Things to do in Dubai

Dubai's single most memorable experience. An afternoon in the red dunes east of the city — 4WD dune bashing, a sunset over the sand, camel rides, falconry, and a Bedouin camp dinner under the stars. Even the budget versions deliver. The overnight version is special. Book directly with operators for better prices.

The world's tallest building at 828m. Level 124 and 125 give you an outdoor terrace and glass-enclosed observation decks. The view of the city against the desert is extraordinary. Book online in advance (cheaper and you choose your time slot). Go at sunset for the transition from day to golden hour to city lights.

The world's largest choreographed fountain. Shows run at 6pm, 6:30pm, and every 30 minutes until 11pm. Completely free from the boardwalk around the Burj Lake. The combination of water, music, light and the Burj Khalifa behind it is one of the great urban spectacles. Combine with a sunset Burj Khalifa visit for the ideal Downtown evening.

The historic neighbourhood of Al Fahidi preserves the 19th-century wind-tower architecture of old Dubai. Walk the lanes, visit the Dubai Museum (housed in a fort built in 1787), then take an abra across the Creek to Deira. Walk through the Gold Souk and Spice Souk while they're still busy. This is the most genuine half-day in the city.

The best free public beach in Dubai. Clean sand, calm water, and the Burj Al Arab standing sentinel in the distance. Food trucks, a skate park, beach volleyball, and a small water park. Quieter than JBR, more authentic, and the view is better. Free parking, free entry. Go in the morning before 11am in peak season.

A 1km zipline above the Dubai Marina at 170m height — launching from the Amwaj Tower and landing near the Marina Walk. Offers a completely unique bird's-eye perspective of one of the world's most dramatic urban skylines. Runs in daylight and at night; the nighttime experience (lights, boats, towers around you) is exceptional.

The warehouse-turned-gallery district in Al Quoz. Over 50 creative spaces, galleries, a cinema (Cinema Akil showing international and arthouse film), a theatre, coffee roasters. Free to enter almost everywhere. The Thursday evening gallery openings are a Dubai institution — free wine, interesting art, interesting people. Very different from the glass-tower Dubai everyone photographs.

A full-size indoor ski slope inside Mall of the Emirates, operating at -1°C year-round while it's 40°C outside. Five runs, a snow park, a chair lift, and resident penguins. Absurd by any rational measure, and completely enjoyable. Great for families; genuinely fun for adults too. Rental gear included in the ticket.

One of the top waterparks in the world — the Leap of Faith near-vertical slide, the Tower of Neptune, a lazy river through the resort, and a private beach included. Best visited midweek to avoid weekend queues. The price is steep but it's genuinely an all-day experience, and the setting (on the Palm, looking back at the Dubai skyline) is unlike anywhere else.

Even if you're not staying at the Burj Al Arab, two options: (1) Book afternoon tea at Skyview Bar — minimum spend applies (~800 AED per couple) but you're inside the world's most famous hotel with views over the Gulf. Or (2) Drive to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel's public beach area for the free exterior view across the water. The silhouette at sunset is as good as advertised.