Dubai offers an almost overwhelming array of experiences — from the ultra-luxurious and the record-breaking to the surprisingly authentic and culturally rich — and the art of visiting this extraordinary city well lies in finding the right balance between its many different faces. The Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, performs its spectacular water and light shows on the lake beside the Burj Khalifa every evening, drawing enormous crowds who watch in genuine wonder as jets of water shoot 150 meters into the air in perfect synchronization with music ranging from Arabic classics to international pop hits. A dhow cruise along the Dubai Creek or the Marina is one of the most romantic and atmospheric ways to see the city from the water, watching the skyline glide past as you enjoy a traditional dinner on the upper deck. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk in the historic Deira neighborhood offer a sensory experience that feels worlds away from the gleaming malls of downtown — the smell of saffron, cardamom, and frankincense mingling in the narrow lanes, the glitter of thousands of gold jewelry pieces in the shop windows, and the gentle art of bargaining with experienced traders who have been working here for generations. For adventure seekers, Dubai offers skydiving over the Palm, indoor skiing at Ski Dubai, dune bashing in the desert, and kitesurfing on the Gulf — ensuring that even the most activity-hungry traveler will always have something new and thrilling to try.
