Dubai

Dubai's transformation from a small pearl-fishing settlement to one of the world's most recognizable skylines has taken place almost entirely within the last four decades, making it one of history's most extraordinary urban stories. The city now draws visitors from every continent, drawn by the Burj Khalifa — the world's tallest building at 828 meters — the engineering marvel of the Palm Jumeirah artificial island, and a retail landscape anchored by the Dubai Mall, which houses an indoor ski slope, an aquarium, and an Olympic-sized ice rink alongside over 1,200 shops. Yet Dubai is also making genuine strides in culture and heritage, with the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood preserving the windtower architecture of old Dubai and the new Dubai Frame straddling old and new in both concept and location.

Visitors should not miss the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira, a sensory immersion into the traditional trading identity that predates the oil era. An abra (traditional wooden boat) ride across Dubai Creek for just one dirham is one of the great travel bargains in the world. For modern spectacle, the Dubai Fountain show at the base of the Burj Khalifa lake every evening is free and genuinely spectacular. Desert safaris — dune bashing, camel riding, and a starlit dinner in a Bedouin camp — are easily booked as day or evening experiences from any hotel.

November through April is the only comfortable time to visit; summer temperatures routinely exceed 45°C (113°F) with brutal humidity, and while the malls and hotels are perfectly air-conditioned, any outdoor activity becomes challenging. Dubai is extremely safe, and the public transport system — Metro, buses, water taxis — is modern, clean, and cheap. Modest dress is expected in souks, mosques, and public spaces away from beach/pool areas; bikinis and shorts are fine on the beach and in hotel precincts. Alcohol is available in licensed hotel bars and restaurants but is not sold in grocery stores.