Listly by Maggie Tulliver
As one of the Middle East's most popular vacation spots, Dubai is a tourist hub of truly grand proportions. Here are the top sites and activities to experience on a single day in the Emirati City.
Often described as the best way to start a morning session of sightseeing with exercise thrown in to the mix, Ski Dubai is a snow park of epic proportions in Dubai. Housing the globe's first ever diamond ski run indoors, this iconic leisure hub offering snowboarding and skiing facilities is the best place to head to at the start of the day. After an exhilarating time on the slopes visitors can hop over to the Après Cafe and enjoy a breakfast in view of the Mall of Emirates' finest leisure centre.
Located close to Ski Dubai the next item on the itinerary is the Burj Khalifa. Famed as the tallest structure on the planet, the venue also boasts the world's third highest observation area on its 124th floor. Offering visitors a bird's eye view of Dubai in all its glory the venue is a must-experience highlight for first time visitors. It is possible to secure tickets to the observation deck online prior to arrival to avoid queues.
More than a towering shopping complex the Dubai Mall is a veritable icon in the tourist landscape of the city not only due to its retail opportunities but also as the home of the globe's biggest dancing fountain. After a spot of luxury shopping visitors can head to the foot of the tower that houses the Dubai Mall to witness this mammoth liquid creation which sprays water up to 500 feet in the air. Visitors based at the PER AQUUM Desert Palm Dubai or other boutique hotels Dubai counts among its most centrally located rests will enjoy easy access to the mall.
Located next door to the Dubai Mall, the Wild Wadi Waterpark is another tourist hotspot that should not be missed on your tour. Littered with engaging liquid based attractions and pools, the venue is one of the favorite cool down spots in this sweltering city.
A city within a city, the Dubai Marina is a manmade canal district littered with funky restaurants and chic cafes. Located close to the Jumeirah Beach Residence walk, the area comes to life during the latter hours of the day as residents and visitors alike head to dining hotspots such as the Gary Rhodes' Twenty10 or Frankie Dettori's Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill.
Often described as the best way to spend an evening out in Dubai, an abra ride along the Dubai Creek at sunset is one of the most rewarding experiences tourists can enjoy in the city. Passing key landmarks including the Dubai Spice Souk and other cultural districts such as Deira this popular abra tour can be enjoyed as a group or by chartering a private arba for an hourly fee.
Ideal for adrenalin junkies and adventure fanatics looking for the perfect end to a day in Dubai, a desert safari across the vast sand dunes bordering the city is an experience of a lifetime. Travelling on board a four by four a desert safari brings travellers closer to desert flora and fauna while camping fanatics can also spend the night in a Bedouin style camp for the night.