Dubai holidays

You’ve got plenty of beaches to pick from along Dubai’s famous palm tree- shaped island, and its sand-covered coastline. Most of them have an impressive view of the city’s skyscraper-filled skyline, too. Some of the top sandy spots are JBR Beach, Jumeirah Beach and Sunset Beach – you’ll get the best snaps of the Burj Al-Arab from here.

JBR Beach is known for its pristine white sand and clean, warm water. But this sandy shore doesn’t just have the good looks, it has the personality to match. You can try watersports like sailing, banana-boating and parasailing. Plus, you’ve got an almost two-kilometre-long walkway of bars and restaurants to try while you’re there.

Al Sufouh Beach has earnt the nickname ‘Secret Beach’ thanks to its unknown presence amongst tourists. The entrance is tucked between the Burj Al-Arab Hotel and Palm Jumeirah Island, and is hidden away behind a row of palm trees – but it’s worth looking for it if you want to escape the crowds. The sandy strip flaunts panoramic views of the city’s iconic skyline, and the shallow waters make it ideal for children.

Away from the glossy malls, you can get a real taste of shopping in the Middle East. There are lots of souks selling everything from embellished clothing, jazzy jewellery and household furnishings – the Dubai Flea Market is particularly good if you’re happy to haggle. Visiting a spice souk is a sensory experience in itself. Large colourful baskets of spices and herbs make a feast for the eyes and nose. Vendors will also teach you about the spices and let you try some.

You’ve got your pick of the lot when it comes to high street fashion. Shops like H&M, Zara, and Marks & Spencer are all over the city. The Dubai Hills mall is home to almost 600 shops and Dubai’s main mall – which happens to be the biggest in the world – has over 1,200 stores. Plus, if you want to buy designer without the big price tag, Dubai Outlet Mall stocks them all with discounts up to 90% off retail price.

We all know Dubai’s a millionaire’s playground, so it’s no surprise designer labels are easy to come by. Head downtown to Dubai Mall, and you can splash the cash on big names like Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

If you time it right, you can watch the sunset from the top of the Burj Kalifa and see the city go from day to night, with its lit-up skyscrapers filling the sky. If you’re not ready to head back to bed, but don’t want to go partying, some of the beaches have floodlit sections you can go to for an after-dark dip. And if you’re feeling hungry, brunches aren’t just for the morning here – you can get nighttime ones, too.

You’re in the city that never sleeps, so there’s no shortage of bars, clubs and beachside watering holes to spend your evening in. There’s not one best place for big nights out here, it all depends on what you’re after. By the beach is a bit more relaxed, downtown and the marina have lots of hotspots, and the business district has everything you need to party ‘till dawn.

Indian street food’s a big hit in Dubai, and one of the most popular snacks is samboosa. These hot pastries closely resemble samosas, and they often come stuffed with spiced meat or vegetables. The most popular filling in Dubai, though, is cheese.

You’ll be offered complimentary cups of coffee pretty much anywhere in Dubai. But if you want a proper roast, head to a local coffee shop or café. Traditional Arabic coffee is made with lightly roasted beans and cardamon, and served with sweet dates on the side.

This rice dish really shows off the flavours of Arabian spices. Basmati rice is served with different meats – chicken is the most popular option – and a whole concoction of spiced vegetables. Emirati families tend to eat this at big events, and it has a firm place on the table at Iftar meals during Ramadan.

These sweet pastries are shaped into little golden balls that melt in the mouth. They’re a bit like a doughnut with a batter that’s fried in oil. But they’re even more sweet, as they’re drizzled in syrup.

For something refreshing, you can try a glass of jallab – you’ll find it on the menu in most cafés and restaurants across the city. This popular Arabic drink is made of grape molasses, dates and rose water, which gives it a sweet, flowery taste.