Beneath the shiny surface of Dubai is something more authentic and real, only revealed to those willing to peel off the layers. It’s as glamorous as glamour can be, but it’s also traditional and cultural – evidence of which you can see in the most unassuming places. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful, chaotic, swanky yet traditional metropolis, brace yourself for an experience that’s unforgettable and adventurous.

Dubai loves to deal in the superlative – the tallest and the biggest; the list goes on. Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, with a height of over 800 metres. The top of this building brings you the most stunning panoramas of the city. A modern and fast elevator will take you up to the 124^th floor where there’s an observation deck. In addition to stunning views, there’s also a multimedia presentation you can enjoy – it highlights the allure of Dubai and Burj Khalifa. Nighttime views are particularly appealing to photographers.

Another wonder of Dubai, Palm Jumeirah is an artificial island with the shape of a palm tree. Just a short walk from Oaks Liwa Heights, which, by the way, would work for those looking for a two-bedroom family suite, Palm Jumeirah is known for its luxury offerings – there are malls where you can shop and restaurants where you can gorge on delicious food. The Boardwalk is a particular favourite with tourists.

Burj Park surrounds Burj Khalifa, promising you an extraordinary spectacle. Dotted with walkways and embellished with artwork, Burj Park brings you the Dubai Fountain Display, a wonderful scene not to be missed. Inspired by the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Dubai Fountain happens to be the tallest fountain of its kind in the world. This experience is free, but you will have to pay for the extras.

Leaving Dubai without shopping? That’s unheard of! Dubai is a shopping lover’s dream come true, with its wide selection of shopping malls and souks. One such shopping mall is Dubai Mall, one of the best malls in the UAE. Shopping isn’t the only draw, though; there are plenty of other recreational activities with a special focus on kids. From the mall, you can also access the Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa. Don’t forget to add the cinema complex, the ice skating rink, and the gaming zone to your Dubai Mall things to do for a complete experience.

You can literally shop till you drop here, and there are plenty of culinary experiences to be had too. Plus, the mall plays host to an endless array of fashion shows and musical events all throughout the year. Mark your calendar for the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival that takes place in July and August.

When it comes to adventure, the vast desert region in Dubai takes the crown. You don’t have to travel far to get to Maleha dunes and the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – both spots sit within day-tripping distance. Take your pick from a selection of desert tours involving camel riding, sandboarding, Arabian falconry displays, dinners and 4WD safaris. Even if you don’t have a lot of time, you can easily fit a desert tour into your schedule, as a short desert tour doesn’t take more than a few hours. Transport is sorted for guests too.

It’s true that in Dubai, everywhere you look, there’s a towering building, but there’s more to this cosmopolitan city than meets the eye. Spanning an area of 2,000 square metres, Dubai Miracle Garden happens to be the largest flower garden in the world; it’s home to 100 million flowers. From trucks to windmills to quaint English cottages, the garden features an eccentric array of floral attractions. Walk around a bit, and it won’t be long before you spot the floral sculpture resembling Burj Khalifa.