Dubai

Soaring 828 metres above Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is currently the world’s tallest building. It’s a mix of art, engineering, and heritage, with office space, private residences, and a luxury hotel inside. Visitors head to the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors for sweeping city views, and you’ll also find over a thousand specially commissioned artworks scattered throughout the tower. Even from the ground, the sheer scale and design of the building make it impossible to ignore.

Enjoy panoramic views of one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks from this glass-framed observation deck. Sitting 240 metres above the island, The View offers a full 360-degree panorama of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline. The space includes a café, exhibitions, interactive aquarium-themed tunnels, and a gift shop. For an even higher perspective, step up to The Next Level, 250 metres above ground, for the island’s highest vantage point and unobstructed views.

Sky Views Observatory takes sightseeing to new heights, literally. Perched more than 200 metres above Downtown Dubai, it offers striking views of the Burj Khalifa and the city skyline. Beyond the main viewing deck, visitors can try the Glass Slide, a transparent chute that curves along the tower’s exterior, or step out on the Edge Walk, a hands-free stroll along the building’s ledge for a true adrenaline rush.

Ain Dubai, the world's largest and tallest observation wheel, stands at a towering 250 metres on Bluewaters Island, offering a 38-minute rotation in air-conditioned cabins, with 360-degree views of Dubai's skyline, including landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the Arabian Gulf.

Dubai Frame is a striking addition to the city’s skyline and a clever piece of engineering. Located in Zabeel Park, it sits between old and new Dubai, giving visitors a unique perspective on both sides of the city. At 150 metres high, the observation decks offer panoramic views, and the glass-floored bridge connecting the two towers makes for a thrilling experience — and a perfect spot for selfies.

A ride on a traditional wooden abra from Bur Dubai Abra Dock is one of the most atmospheric ways to cross the creek. The short hop takes you to the Deira side, where the narrow lanes buzz with spice stalls, sweet shops, textiles, and the famous gold souk — a lively contrast to the quieter Al Fahidi neighbourhood just across the water.

Part of Atlantis, The Palm, this aquarium carries through the resort’s sunken Atlantis theme with maze-like passages and atmospheric tanks. Inside, you’ll spot everything from sharks and rays to jellyfish and seahorses, all set against a dramatic backdrop of ruins and sculptures. It’s not the biggest aquarium in Dubai, but its design makes it one of the most memorable.

Often voted the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab rises 321 metres above the Arabian Gulf, its sail-shaped silhouette perched on a private island just offshore. Beyond its grand design, it’s famous for its helipad—scene of jaw-dropping stunts from tennis matches to F1 doughnuts. For the first time, the hotel has opened up with a butler-guided, immersive tour, giving visitors a rare peek inside its gilded interiors and behind-the-scenes tales of its extravagant history.

Set inside The Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, with a 10-million-litre tank that houses more than 140 species of marine life, including the planet’s biggest collection of sand tiger sharks. A stroll through the 48-metre walk-through tunnel gives you a front-row seat as sharks and rays glide overhead, while the underwater zoo upstairs introduces visitors to everything from otters to penguins.

Dubai may be famous for the glitz and glamour of its sky-high towers, but the heart of the city is the creek. This saltwater estuary was where the Bani Yas tribe first settled, and its waters supported the city’s early economy through pearl diving and fishing. Today, the area blends history with culture: you’ll find museums, heritage retail spaces, and the winding alleyways of the gold, spice, and textile souks. A ride on a traditional abra across the water is a must, offering a simple yet memorable way to see the creek from the water.