Dubai's rise from a sleepy port town to a city of more than one million has seen it attract people from around the world. And this might be Dubai’s biggest attraction: the sheer mix of nationalities that call the city home.

Perfect for a weekend break of shopping, eating and relaxing, Dubai is hard to resist. The weather is beautiful eight months of the year, while there is enough to do indoors to make the city a viable summer destination. Despite the growing number of tourists that arrive in the city each year, there are enough new attractions to keep them coming back year after year.

While it might not have the history of some other destinations in the region, Dubai has some of the most exciting shopping, dining and nightlife in the Middle East as well as some of the most beautiful beaches. An oasis on the edge of the desert, Dubai continues to grow and continues to amaze.

See

Most visitors first head to the newly opened Burj Khalifa. The tallest building in the world is a remarkable sight; its gleaming silver spire reflects off the sun and dwarfs everything around it, even the Dubai Mall, the biggest mall in the world. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants lining the waterfront promenade in front of the Burj, which explodes into life every evening with a spectacular sound and light show.

For something a little more authentic, make your way to Bastakiya on the edge of Dubai Creek. This neighbourhood is a warren of souks, restaurants and mosques and is the oldest part of the city. Check out Dubai Museum for a brief overview of the city’s heritage.

No visit to the centre of town would be complete without an abra ride across the Creek. At Dh1, it’s a bargain and drops you off in Deira, a chaotic district that’s more Mumbai than the Middle East. The Gold Souk and the Spice Souk are worth visiting, if even to window shop. Ethiopian, Sri Lankan, Indian, Russian, Pakistani and Afghan stores are cluttered together in the most international part f the city.

Back in New Dubai lies Mall of the Emirates which features Ski Dubai, one of the biggest indoor ski slopes in the world. Beginners and experts are catered for here so don’t worry if you have never skied before.

Directly across from the Mall is the Burj Al Arab, a magnificent sail-shaped hotel that dominates the beachfront. There are public beaches here but it’s far more fun to get a day-pass at one of the beach resorts that line the coast.

If you want a unique view of the city, drive out onto the Palm Jumeirah and visit the Atlantis Hotel at the tip of the Palm. The Aquaventure water park is one of the best in the world and the hotel’s décor has to be seen to be believed.

If you prefer your adventures of the dry kind, head out on a desert safari, where you can experience traditional Bedouin hospitality as well as a spot of dune bashing.

Stay

Dubai is a city of five-star hotels, and five-star prices. For something slightly different try the Desert Palm Resort  (Book here) just outside the city. Overlooking its own polo grounds and with world-class wellness facilities, this is the perfect place to escape the city. Palm Suites start from $500.

Somewhat closer to the action is one of the city’s newest hotels: The Address Dubai Marina (Book here). With state-of-the-art facilities such as iPod docking stations and free wireless Internet, the hotel has quickly gained a loyal following. Rooms start at $600.

If you really want to splash out, there is only one place to stay, the Burj Al Arab (Book here). The ultimate in excess, this all-suite hotel leaves nothing to the imagination with underwater restaurants, helicopter airport transfers and private butlers. Suites start from $1600.

Eat

Food is one of Dubai’s great strengths. From street-side vendors selling delicious Pakistani food (try Ravis in Satwa) to Michelin-starred celebrity chef vehicles such as Gordon Ramsay’s Verre in the Hilton Dubai Creek, there is certainly no lack of choice.

Long-time expats swear by the Lime Green Café (1, Beach Road); its lunch specials are divine. For something a bit more local, head to The Lebanese Bakery on Al Wasl Road (every taxi driver will know it) for some freshly baked goodies, both savory and sweet. The food is so good that some of Dubai’s royal family have been known to stop in from time to time.

For food with a view, check out Pier Chic in Madinat Jumeirah. A long wooden pier brings you out to sea and one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. Madinat Jumeirah has plenty of other options for all budgets, as do all of the hotels that line the coast.

One of the newest and most popular venues is Zuma in the DIFC, just off Sheikh Zayed Road. The sushi is to die for and although pricey, it attracts Dubai’s hippest crowd.

Shop

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise with some of the biggest malls in the world dotted around the city. The biggest is Dubai Mall with a mammoth 1200 stores, including the likes of Bloomingdales and the Debenhams. It also includes an ice rink and an aquarium.

Slightly smaller but no less impressive is Mall of the Emirates, which many locals prefer due to its more manageable size. Harvey Nichols is a firm favourite here as is Virgin Megastore and a raft of other fashion, music, home and accessories shops – as well as the ski slope.

Not all the retail options in Dubai are on this scale however; check out the Al Quoz area, which has a plethora of galleries featuring a host of traditional and cutting edge artists and photographers. Galleries such as The Third Line,The Jam Jar and B21 are all worth visiting.

Red Tape

Money
The UAE’s official currency is the Dirham which is pegged to the US$ at a rate of Dh3.67 to US$1. Credit cards are accepted everywhere and there are thousands of ATM machines across the city. Money exchanges are also plentiful in shopping malls and in the airport. 

Telephone
The country dialling code is +971

Visas
GCC citizens do not need a visa to enter the UAE. Most western nationalities automatically get a 30-day tourist visa for no charge. Other nationalities should check with their local embassy for visa regulations.

Transport
Dubai’s public transport network has improved in the past year with increased bus services and the newly open (although not completed) metro. Most tourists use taxis to get around which are plentiful and relatively cheap. Expect to pay around Dh70 ($19) to get from the airport to Dubai Marina.