Things to do in Dubai - A First Timer's Guide

You really won't get enough of them. There's a mall in almost every nook and corner, big ones and small ones. Each mall is beautifully unique, and there's no way you can simply pick JUST one to visit during your trip. The Dubai Mall has the largest number of stores, the world's largest indoor aquarium, an olympic size ice skating rink and some of the most iconic restaurants. If you step outside, you'll come face to face with Dubai's very own giant; Burj Khalifa, with the dancing water fountains at its base. Visit in the evening after 6pm and don't miss the water fountains put on one of the greatest hypnotising shows for you. Mall of the Emirates is where you go if you want to ski or slide down a big icy slope. It's the only place in the Middle East, where you can play in snow inside a mall. Other popular malls include Dubai Festival City, Deira or Mirdiff City Centre, and Wafi Mall.

Now that you're in Dubai and you're done with walking endlessly through the many, many stores of the malls, it's time to learn a bit about the history and culture of Dubai. It may surprise you to know that Dubai's history is only about 50 years old! The Dubai Museum has a great story to tell for anyone interested. Head over here if you want to find out what the emirate was before the fame and towering skyscrapers.

Dubai has its fair share of theme parks, however, none are quite like the world's largest indoor theme park - IMG World of Adventure, promises you JUST that, a world of adventure! Walk through the spooky halls of the Haunted Hotel, feel blood rush through every vein in your head as it hands upside down on one of the fastest rollercoasters and enjoy a 4D Hulk movie experience. The park is divided into sections, Cartoon Network, Marvel, IMG Boulevard and Lost Valley, offering 22 rides and attractions. Prepare to spend atleast a whole day here screaming and shouting and having the greatest time of your life.

Definitely worth a visit, buy a ticket to 'At the Top' and you'll be blessed with views from the world's tallest tower and the world's highest viewing deck. Can you spot Dubai's man made The World islands, or The Palm? First time travellers should definitely add this to their list - if you're looking for cheap tickets in Sri Lanka to travel to Dubai, agencies such as Macktrip.com might be able to sort you out.

The Souq means marketplace in Arabic. Buy a delectable shawarma and walk through the cobblestone pathways with merchants offering you to buy the finest (and sometimes the fake) pashmina shawls, arabic perfumes, silk rugs, spices, and arabic souvenirs.