10. Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is rather like an independent city-state and is the most modern and progressive emirate in the UAE.Dubai is essentially a desert city with superb infrastructure, liberal policies, that became popular for its excellent tourist amenities.Dubai makes a great short break for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining, sporting events, and even a few sinful pleasures. It is a city of superlatives.The weekly day off is on Friday. Note that, since September 2006, a harmonised weekend of Friday and Saturday has been adopted for the public sector and schools.

Burj Khalifa Burj Dubai, at 828 metres and 160 floors this is the world's tallest structure by a long shot, over 300m taller than the previous contender in Taipei. The observation deck at the 124th floor is the 2nd highest in the world after the Shanghai World Financial center. Already dominating the Dubai skyline, the newly opened tower houses nine hotels and a Las Vegas-inspired fountain system. The visitors' entrance is located at the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall. Although the tour is called At the Top be aware that it isn't! Although the observation deck is the highest open deck in the world, at 452m it's just over halfway up the tower itself. Console yourself with the knowledge that most of the rest of the tower consists of service areas and the view below looks suitably ant-like. Tickets cost Dhs 125 for a timed entry ticket, usually later the same day, or Dhs 400 if you do not want to wait. Tickets can sell out several days in advance, and it is advisable to book them online ahead of your visit. Things to do 1. Ski Dubai now has its own snow skiing centre. Located in the new Mall of the Emirates (MOE), on the Sheikh Zayed Road, it offers both skiing and snowboarding. The slope is quite large for an indoor area. All equipment is available for hire. Although it is -4°C inside, you don't need to bring a jacket because they supply pretty much everything except gloves and a hat (which you can buy right there). A 2 hour pass costs Dhs180 plus Dhs20 for a locker. 2. Dubai Zoo Jumeirah Road. An outdoor zoo near to the beach. Considering the extreme temperatures during the summer months, there are plans to bring the zoo indoors. The zoo is not worth visiting as the number and variety of animals are few, and housing conditions are also appalling. Animals are trapped in cages too small for them to take more than a few steps, and are frustrated and bored.  3. Dubai Underwater Zoo Kids can close their science books that tackles the life beneath the sea surface. The Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall. Meant for the family and travelers curious to the marine life, it offers thousands of  sea creatures. Al Boom Diving offers certified divers the chance to dive recreationally in the aquarium tank, getting up close and personal with its occupants. Come face-to-face with the large sharks and rays that inhabit the tank. Nowhere else can you guarantee to see such amazing diversity and numbers of species! The recreational dives are run four times a day, every two hours from 1pm and all equipment is provided. A training presentation is given before the dive to prepare you for the specialist environment of the tank and you receive a certificate of participation afterwards, as a lifelong souvenir of the day.  4. Gold Souk Not a mall, but a historic market that has been a part of Dubai since the origin of Dubai itself. Located at the mouth of the creek, it dazzles people by selling gold in large quantities and with little visible security. A must visit for shoppers and sightseers. Most of the gold is 22ct quality and quite expensive - although even here the shopkeepers are prepared to bargain - and the craftsmanship can be remarkably detailed. The gold items are sold by weight with a "making charge" added on top to cover the workmanship. It pays therefore, to go shopping armed with the current gold price and a knowledge of the making charges in order to hone the bargaining process. Many outlets are part of chains that also have branches in malls, so are generally reliable. 5. Spice souk We went to the Spice Souk first where the aromas of all the wonderful things for sale mixed with the local music blasting from the shops set the mood for the rest of the night.