Dubai

Why travellers choose Dubai

Dubai works as both a stopover and a full holiday. The city stacks the world's tallest tower, man-made islands and gold-souk alleys within half an hour of each other, and the beaches face calm Gulf water that stays warm most of the year.

Head inland and the dunes start almost immediately — desert safaris with dinner under the stars are the single most booked activity here, and they pair well with a couple of days of resort time.

Don't miss

• Burj Khalifa observation deck
• Desert safari with BBQ dinner
• Dubai Marina dhow cruise
• Old Dubai souks and abra ride