Dubai, a city that never stops innovating

After a decade of talk and listening to Expat hubby's stories about his business trips to the United Arab Emirates, the family finally boarded a plane to Dubai, the modern city among dunes built by migrant workers where the sun always shines.

Unparalleled luxury, hotel staff smiling like bright buttons, with an easy "Yes, Mam" on their lips any time of the day or night, swanky cars and glitzy shoes. Women covered in black from top to toe next to others walking around in shorts and flip flops. Skyscrapers covered in glass reflecting the sunset across the water. Bridges leading from one man-made piece of land to the next and construction sites everywhere... record-breaking architecture stands alongside traditional quarters.

And although Dubai is now the world's fourth most visited destination, it did not seem anything like Paris with its overcrowded tourist attractions where people need to queue for hours.

Welcome to Dubai, where the world comes to shop, play, work, trade, and let its hair down.

Marvelling at iconic buildings as we stroll along Dubai Marina Walk.

Spot the window cleaners?

Burj Khalifa at over 828m height is the tallest building in the world.

Dubai Mall was the most visited building on the planet in 2011, attracting over 54 million visitors each year. It includes over 1,200 shops. 

The Jumeirah Mosque, which is large enough to hold up to 1,200 worshippers, was built entirely from white stone in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with towering twin minarets framing a large central dome. 

Burj Al Arab is one of the tallest hotels in the world. It is the seventh tallest, although 39% of its total height is made up of non-occupiable space.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern “souk” that recreates the atmosphere of traditional markets but it lacks the true flavour of an Arabian market.

Traders waiting for business

Spice market

Gold souk

The best value tourist attraction in the city is the ride across the water on a traditional abra at an unbelievable AED1 per ticket.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. 

Bright colours bring good luck!

Ultimate luxury shopping with the locals at the Dubai Mall

My kind of shoes!

Reflections of the Atlantis Palm, a luxury hotel resort located at the apex of the Palm Jumeirah.