In the depths of the desert it may be, but Dubai is still one of the world’s ultimate urban destinations. Modern and extravagant at first glance, it is full of sky-high, cutting-edge architecture, opulent shopping malls, some of the world’s finest luxury hotels and boasts a lively and diverse nightlife.

Look just below this shiny surface, though, and you’ll find the plentiful rich and historic culture that still resides here, especially among the labyrinthine alleys of the old city and in the traditional abra boats flitting their passengers across Dubai Creek.

A stopover in Dubai can be whatever you want it to be. You can spend your time here soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches, ascending to the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa, venturing out into the evocative landscapes of the Arabian Desert, shopping in state-of-the-art malls, browsing the wares for sale in fragrant old souks or relaxing at your hotel, just to name a few!