Dubaicity of trade winds and zero income tax

The world's tallest skyscraper — 828 m, opened 2010. At the Top observation deck on floors 124–125 — 169 AED, floor 148 (SKY) — 379 AED, but SKY is worth every dirham: panoramic windows, private lift, champagne. Arrive at 17:30 an hour before sunset — you'll see Dubai by day, by night and as the city lights come on. Book tickets online at least a week ahead — slots on-site may be sold out.

Classic safari — 6 hours: hotel pick-up at 15:00, dune bashing in Land Cruiser, camel stop, camp with barbecue, belly dance, fire show, stargazing. Price 250–600 AED. Budget option — Arabian Adventures (from 250 AED). Premium — Platinum Heritage in vintage 1950s Land Rovers with falconry (from 1,500 AED). Book the overnight camp experience — stars without city light pollution are extraordinary.

UAE's largest waterpark at Atlantis The Palm: 30+ slides, sharks in Shark Lagoon tunnel, high-speed Leap of Faith through a fish tank. Ticket 349 AED (adult), but via booking sites — from 250 AED. Tip: arrive at 10:00 opening, head straight to Slitherine and Aquaconda — after midday queues reach 40 minutes. Cabana with dinner at Nasimi Beach — essential finale.

The wooden abra — only authentic transport of 'old Dubai'. Ferries between Bur Dubai and Deira stations across Dubai Creek, journey — 5 minutes, cost 1 dirham (cash to the captain). You're immersed among traders, near Deira's gold and spice souks. Best at 17:00 at sunset — old city lights reflect in the water, and you understand what Dubai was like before oil.

Brunch — Dubai's main social tradition, Friday at major hotels. Bubbalicious at Westin Mina Seyahi — leader since the 1990s: 200+ dishes, unlimited Moët champagne, lobster, foie gras, sushi, dessert room. Price 595 AED with alcohol (12:30–16:00). Alternatives — Saffron at Atlantis (300+ Asian dishes) and The Royal Brunch at Mandarin Oriental. Book a week ahead — top tables sell out instantly.

Spice Souk and Gold Souk in Deira — the emirate's two oldest markets. Iranian and Spanish saffron from 30 AED/gram (tourist markets — 100+), dried lemon, cardamom, pink pepper. At the gold souk — 22-carat items at metal price + 5–10% labour. Haggle required: first price is double. Best time — weekdays 10:00–13:00, without cruise crowds.

Opened 2022 — named by CNN the most beautiful building on earth. Curved 78-metre torus of glass with Arabic calligraphy, no visible columns. Inside — 7 floors of immersive exhibits on humanity in 2071, AI, bioengineering. Ticket 145 AED, book a month ahead via museumofthefuture.ae — slots sell out in minutes. Time in exhibition — 2–2.5 hours.

Global Village — seasonal park-exhibition October to April: pavilions from 90+ countries, each with national food, crafts, shows. 17 dining zones, 200+ rides, fireworks at 21:00 every evening. Ticket 25 AED (children under 12 free on Wednesdays). Best time — weekdays 16:00–22:00. Budget alternative to expensive Emirati attractions, perfect with children.

Skydive Dubai over Palm Jumeirah — world's best skydiving zone per Travel+Leisure. Altitude 4,000 m, freefall 60 seconds, canopy descent — 5 minutes with bird's-eye view of the palm island. Tandem with instructor — 2,199 AED, no experience, no training. Video and photos — 600 AED. Book 1–2 weeks ahead via skydivedubai.ae.