The 21st century's extravagant and emerging city

From a little fishing village, this ambitious, Arabian society has snowballed into one of the world’s most glamorous and futuristic urban destinations. Dubai is a luxury playground set against the golden sands and warm azure waters of the Persian Gulf, where fearless, daring dreams become a reality.

Grand projects transform into the world’s tallest building, an island shaped like a palm tree and the biggest mall on the planet. Shopping is a first-class hobby here with oodles of designer brands. Malls echo Italian piazzas and Persian palaces and boast surreal attractions such as a giant aquarium and indoor ski slope.

Behind the boutiques and beach clubs though, the fascinating old city appears. Rooted in Islamic tradition, a labyrinth of bustling, timeless souks swarm with haggling activity. A look into Bedouin heritage can then be enjoyed out in the desert with romantic camel rides and storytelling galore.

Our top Dubai example trips