1. Skydive over the Palm
This is the ultimate bucket-list activity for anyone who’s spent any time in Dubai. You’ll get an adrenaline-fuelled once-in-a-lifetime experience and incredible views of the city skyline from 13,000ft as you drift back to earth while strapped to an instructor.
Dhs1,750 per person (tandem jump with videographer). Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina (050 153 3222).
2. Spend a day at the Burj Khalifa
Everyone should visit the Burj at least once. Start with a coffee at the Armani Hotel lounge, then head upwards to the 122nd floor to At.mosphere (04 888 3828) for a main course, taking in the view from the world’s tallest dining table, and finish the night in the exclusive Armani/Privé nightclub (04 888 3308).
3. Feast on an award-winning afternoon tea
Tea at Sahn Eddar is a must for all Dubaians while in Dubai – it’s the epitome of luxury. Enjoy seven courses of sandwiches, scones and the chocolate black leaf tea and masala chai.
From Dhs350 per person, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah (04 301 7600).
4. Try a desert safari
Head out on an early-morning trip, which includes two hours of dune bashing, quad biking, camel rides and sand skiing.
Dhs250 per person. Desert Safari Dubai, www.desertsafaridubai.com (04 357 2200).
5. Ride a seaplane or helicopter
Get a bird’s eye perspective of Dubai with a 40-minute trip in a Seawings jet (www.seawings.ae, 04 883 2999) or for Dhs765 you can get 15 minutes buzzing around in an Alpha Tours helicopter (www.alphatoursdubai.com, 04 294 9888).
6. Meet penguins and ski indoors in the desert
Hug a penguin, ride in a Zorb ball or ski from the top of the 85-metre slope, featuring real snow, all at -4°C.
From Dhs200, including brunch at St Moritz restaurant. www.skidxb.com(04 409 4000).
7. Enjoy a top-notch brunch at Saffron
With more than 220 dishes on offer, from Chinese dim sum and Mongolian delights to Malaysian specialities and Japanese sushi, this is one of the city’s most popular friday hangouts.
From Dhs435. Fri 12.30pm-4pm. www.atlantisthepalm.com (04 426 2626).
8. Visit Skybar for a lofty drink
Located on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab, the menu includes the world’s most expensive cocktail, which is served in a complimentary 18-carat-gold glass and will set you back about Dhs27,321.
Burj Al Arab, www.jumeirah.com (04 301 7600).
9. Dance at 360°
Crowned Best Club at this year’s Time Out Music & Nightlife Awards, this circular nightspot is the perfect al-fresco location in which to watch the sun set and dance until the early hours.
www.jumeirah.com (04 406 8999).
10. Enjoy a feast at Dubai’s best restaurant
Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire is the Dubai outpost of three-Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire’s international culinary empire. We guarantee your tastebuds will be teased with unexpected combinations of unusual ingredients, so it’s little wonder it was named Best Restaurant at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2013.
InterContinental Dubai Festival City, www.diningdfc.com (04 701 1111).
