Dubai

Slicing through the slipstream of the sky's superhighways, there is no more potent a symbol of Dubai's aspiration to position itself as a major global player than its phalanx of futuristic skyscrapers. Above them all looms the Burj Khalifa, shaped like a deep-space rocket and at 828m the world's tallest building. Clad in 28,000 glass panels, it also lays claim to several more superlatives, including the highest outdoor observation deck, the most floors, the highest occupied floor and a lift (elevator) with the longest travel distance.

Shopping malls represent an integral part of the culture and lifestyle in Dubai. Not merely places for maxing out your credit cards on fashion, electronics or gourmet foods, malls are also where locals go to socialise in cafes and restaurants, to catch a movie in a state-of-the-art multiplex or to get adrenaline kicks in an indoor theme park or game arcade. Best and biggest of the bunch is Dubai Mall, which features not only 1300 stores but also a giant aquarium, an indoor ice rink and a genuine dinosaur skeleton.

Wandering around this restored heritage area in Bur Dubai provides a tangible sense of historic Middle Eastern architecture and culture. Low-lying traditional courtyard buildings flank this quiet labyrinth of lanes, many of them featuring arabesque windows, decorative gypsum screens and wind towers. Some contain craft shops, small heritage museums, art galleries, artsy guesthouses or cafes serving local fare, including Middle Eastern breakfasts and camel milk smoothies. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding leads guided tours of the quarter.

For a dose of Arabian Nights flair, head to Dubai's historic core and plunge headlong into its charmingly chaotic warren of markets. The famed headliner is the dazzling Gold Souq. Even if you don't have a thing for bling, a walk through here will feel like you've entered a giant Aladdin's Cave. It's fun to just watch the action, especially in the evening. If you're buying, sharpen your haggling skills no matter whether shopping for teensy earrings, an engagement ring or a dowry-worthy necklace.

This landmark luxe hotel, with its dramatic design that mimics the billowing sail of a ship, floats on its own artificial island and has become the iconic symbol of Dubai’s boom years. The interior is all about impact, drama and unapologetic bling, with dancing fountains, gold fittings, shiny marble and whirlpool baths your butler can fill with champagne if you so wish. If a stay exceeds your budget, you can still partake in the opulence by making reservations for cocktails, afternoon tea or dinner in the underwater restaurant.

Housed in Bur Dubai's Al Fahidi Fort, the city's oldest surviving structure, this museum provides a well-laid-out introduction to the history of Dubai. Marvel at the turbo-evolution of this city from simple desert settlement to futuristic metropolis in just a third of a century. Dioramas recreate traditional scenes in a market, at home and in the mosque, while other galleries focus on life at sea and in the desert. An archaeological exhibition illustrates the ancient history of the region with a display of items unearthed during excavations at local digs.

The Arabian desert, with its weathered mountains, undulating sand dunes and wide open spaces, exudes a special mystique that can easily be savoured on a day trip from urbanised Dubai. There are numerous tour operators to set you up with everything from camel treks to sandboarding or overnight safaris. The best ones offer an authentic look at local culture through encounters with Bedouins and traditional meals. Alternatively, consider hiring a 4WD and staying at a desert resort, so you can appreciate the magnificent scenery on your own schedule.

Founded in 1971, the United Arab Emirates is one of the youngest countries in the world. The Union House, the circular building where the treaty was debated and signed, now sits adjacent to the architecturally striking Etihad Museum. In monumental underground halls, exhibits use documentaries, photographs and timelines to introduce key players and the events that led to this milestone in Gulf history. Although it occasionally verges on the pompous, the museum goes a long way towards helping visitors understand the complexities behind the birth of this young nation.

In 2016 Dubai added four theme parks to its stable of attractions, including IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park. Daredevils can join the Avengers in battling the evil Ultron, get pummelled by Thor in a lunch-losing top-spin ride, pose for selfies with a walking dinosaur and feel like a cannonball when going from zero to 100km/h in 2.5 seconds on the Velociraptor coaster. Little kids, meanwhile, will be enchanted by Ben 10, Gumball and the Powerpuff Girls in the Cartoon Network wing.

Dazzling rooftop bars, chill beachfront lounges, classic pubs, cool karaoke joints, speakeasy-style nightclubs, live-music venues – with such variety, finding a party location to suit your mood is hardly a tall order in Dubai. One of the biggest draws for nocturnal action is White Dubai, incidentally the only club in the Middle East on the Top 100 list of the British DJ Mag. The mega-venue with its impressive light and sound systems sits smack dab on top of the grandstand of the Meydan Racecourse.