Dubai is a slick, modern city full of ambition. From mega malls to some of the tallest buildings and the largest artificial islands in the world, this is a magical place in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai has the most impressive skyline in the world, the tallest building in the world, endless entertainment at the mega malls, and 1,000km of beaches to enjoy. Dubai is the modern art and design capital of the Middle East, home to the biggest fountain display in the world, and has one of the world’s largest artificial islands.

The UAE has an arid desert climate with only two main seasons, winter and summer, separated by two transitional periods. The winter season (December to March) has a mean temperature ranging from 16.4°C to 24°C, while the summer months (between June and August) have averages of around 30⁰C.

What to visit in Dubai

Burj Khalifa

The tallest man-made structure on earth, or down at the marina, home to four of the five tallest residential buildings in the world, you're never too far away from an amazing view. Based on the average height of the 10 tallest buildings in Dubai, this city has the tallest skyline in the world. Burj Khalifa skyscraper is the tallest and is nearly twice the height of New York's Empire State building, the tallest free-standing structure in the world towers above the clouds at 2,722 ft or 828m. With 163 floors to explore, you know the view from the observation decks is going to be worth the entry fee.

Dubai Mall

Is the second biggest shopping Centre on the planet by land mass, and it’s just one of the many novelty centers you can visit. People travel to Dubai from near and far to indulge in retail therapy and visit the attractions built into the various shopping centers. Dubai even holds a month-long shopping festival in January with concerts and giveaways where shoppers can win cars and gold.

Ski

Dubai is a city where anything is possible – even skiing in the snow. At 85 meters high and 22,500 square meters, Dubai’s five-slope indoor ski resort also boasts the world's first 400-metre-long indoor black run.

Beach

Dubai’s greatest draw card might be its incredible beaches. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year and over 1,000km of coastline to explore, you’re never too far away from getting your tan on in Dubai.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah, built between 2001 and 2006, is one of the world's largest artificial islands. It's home to multi-million dollar mega mansions and a host of five-star luxury hotels, including the iconic Atlantis The Palm.

Cuisine

Here is a spectacular range of food styles available in the city. With hundreds of Arab, Persian, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, French, Japanese, Chinese, British and American restaurants – both humble and high-end – there’s something for everyone and every craving. Throw in the array of food festivals that happen throughout the year and the stream of pop-up eateries and it's no wonder expats talk about newcomers putting on weight, aka the 'Dubai stone'.

Dubai is all about having the biggest, best and most spectacular things on earth