Standing 828 metres high, the Burj Khalifa is hard to miss. The world’s tallest tower naturally dominates the Dubai skyline, but the true majesty of the building is best appreciated up close or, even better, from inside. On a clear day, the view from the observation deck on level 124 is absolutely stunning, topped only by the view from the luxurious At the Top Sky Lounge on the 148th floor. For those who would like to linger for a meal in the clouds, Atmosphere on level 122 is the place to be.

Right next to the Burj Khalifa is The Dubai Mall. To call the sprawling development merely a shopping mall is doing it a disservice. Even an entire day spent here isn’t enough to see it all. With its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, there are plenty of things to do, and the venue is also home to an indoor theme park, an ice rink, a huge indoor waterfall, a choreographed outdoor fountain and the giant Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Located at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa and just outside the doors of the famous Dubai Mall, features the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. This popular dancing water show jets water streams as high as 150 metres in the air. Each colourful, illuminated jet sways in time to various musical numbers from around the world, producing what has become the one of the most popular shows in Dubai.

Less than 20 minutes driving from the modernist streets of Downtown Dubai, you can experience the marvels of the Arabian Desert, the original tourist attraction of Dubai.

It is a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree - there’s a reason why locals say ‘only in Dubai.’ Palm Jumeirah is one of the largest artificial islands in the world and a triumph of human ingenuity. With a monorail running down the ‘trunk’ that connects to the mainland’s tram system getting there couldn't be easier.

It is a creek seawater flowing between Deira and Bur Dubai in the historic centre of the Dubai and is the reason for Dubai’s very existence. When trade with the outside world began over a century ago, this protected inlet was the obvious choice to develop a commercial seaport. The creek has been widened many times during the last century and today, it’s busy with abra ferrying passengers between the souks of Deira on the north-eastern bank and the historic district of Bur Dubai.

For those who like to shop, dine, see a movie and go to the beach all in one place, consider a trip to The Beach opposite JBR. With guest DJs pumping out the tunes on weekends, a regular open-air cinema and a popular water park to entertain the little ones for an hour or two, JBR is always buzzing with activity.

Located right next to the hotel, Dubai Marina Mall offers the best of the big malls right in the heart of the Marina – it is a modern shopping and lifestyle destination for residents and visitors of the Dubai Marina community. 143 outlets and a gross area spanning 390,000 sq ft are tiered over 4 levels that bring together high-street fashion brands, aspirational couture, al fresco dining before a shimmering waterfront, cinematic thrills at Reel Cinemas, and even the convenience of a supermarket.