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Who hasn't dreamt of discovering the legendary charms of Dubai and the eccentricity of its skyscrapers, each taller than the next? In Dubai, there's a surprise waiting for you around every corner, from the futuristic architecture of the Burj al-Arab to the traditional souk streets in Deira. Travellers spending their holidays in Dubai will find themselves riding piggy-back in a place teetering between modern and traditional.

Essentials in Dubai

Change your scenery and discover this cosmopolitan city where you can hear Hindi, Persian and Urdu spoken in the same shop. It's a city of ultimate contrasts, one not to miss.

Burj al-Arab: This building is all about sweeping heights and beating world records. It's an architectural feat. Just off of Jumeirah Beach, this building stands 321m tall and is covered in 145 square metres of gold leaf. If you have the cash to spare, it's worth dining at the hotel restaurant or sipping a cocktail in the Skyview Bar.

Dubai Museum: Al-Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum was built in 1787 and is now completely restored. It's essentially one big history lesson of the United Arab Emirates packed into about an hour and a half.

Camel Racing at Nad al Sheba: Likely the most unusual tourist attraction in Dubai, but the locals are passionate for their camel racing which takes place between 7 and 8am. If you're not up early, you'll miss it.

Souks of Deira: For a taste of traditional Dubai, hit the souks of Deira. There the streets and marketplaces will transport you back in time and it's hard to get bored of the narrow winding streets and beautiful shops and stalls. Spices, jewellery, textiles and more.

Madinat Jumeirah: Practically a city within a city, it's a hotel, shopping mall and entertainment complex all in one. Explore the canals, go shopping in the souk, lounge in the gardens. This is one of Dubai's most popular spots, even among the locals.

Find more information on dubaitourism.ae.

Accommodations in Dubai

Dubai is riding high on the list of top hotel cities in the world. The city has more than 400 hotels! When you consider though that 8 million travellers visit the city a year, you can understand why they have so many. New hotels are popping up like hotcakes all over the place, in hopes of keeping up with the increasing demand among business travellers. If you don't have the funds to sleep at the Burj al-Arab, the most luxurious hotel in the world (7 stars!), there are plenty of other choices in the mid-range. Book hotels in Dubai at least one month in advance. For backpackers, there are also a few youth hotels in Dubai as well.