Dubai

Watch water sway to the beat at The Pointe’s The Palm Fountain. Spanning an area of 14,000sqft, The Palm Fountain is also Dubai’s only multicoloured one. More than 3,000 LED lights set the scene for a vibrant visual spectacle where colourful water jets shoot 105m high and dance to the tune of popular Khaleeji, pop, classic and international hits. The Palm Fountain comes alive daily with shows taking place every 30 minutes between sunset to midnight. Arrive early to spend the day at The Pointe or enjoy dinner at one of the venue’s waterside restaurants for the best views.

Enjoy incomparable views of one of Dubai’s most talked about landmarks at The View at The Palm. Located 240m high, the observation deck presents never seen before 360-degree panoramas of Palm Jumeirah alongside the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline in the distance. The View at The Palm is located on level 52 of The Palm Tower, which also houses a café, a creative exhibition, interactive aquarium-themed tunnels and a gift shop. To further elevate your sky-high sightseeing experience while here, step up to The Next Level – at 250m above ground, the private, barrier-free space is the island's highest vantage point.

Ain Dubai is the latest landmark to join the long list of record-breaking new attractions in Dubai. Located on Bluewaters Island, it offers 360-degree views of the urban skyline in a mesmerising 38-minute journey. There are three different pod experiences on offer: observation cabins, social cabins and private cabins. More than just a vantage point, Ain Dubai acts as an elevated setting for new experiences with even the wheel’s base serving as an entertainment zone with a large LED screen mounted on it.

Want to pose with the stars on the red carpet? Madame Tussauds lets you do just that. Visit the famous waxwork museum, known for crafting lifelike replicas of high-profile figures and celebrities, at Bluewaters Dubai. It is the only Madame Tussauds in the region, allowing fans of all ages to explore seven themed rooms as they look for their favourite famous faces. You'll get to mingle with international stars and meet regional heavy-hitters too, including singer Balqees Fathi and Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Gracing the city's postcards, the iconic Palm Jumeirah is an astounding feat of mankind in the form of a series of artificial archipelagos in the emerald waters of the Arabian Gulf. From above, it takes the form of a stylised palm tree. At ground level, it has some of the city's most popular beach clubs, celebrity chef restaurants and luxury hotels such as Atlantis, The Palm. The newest attractions here include The Pointe, a waterfront hub for dining and shopping experiences, and Palm West Beach. Head to The View at Palm Jumeirah where a 240m-high observation deck presents the most impressive views.

Discover old Dubai in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where winding stone alleys and charismatic windtower architecture reflect life before skyscrapers. Follow the alleyways to hidden tea houses, art galleries and cultural installations that uncover Dubai's past. Afterwards, head toward the bustling abra station and take a ride across the creek. There you will find gold, spice, perfume and textile souks where you can bargain over excellent handicrafts and goods.

For an experience that marries tradition and luxury, head to Madinat Jumeirah. Literally translated as 'City of Jumeirah', this complex is inspired by an ancient citadel complete with wind towers and water canals. It encloses luxury hotels, private enclaves built in the traditional style, the world-class Talise Spa, Souk Madinat, Madinat Theatre, and more than 40 restaurants and lounges. For a memorable meal, dine at folly by Nick & Scott which overlooks the sea from wind towers. You can also explore the meandering waterways on a traditional wooden abra to better appreciate the serene setting and inspired architecture.

Witness water dance at the iconic Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa. One of the largest fountains in the world, the sound and light show shoots 22,000 gallons of water as high as 150 metres in the air. Each brightly illuminated jet sways in time to music, producing what has become one of Dubai's most popular shows. Situated outside The Dubai Mall, make time to shop between evening water shows, which begin every 30 minutes. The show is free. However, to get the best view you can get on one of the boats cruising the fountain water, or book a spot on the footbridge.

Discover the contemporary history of the United Arab Emirates at the Etihad Museum located in Jumeirah 1. The Etihad Museum offers a series of interactive pavilions that explore the country’s past through photos, films and more. Visitors can discover what life was like before the UAE's founding fathers signed the treaty that unified the seven emirates, and learn more about the extraordinary economic development since.

Consistent with its sunken Atlantis theme, the underwater world of Palm Jumeirah island's luxury hotel is an endless maze of things to discover, corners inhabited by fascinating marine creatures such as sharks, octopi, piranhas, and even a couple of albino alligators. It's a rather small aquarium, but definitely worth a visit.

Often voted the world's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab is one of the region's most famous tourist landmarks. Built on a triangular man-made island, the billowing sail-like structure rises 321m above the sea. The hotel sets a new standard for hospitality superlatives, including the famous helipad that has hosted numerous celebrity stunts. For the first time since its launch, the Burj Al Arab has opened its doors to visitors for an immersive 90-minute tour. The exclusive experience lets you explore the landmark’s gilded suites and ultra-luxurious interiors while uncovering its history and wealth of untold stories. Available daily from 9:30am, the tour is curated for a butler-guided group of 12 visitors and commences every 15 minutes.

One of the world’s greatest urban transformations, the Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2 km long waterway which extends from the Creek in Old Dubai through Business Bay, before finding its way to the Arabian Gulf. It effectively turns a significant part of the emirate into an island. Board a water taxi to Marasi Drive, home to a sparkling marina, water homes and cool dining venues such as Matto at The Oberoi Dubai Business Bay, Bella at Grand Millennium Hotel and BASTA! at The St. Regis Downtown.