Dubai — Desert Meets Destiny
From Sand to Supercity
Dubai is a city built on ambition, where futuristic skyscrapers rise from desert sands beside traditional souks and historic waterways. From record-breaking architecture to echoes of its Bedouin and trading past, Dubai constantly reinvents itself while embracing extraordinary scale, luxury and innovation.
Dubai International & Dubai World Central Airports
Dubai's two major airports symbolise the city's global ambitions. Dubai International remains the world's busiest international hub, while Dubai World Central is planned as an enormous future aviation gateway designed eventually to handle around 260 million passengers annually.
Dubai Mall & Fountain
Dubai Mall is one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations, featuring over 1,200 stores, an aquarium and an Olympic-sized ice rink. Outside, the spectacular Dubai Fountain combines music, lights and soaring water displays beside Burj Khalifa.
Dubai is the city that decided it would rather invent its future than inherit one.
Burj Khalifa
Standing 2,722 feet high, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and Dubai's defining landmark. Its futuristic design, inspired by desert flowers and Islamic architecture, dominates the skyline while observation decks offer breathtaking panoramic views across the city and desert.
Dubai Opera
Dubai Opera is the city's premier performing arts venue, designed to resemble a traditional Arabian dhow illuminated beside Downtown Dubai. Opened in 2016, it hosts world-class opera, theatre and concerts while symbolising Dubai's growing cultural and artistic ambitions.
The Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame is a giant architectural landmark designed to frame contrasting views of old and modern Dubai. Rising 150 metres above Zabeel Park, the structure features panoramic glass walkways and exhibitions exploring Dubai's transformation into a futuristic global metropolis.
Dubai Creek & Old Souk
Dubai Creek and the neighbouring Old Souk preserve the city's historic trading heart. Traditional abras cross busy waterways lined with wooden dhows, while nearby market streets overflow with spices, textiles, perfumes and the lively atmosphere of old Arabian commerce.
Al Fahidi Fort
Built in 1787, Al Fahidi Fort is Dubai's oldest surviving building and home to Dubai Museum. Constructed from coral rock and limestone, the fort once served as a royal residence, prison and defensive stronghold protecting the settlement from neighbouring tribal attacks.
Queen Elizabeth II
The Queen Elizabeth II, once Cunard's legendary transatlantic flagship, now rests permanently in Dubai as a luxury floating hotel. First launched in 1969, the iconic ship combines maritime history, elegant interiors and nostalgic glamour alongside Dubai's modern skyline.
The Dubai videos
Two short videos from the journey — click any thumbnail to open it on YouTube.
Take the full travel guide with you
The downloadable travel guide provides a detailed commentary along with a collection of pictures. The guide is intended to inform and encourage you.