikes.

While fitness fanatics might need to step out of the gym to take in the sights, you can still make sure you reach your daily step-count goal. Free Tours by Foot has a range of walking tours, including Old Dubai, and Downtown Dubai’s history and architecture.

Located next to the Burj Khalifa in the city center, The Dubai Mall is the ultimate shopping experience with over 1,200 stores. But if a day of shopping isn’t enough to work up a sweat, then head to the Zabeel Sports District, located on the mall’s rooftop. The 20,000 square foot complex has padel, badminton, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, and an indoor cricket pitch.

An amazing way to rest, reset and invigorate your body is an ice bath. Cool Out! Breathe In! offers early morning breathing sessions and ice baths to reduce muscle inflammation and energize you for the day ahead.

Just 15 minutes from Dubai’s skyscraper-studded shoreline by speedboat, Anantara World Islands is a traffic-free reprieve from the city. Ask for a suite with waterfront access and wake up to waves lapping on the shore of your own private beach.

This fishermen-owned Lebanese restaurant prides itself on having the freshest fish in town, earning it a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. From squid to shrimp to sardines, pick your fish at the counter and tuck into cold mezze while you wait. With a beautiful beach view, you can even sit waterside while eating the catch of the day.

As the name suggests, Kite Beach is often dotted with the colorful sails of windsurfers and kite surfers making the most of its winds and waves. Newbies can get kitted out at the Kitesurf School Dubai, and join morning or afternoon lessons for a crash-course in the sport.

Speed across the waves of the Arabian Gulf on jet skis, and get a unique perspective of the iconic skyline, including the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab and Arabian Palace-styled Atlantis at The Palm. Nemo Watersports rents jet skis for 30 minutes to two hours, so you can spend as much time zipping around the Gulf as you want.

Perched 656 feet above the city, Aura Skypool offers unparalleled views across The Palm and skyline. Guests can buy morning, afternoon, or all-day passes. Insider tip: In summer, book on a Sunday or Monday evening to enjoy a DJ set with your swim.

ME by Melia is situated in The Opus, one of the most striking buildings in Dubai, designed inside and out by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Located right next to downtown, you’ll be in the heart of the hustle and bustle. With an emphasis on contemporary art and design, the chic rooms offer views of the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai offers travelers the chance to eat their way around the globe but for a taste of Emirati cuisine, visit Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Located in the heart of the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, it serves up authentic Arabic cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in generous portions.

A centuries-old traditional Arabic sport that’s still popular with locals, a visit to the racetrack in Al Marmoom is a unique cultural experience. Racing season runs through the cooler months. Insider tip: Races are free to attend, although it’s recommended to book your seat in advance.

Experience Emirati hospitality at The Arabian Tea House where you can enjoy hearty Middle Eastern dishes and refreshing drinks in its quaint, shaded courtyard. Hidden in the alleyways of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the cafe is the perfect stop for a pot of traditional Arabic “gahwa” (Arabic coffee), or flavorful tea. They have a huge range, so ask for recommendations depending on your preference.

It’s erroneously known as the world’s only seven-star hotel — although it’s not hard to see why the Burj Al Arab inspired its own luxury rating system. The sail-shaped hotel has become synonymous with Dubai and the city’s penchant for excess and opulence. Sweeping panoramas and gold-gilded decor are signatures of this suite-only hotel that prides itself on Arabesque palatial elegance. The Talise Spa is a must for lavish R&R, and don’t miss the exceptional Michelin-starred French-Italian fare at Al Muntaha.

In a city of sky-high trendy restaurants, you’ll never want for a lavish dinner. But for a truly unique fine-dining experience, drop below sea level into Ossiano’s Michelin-starred underwater dining room. A calming blue glow emits from the 11-million-liter Atlantis aquarium that surrounds the restaurant. Sharks and stingrays swim past diners as they tuck into the “9-waves tasting menu”: taking inspiration from the ocean, it sweeps guests up in a culinary journey across the seven seas.

Perched 656 feet above the city, Aura Skypool offers unparalleled views across The Palm and skyline. Splash out with an all-day pass. Insider tip: In summer, book on a Sunday or Monday evening to enjoy a DJ set with your swim.

Get the best vantage point of the city’s iconic skyline. For a premium experience, book a private ride with Heli Dubai: the 40-minute odyssey passes all the best-known attractions, including the Palm Jumeirah, the World Islands and the Burj Khalifa.

Located next to the Burj Khalifa in the city center, The Dubai Mall is the ultimate shopping experience with over 1,200 stores. There’s no shortage of luxury labels here, and VIP personal shoppers are available in Fashion Avenue, as well as Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s. Big spenders can take advantage of “Shop, Drop and Deliver” services, and check out the Lounge in Fashion Avenue: it’s where the “top-level” customers reset in between shopping sprees with gourmet snacks and refreshments.

All that glitters isn’t gold — except at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira’s 2,000-square-meter beachfront spa. Its ultra-luxe 24K Gold Age-Defying Facial combines mogra, also known as Arabian jasmine, and 24 karat gold leaf for a restorative, skin soothing experience.

Get the Dubai experience on a budget at Rove. Its nine locations offer pocket-friendly options across the city, from waterside locations at Dubai Marina and La Mer beachfront to Rove Downtown overlooking the Burj Khalifa. The sleek, no-fuss rooms provide a comfortable crash pad for your city adventure. Room rates include a breakfast buffet and access to a 24-hour gym, outdoor pool and laundromat.

While Dubai has its share of free public beaches, including JBR Beach, hit Barasti Beach Club for the quintessential Dubai experience. Unlike many other clubs, pool access here is free, with sun loungers and umbrellas assigned on a first-come first-served basis. Women can enjoy discounted “Ladies Day” drinks offers and there are happy hour deals throughout the week.

Dubai Fountain sits at the base of world’s tallest building, offering a two-for-one on record-breaking architecture. Free to watch, the daily light and music show lasts for five minutes, with water shooting up to 125 meters into the sky. If you want to make an evening of it, snag a waterside table at the Fountain Bar in the Time Out Market for a front-row seat. Insider tip: The Souk Al Bahar Bridge offers the best free view of the fountain, although you’ll need to get there early to grab a spot.

While most shoppers hit the city’s world-famous malls, the centuries-old souks in Deira combine shopping and sightseeing. You’ll find the spice, gold, textiles and perfume bazaars all within walking distance of one another. It’s well worth a look, even if you’re not planning to buy. Free walking tours are available if you want a guide through the maze.

Before there were metros, monorails and trams whizzing around the city, people traveled by water on raft-like boats called abras. Crossing Dubai Creek on a public abra costs pennies and is the perfect way to get around and sightsee.

A 45-minute drive from the city center in the midst of Dubai’s Desert Conversation Reserve, Al Maha is a boutique escape for those with an adventurous spirit. Guests can explore the desert on camel or horseback, or on a guided safari. Each suite offers sweeping views across the sand dunes from private plunge pools, perfect to relax in after a long day of exploring.

Opened by three Afghan women in 2018, award-winning Kishmish describes itself as the city’s first gourmet Afghan restaurant. The menu comprises the founder’s own favorite home-cooked dishes, including charcoal grilled meats, Kabuli pulao rice, and Afghan-style dumplings called mantu. If you visit for breakfast, try the special okra shakshuka, a dish of eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce, served with naan or paratha.

This isn’t your average bike ride. Winding through the desert dunes, the Al Qudra cycle route is one of the best ways to explore Dubai’s Desert Conservation Reserve. It’s home to some rare desert animals like the Arabian oryx, a native antelope once extinct in the wild. There are four routes of different lengths, up to 53 miles and vehicle-free for safer riding. Bring your own bike or rent from Trek Bikes.

A centuries-old traditional Arabic sport that’s still popular with locals, camel racing is a unique cultural experience. Racing season at the racetrack in Al Marmoom runs through the cooler months. Insider tip: Races are free to attend, although it’s recommended to book your seat in advance.

While most shoppers hit the city’s world-famous malls, those with a sense of adventure should visit one of its oldest neighborhood, Deira. On the banks of Dubai Creek, merchants have traded in Deira’s souks for over a century. You’ll find the spice, gold, textiles and perfume bazaars all within walking distance of one another. It’s well worth a look, even if you’re not planning to buy.

For a unique perspective of Dubai, join one of Crystal Clear Watersport’s night kayak tours. Paddle into the Arabian Gulf in a glowing, transparent boat, and take in the illuminated city skyline from the water.

The iconic horseshoe arch at the center of the pink, palatial Atlantis, The Palm has become a symbol of Dubai and its luxurious resorts. But you’re getting a lot more than just high-end comfort here: guests at the hotel get access to Aquaventure, one of the world’s largest waterparks, offering dolphin experiences, thrilling water sports and a vast aquarium housing 65,000 marine creatures. Guests can even stay in underwater suites with floor-to-ceiling windows looking into the tank, where sharks and stingrays will skim past while you slumber.

In a city that hosts the world’s tallest building, the 2,722-feet-tall Burj Khalifa, rooftop bars and restaurants at vertigo-inducing heights are a dime a dozen. But if you have the stomach for it, try dining out while suspended 160 feet above street level. Dinner in the Sky hoists guests into the air on a crane and serves up a set chef’s menu against the backdrop of the city. Make a reservation for dinner to enjoy unparalleled sunset views across the city, including the Dubai Eye, the world’s tallest observation wheel.

Channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and whiz around this challenging racetrack. Car enthusiasts can enjoy an authentic F1 experience in either a 2000 Jaguar R1 or a 2002 Arrows A23, reaching speeds of more than 160 miles per hour. The nearby Kartdrome also offers kart racing, a more family-friendly thrill activity.

The best view of the Palm Jumeirah? From 13,000 feet. Get a bird’s eye view of the man-made, tree-shaped island during a tandem skydive, strapped to an instructor, with Skydive Dubai. You’ll also get the chance to glimpse the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, from above.

The Dubai Mall is the ultimate shopping experience with over 1,200 stores. It’s also adjacent to the world’s tallest building, which can be admired from the mall’s Sky Views Observatory, along with panoramic views of the city. Those brave enough can take a hair-raising “edge walk” around the barrier-free ledge of the observatory. There’s also an Olympic-sized ice rink, the haunted house attraction Hysteria, and the world’s largest indoor virtual reality park.

While swimming deep below the water’s surface might be a heart-stopping thought for most people, thrill seekers can find tranquility in the dark depths of Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest diving pool. Plunge 60 meters (196 feet) below the surface to explore the sunken city or play underwater games in the arcade.

With not one, but two Michelin-starred restaurants on-site, the Bulgari Resort is a foodie paradise. Two-star Il Ristorante – Niko Romito puts a luxurious spin on Italian fare, while the exclusive Hōseki has just nine seats and a bespoke omakase menu, curated by sixth-generation sushi master, Masahiro Sugiyama. The beachside rooms and villas provide the perfect place to rest and recover in between meals. With five more restaurants on-site, you’ll need it.

In a city with thousands of food venues, it’s impossible to choose just one: which is why Time Out Market Dubai offers the perfect compromise. Foodies can feast on 17 different dining concepts at this central food hall, from traditional Emirati fare to Indian fusion to gourmet American grub. It even has an outdoor terrace for a front-row seat to watch the Dubai Fountain light show.

Dubai is home to the all-day brunch concept, and free-flowing food, fun and fizz is one of the best ways to spend your weekend. The boisterous Baikingu Brunch at Zuma Dubai offers premium sushi and yakitori, while Coya serves up colorful, contemporary Peruvian dishes. Or, head to London Social at the beachside Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, for a top-quality international buffet of fresh seafood, smoky barbecue meats, decadent curries, and an array of sweets and baked goods.

Experience Emirati hospitality at The Arabian Tea House where you can enjoy hearty Middle Eastern dishes and refreshing drinks in its quaint, shaded courtyard. Hidden in the alleyways of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, the cafe is the perfect stop for a pot of traditional Arabic “gahwa” (Arabic coffee), or flavorful tea. They have a huge range, so ask for recommendations depending on your preference.

The beachside FIVE Palm Jumeirah resort is fast becoming the city’s hottest nightlife spot. On the hopping Palm West Beach, the hotel boasts a vibrant selection of restaurants, bars and nightclubs with ocean and city views. Don’t miss Bohemia, the hotel’s extravagant beach party every Saturday.

Dubai is home to the all-day brunch concept, and free-flowing food, fun and fizz is one of the best ways to spend your weekend. Zuma’s boisterous Baikingu Brunch offers premium sushi oysters, gyozas and yakitori, while Coya serves up colorful, contemporary Peruvian dishes.

An all-round entertainment super-venue, Billionaire Dubai hosts lavish dining experiences, performance art and a nightclub where you can dance from dusk ‘til dawn. It draws in A-listers and big spenders from around the globe, both as guests and performers. It won’t be a cheap night, but you’re guaranteed a good time.

Brass Monkey is an adults-only play and dining space, with licensed restaurants, VR experiences, an arcade and bowling. Set in the lively Bluewater Island complex, it’s the perfect place to get a group together for cocktails, games and pub grub through to the early hours.

Partied out? Spend a day snoozing on a shaded sun lounger at Bla Bla Beach Club. If you do rally by the time the sun goes down, then the laid-back beach club transforms into a party paradise. This waterfront complex has 20 bars, including rooftop venues, music stages and hidden speakeasies.

At the Middle East’s first LEGOLAND Hotel, guests can live out their childhood fantasies and stay in a LEGO brick palace. The hotel is smack-bang in the middle of Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, and accommodation includes passes to LEGOLAND’s theme park and waterpark. For rollercoaster enthusiasts, Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks and Riverland Dubai are also just minutes from the front door.

Equal parts messy and delicious, budget-friendly Filipino diner Dampa Seafood Grill is a foodie favorite in the city. Its popular “seafood dump” is inspired by the Filipino “boodle fight” sharing style, where food is served onto paper-covered tables and eaten with your hands. Shrimp, squid, crabs and clams are served in a sweet and smoky Cajun marinade. Best enjoyed with a big group.

This beachside outdoor waterpark in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai’s original amusement parks, welcoming visitors for the past two decades. With waterslides, wave machines, surf pools and river rapids, it’s impossible to leave the park dry.

Brass Monkey is an adults-only play and dining space, with licensed restaurants, VR experiences, an arcade and bowling. Set in the lively Bluewater Island complex, it’s the perfect place to get a group together for cocktails, games and pub grub through to the early hours.

Dubai’s first glow-in-the-dark Padel facility at The Alley is a quirky way to experience one of the world’s most popular racquet sports. Simple to pick up and fun to play, it’s a great way to blow off steam.

That’s right, even Dubai has camping. Around a 90-minute drive from Dubai, Hatta is a haven of outdoor adventure high in the Hajar Mountains. Spend the weekend hiking, mountain-biking and kayaking, and sleep under the stars with a range of glamping options including cabins, trailers and tented domes. For those looking to go ultra-low impact, you can bring and pitch your own tent.

Recognized by the Michelin Guide for its eco credentials, LOWE is a pared-back fine-dining restaurant determined to make a difference. Using local ingredients for its regularly changing menus, the restaurant is also building its own kitchen garden. Its “Waste Not” tasting menu transforms waste products into key components of its simple but delicious dishes.

This isn’t your average bike ride. Winding through the desert dunes, the Al Qudra cycle route is one of the best ways to explore Dubai’s Desert Conservation Reserve. It’s home to some rare desert animals like the Arabian oryx, a native antelope once extinct in the wild. There are four routes of different lengths, up to 53 miles and vehicle-free for safer riding. Bring your own bike or rent from Trek Bikes.

While Expo 2020 wrapped in March 2022, the expansive complex is being converted into a mixed-use space for shopping, dining, entertainment and offices. One of the architectural stars of the complex is Terra, the sustainability pavilion. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the impressive structure generates its own electricity with 4,912 solar panels and employs a graywater recycling system, among other design techniques which help it keep cool in the desert heat.

Offering a platform to small and medium-sized businesses, Ripe Market runs weekly at various locations across the city. Supporting local artisans and craftspeople, you’ll find organic products, sustainable fashion and unique homeware items here. Be sure to check its Instagram page to find out where it will pop up during your trip.

The hawksbill turtle is native to the waters around the Arabian Peninsula and critically endangered. Luxury hotel Jumeirah Al Naseem runs a turtle rehabilitation program that helps injured sea turtles recuperate at a purpose-built lagoon, before being released back to the Arabian Gulf. Since 2004, it’s already rescued and released 1,600 turtles. Insider tip: Visit the turtles and get involved with their care during Wednesday morning feeding sessions.

On the banks of Dubai Creek, the Park Hyatt offers chic, Mediterranean-style interiors with private terraces affording views of Dubai’s skyline. The hotel is just a few hundred feet from the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, where the manicured greens of a 71-par championship course await.

Overlooking the Dubai Creek and adjacent to the championship golf courses, Boardwalk serves up classic Mediterranean fare. Its alfresco dining is the perfect way to unwind after a day on the course, and watch the sunset over the waterway that runs through the heart of the old city.

Adjacent to Media City, Emirates Golf Club has not one, but two, championship courses: The Majlis and The Faldo Course. The former was the first grass course in the Middle East, while the latter is open both day and night, offering the opportunity to golf in the cooler evening air with the twinkling city skyline as a backdrop.

Anantara World Islands Resort has come up with an innovative way to help budding golfers practice their perfect shot. Its “Eco Golf” program lets guests tee off at its private beach with biodegradable balls that dissolve into fish food. It’s also a chance to see the exclusive manmade World Islands in the Gulf, and get a new view of the city skyline.

You’ll find athleisure and high street brands galore at this open-air mall, and the silvery sand of JBR public beach is just minutes away. In between shopping sprees, be sure to check out 3D Blacklight Mini Golf at The Walk, where you can putt your way through 18 holes surrounded by eccentric 3D artworks. Don’t forget, your best golf whites will be extra glow-in-the-dark here.

A driving range with casual dining venues, TopGolf is the ultimate destination for those seeking a more laidback alternative to the typical clubhouse atmosphere. Its restaurants include American-style bar The Yard, which has six mega screens for live sports, and family-friendly dining at The Bunker, which has mini golf and an arcade to keep kids happy.

A tiny hotel of just 15 rooms, the XVA Art Hotel is nestled in the twisting alleyways of Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. The Persian-style building was the former home of renowned watch dealers, the Seddiqi family, and converted into boutique accommodation in 2003. The hotel also hosts a vegetarian cafe and contemporary gallery, with shaded courtyards and outdoor lounges for guests to soak up the history of old Dubai.

Taking inspiration from some of the world’s greatest artists, Shangri-La Dubai invites art aficionados to indulge in an immersive, seven-course menu. Seven Paintings celebrates work from the likes of Michelangelo and Salvador Dali, transforming their work into avant-garde dishes. More than just a meal, the two-hour experience is also a high-tech show.

An early player in Dubai’s art scene, The Majlis Gallery has been promoting promising regional artists since 1989. Its name means “meeting place” or “common ground” and it focuses on connecting local talent in painting, sculpture, ceramic, glasswork and photography to international audiences. Located in the Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood, the building is a delight of traditional Arabic architecture and picturesque courtyards.

The first non-governmental contemporary arts organization of its kind in the UAE, the Jameel Arts Center hosts solo and group exhibitions of regional and international artists. The building’s stylish architecture and the landscaped gardens on the banks of Dubai Creek are an attraction in themselves. Entry is free, though booking a slot in advance is recommended.

This renovated industrial zone houses a 500,000-square-foot creative hub of contemporary art galleries, event spaces, indie fashion stores and cafes. Highlights include the contemporary gallery Volte, emerging artists at Lawrie Shabibi, and the first international outpost of New York gallery Leila Heller. Or get arty yourself: Al Kass Ceramics offers pottery workshops, you can create upcycled crafts at KAVE, or paint at The Jam Jar.

Cool and ultra-modern, the sleek, spaceship-like interiors of V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton will make you feel as if you’ve been whisked into the future. Creative lighting and curved design soften the minimalist aesthetic. Best of all, its floor to ceiling windows provide views across the city so you can enjoy Dubai from indoors — although should you decide to venture out just a little, its rooftop pool is ideal for a dip.

The first boardgame cafe in the UAE, Unwind has more than 800 tabletop games to get stuck into. Unlike many game cafes, the food here isn’t an afterthought: its comprehensive menu includes all-day breakfast delights, sandwiches and decadent desserts. Check out their Instagram for special dining offers, too.

Dubai’s first glow-in-the-dark Padel facility at The Alley is a quirky way to experience one of the world’s most popular racquet sports. Simple to pick up and fun to play, it’s a great way to blow off steam.

Housed in a building straight out of a science-fiction movie, the Museum of the Future has to be seen to be believed. While the immersive exhibitions about the future of transportation and space travel are cool, the architecture is what you’re here for. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping views from the observation deck in the center of the building.

Housed in converted shipping containers in the Alserkal Avenue creative hub, Cinema Akil specializes in arthouse films and exclusive screening events, showing films old and new from across the globe. Previous themes include a celebration of the works of director Stanley Kubrick, Italian film week, and Korean movie nights.