Jumeirah

Jumeirah Mosque

Snowy white and intricately detailed, Jumeirah is Dubai's most beautiful mosque and one of only a handful in the UAE that are open to non-Muslims

Modest dress is preferred, but traditional clothing may be borrowed for free.

Burj Al Arab

The Burj's graceful silhouette – meant to evoke the sail of a dhow (traditional wooden cargo vessel) – is to Dubai what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.

Beyond the striking lobby, with its gold-leaf opulence and attention-grabbing fountain, lie 202 suites with more trimmings than a Christmas turkey.

Madinat Jumeirah

One of Dubai’s most attractive developments, Madinat Jumeirah is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Arab village, complete with a souq, palm-fringed waterways and desert-coloured hotels and villas festooned with wind towers.

It’s especially enchanting at night, when the gardens are romantically lit and the Burj Al Arab gleams in the background.

Dubai Creek

After the ultra-modern heights of the Burj, there’s nothing like the contrast of a simple abra ride on Dubai Creek.

Take beautiful old roofed boats from Bur Dubai Abra Station on the southern side, and ride across the creek for just one dirham at sunset, as the evening call to prayer is singing out across the mosque minarets. Close your eyes and you could be back in the 1960s when the city began. At the other side you’ll be met with the aromas of Dubai’s spice souk, the place to buy an incense burner and a handful of frankincense

Jumeirah Beach Residence Walk and Dubai Marina

Built in the last few years, Dubai Marina throngs with spectacular twisting skyscrapers, while just next door is the effortless glamour of Jumeirah Beach Residence walk (or ‘JBR walk’ if you want to sound like a local).

Like a city within a city, this area owns some prime people-watching cafés, sociable bars and some of the best restaurants in Dubai. During the day, you’ll see plenty of joggers taking advantage of the marina views and behind the Address Hotel you can take the Dubai ferry out to sea, which passes the Atlantis Hotel, its famous arch standing like a gateway to the leaf-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah.