The United Arab Emirates is a unique destination for tourists and is full of impressive cities, beautiful beaches, incredible sand dunes and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Dubai is probably the most recognized vacation destination in the United Arab Emirates and is one of the most remarkable cities you will ever visit.

Dubai is full of activities and places to visit, and there may be a lot to pack for your stay, but where should you be spending your time?

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you really must book a Dubai desert safari. There’s nothing better than taking a 4X4 drive through wide sand dunes and then a camel ride to a secluded camp to watch the sunset, enjoy an Arabian feast and sleep under the stars. There are plenty of extras, like belly dancing or fortune telling, to make your experience that little bit more memorable. To help conserve the environment, all of this takes place in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, which is located just 45 km from Dubai city and has been established for the protection of endangered species and desert habitat conservation. The DDRR is regulated and limited access has been granted to certain tour operators to help protect the environment.

While the desert landscape can be incredible, few things in Dubai are as spectacular as the Dubai cityscape. An incredible way to see the city is to take a ride on a Seawings seaplane. This aerial sightseeing tour takes place in a Cessna 208 Caravan amphibious aircraft and will take you past all the popular places such as The World Islands, Palm Islands, Jumeirah Beach, Dubailand and more. There are many different options to choose from to suit a variety of budgets and needs, including packages that add a little something extra to your sightseeing, like dolphin watching, sailing, or spa experiences.

For something truly unique, you must take a trip to see Ski Dubai, even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding. In a city where temperatures can reach over 40°C it is incredible to enter an indoor ski resort with temperatures around -1°C. In any case, a visit to Ski Dubai is a good excuse to cool off. Ski Dubai is 85 meters high and contains five different slopes of varying difficulty. There are themed restaurants, shops and a Freestyle Zone so the more adventurous can practice their stunts and tricks.

If you still have money left over after skiing, flying in a seaplane and exploring the desert, you may be able to afford the cost of staying in an ultra-luxury hotel. An astonishing landmark that sits on its own island 300 meters from the shore, the Burj Al Arab has earned an unrivaled reputation for opulence. Currently, the Burj Al Arab is one of only two hotels in the world to claim a seven-star rating. The Burj Al Arab has more than 200 luxurious suites and an exclusive helicopter transfer service. The hotel is definitely not for those on a budget but it is worth staying if you can afford it as there is nothing else like it in the world.

Visiting a souk is one of the top priorities for any visitor to the city. A souk is the name of a traditional market in an Arab city. The Dubai Gold Souk is located in the heart of Deira city’s commercial business district and has over 300 retailers selling local handmade jewelery and incredible international pieces. It is often said that at any one time there are more than 10 tons of gold on the market. It is definitely a rich cultural experience to visit the market and can be quite overwhelming for some, so be prepared for a bit of “hustle and bustle”.

Dubai holidays offer so much for all types of travelers and there is much more to this city than these few highlights. Dubai offers a great family vacation or romantic trip and there are many memorable experiences that you won’t be able to plan so just enjoy the trip.