Dubai is increasingly an embarkation and disembarkation point for cruises,so take advantage and stay over for a night or two. The choice of hotels is vast,from eye-popping Atlantis Dubai resort or the sail-like,ultra-luxury Burj Al Arab to mid-range hotels in districts such as Deira and Bur Dubai. Family-friendly Jumeirah Beach Hotel is next to Wild Wadi Waterpark.

Going ashore

Burj Khalifa,the world’s tallest building,has a 452-metre-high observation deck that gives you a mighty outlook over Dubai’s sand-blown,ever-rising skyline. Below,dancing fountains put on wonderful shows,and colossal Dubai Mall can have you lost for half a day. You have your choice of other malls,upmarket spas and theme parks:Aquaventure might be the best for its water slides and lagoons.

Don’t miss

You’ll find history in the Bastakiya district,which has restored traditional architecture. Art galleries,the Dubai Museum and Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding are among the attractions. The neighbourhood overlooks The Creek,where dhows and small boats meander. Elsewhere,the only mosque open to non-Muslims is Jumeirah Mosque,where you can do informative tours.

Get active

Fierce heat and a sprawling city devoted to the car dissuade you from walking. You can windsurf,sail,scuba-dive,water-ski and take hot-air balloon rides,but the most popular activity is dune-bashing in a 4WD vehicle outside the city. If you feel the need for speed,Dubai Autodrome has driving experiences in Formula-One style cars,either behind the wheel or as a passenger.

Retail therapy

Malls sell everything from camel-milk chocolate bars to gold-plated Lamborghinis,and have all manner of entertainments. Dubai does still have its more traditional side,however,including souks dedicated to gold,perfume and spices. Head to Beniyas Road for electronics and Middle Eastern souvenirs such as bronze lanterns and coffee pots,wood carvings,and boxes and tables inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Further afield

The most popular shore excursions take you into the desert for dune-bashing,falconry and cultural events. Neighbouring emirate Sharjah,a half-hour drive away,is a more laid-back,cultural counterpoint to Dubai,with several good museums and fine architecture and souks. If your cruise isn’t visiting Abu Dhabi,then day-long excursions take you there for a highlight tour,which includes the splendid marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.