WHAT TO DO:

-Dubai Mall One of the largest malls you’ve ever seen and a necessary reprieve from the desert heat, Dubai Mall has its own aquarium, tons of stores, salons and restaurants. Definitely wear your walking shoes as you explore this giant complex, and it doesn’t hurt to download the mall’s app to better navigate it. Download for iPhone. Download for Google.

-Desert Safaris While it will be hot, you can’t miss out on a proper desert safari while in Dubai. Dune bashing, ATV’s, camel rides, fire dancers and an evening BBQ. There are numerous Desert Safari tour companies. You can easily google one when you get there, or ask your hotel for recommendations.

-Mall of the Emirates A multi-level shopping mall which also hosts family leisure activities including Ski Dubai (the Middle East's first indoor ski resort and snow park), the 500-seat capacity Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre and Magic planet, one of the largest indoor family entertainment centers in Dubai.

-Jumeirah Mosque The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most loved architectural treasures and tourist attraction in Dubai. It is a focal point for the ‘Open Doors. Open Minds.’ program for over two decades, an opportunity to interact with your guide, ask plenty of questions and take photographs. Modest dress and headscarves for women are required.

-Atlantis Aquaventure WaterPark The world’s largest waterpark filled with high-speed turns, gravity-defying drops and many other action-packed attractions. You can enjoy the waterpark as well as walk around the beautiful Atlantis hotel. There are plenty of places to eat and relax.

-Museum of the Future “To reimagine the future, we must be open to new possibilities. Join us on a journey to 2071. Pioneer new worlds and ways of living, and return to shape today’s world for the better.” This museum is a very popular attraction with high demand for tickets. If you want to ensure you get to see it, book your tickets at least one month in advance.

-Coffee Museum A relaxing atmosphere with regional, traditional architecture amalgamated with oriental architecture to showcase a wide selection of antique items illustrating regional and international coffee history and culture

-Dubai Gold Souk As one of the Emirates' oldest traditional markets, Dubai Gold Souk has over 350 retailers trading tax-free gold of different carats, designs and weights. There are also precious stones, strings of pearls, platinum and silver available here. You can bargain at the market and enjoy better rates when paying in cash. To reach the Gold Souk, you can take an inexpensive abra ride across Dubai Creek, and combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Bur Dubai Grand Mosque, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and Al Seef.

-The Green Planet The Green Planet is the region’s first bio-dome that recreates the enchanting world of a tropical forest with its rich biodiversity of over 3,000 plants and animals. The enclosed ecosystem, located at City Walk, offers visitors an immersive expedition into the tropics. The unique venue has 4 levels of interaction for visitor with fascinating animal and plant species to see from Sloths, Tucans and Tree porcupines to South American plants, vines, reptiles, fish and insects. A great destination for families and guests of all ages.

-IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor amusement park in the United Arab Emirates in Dubai situated within the City of Arabia, along Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road. The park is divided into five "epic zones.". Two of the five zones represent global brands Cartoon Network and Marvel, while the remaining three are original concepts created by the IMG Group.

-Burj Al Arab/Burj Khalifa Two of the tallest buildings in the world and architectural marvels, you can arrange tours for each one and have great views from the top.

-Dubai Frame The UAE’s latest cultural landmark, Dubai Frame is an iconic structure that ‘frames’ impressive views of Old and New Dubai, while serving as a metaphorical bridge connecting the emirate’s rich past with its magnificent present. Offering spectacular panoramic views across the city, Dubai Frame celebrates the story of Dubai from its early establishment to its ambitious plans for future development.