Embark on a desert adventure
You can't visit Dubai and not visit the desert, and there are a range of operators who will happily whisk you out of the city for camel rides and sandboard skids down the dunes. They'll even chuck in a barbecue under the stars. Arabian Adventures (+971 4 303 4888; www.arabian-adventures.com) is one of the best-known operators.
Fire up the rubber
Dubai Autodrome (+ 971 (04) 367 8700; www.dubaiautodrome.com) on the outskirts of town is a comprehensive facility, featuring a 1.2km (0.5 miles) outdoor track and 620m (2,034ft) of indoor track, thus offering everything for seven-year-olds upwards. Happy revving.
Hit the greens on the world’s most beautiful courses.
You don't have to be Jordan Spieth to appreciate Dubai's immaculate greens and fairways. The annual Race to Dubai is held at one of the city's newer courses, the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates (tel: +971 4 818 2000; www.jumeirahgolfestates.com), while other courses include the nearby Els Club (tel: +971 4 425 1000; www.elsclubdubai.com). The Emirates Golf Club (tel: +971 4 380 1919; www.dubaigolf.com) hosts the Dubai Desert Classic each year.
Kickstart your senses at the spice souk
The tiny winding stone streets of the spice souk are one of Dubai's most immersive experiences, and a must for kitchen fiends and novices alike. Located in Deira, close to the Deira Old Souk Abra Station, it's also just down the road from the Gold Souk, so don't forget your wallet.
Pukka up for a chukka
There's a conception that polo is a game for the moneyed hordes who've never seen hide nor hair of shovel… and they're probably right. That doesn't mean you can't give it a go at the Dubai Polo Academy (tel: +971 4 3618111; www.poloclubdubai.com/en/polo).
Images of Ras Al Khaimah beaches
Images of Dubai beaches
Images of Abu Dhabi beaches
Dubai International Airport Hotels