Beyond the malls: an adventure in Dubai

There’s something other-worldly about Dubai, from the space-age skyline to the martian-like desert just outside. And believe it or not, there’s more to the city than shopping in the mega-malls. Prepare for a true adventure on Dubai holidays. . .

3-2-1, jump!

The Palm Jumeirah is an amazing engineering feat. A set of islands off the coast of Dubai, artificially constructed in the shape of a palm tree to add 320 miles of coastline to the country, it is a construction project to be admired. And where better to admire it from than  above? Now you can get the best possible view by skydiving over it. What’s even better is you don’t have to be an experienced skydiver – just sign up for a tandem dive for an amazing first-time parachuting experience.

It’s like a big version of the Shard

If skydiving has awakened your head for heights, next stop should be the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Much has been made of The Shard in London recently but at a mere 1,000-foot height, it is positively miniscule compared with the Burj Khalifa’s 2 716 feet! Take a trip up to the viewing gallery for amazing 360-degree panoramic views of Dubai.

Designer living

If just visiting Burj Khalifa is not enough, why not stay there? And stay there in style. The Armani Hotel occupies several floors of the record-breaking building, with its most luxurious suite situated on the 39^th floor. With rooms designed by Giorgio Armani himself plus restaurants and a luxury spa, this is a how-the-other-half-live kind of experience.

I’ll give you 50, and that’s my final offer

Speaking of designers, you’ll find plenty products claiming to be made by the world’s finest at Karama Market. Beware though, things aren’t necessarily what they seem. It’s a rabbit warren of shops with hidden rooms and bargains to be had – providing you’re willing to leave your Britishness at home and embrace the art of haggling.

Do the desert

Dune buggies are cool. That’s practically all you need to know. Companies that do dune buggy safaris will pick you up from Dubai and take you out into the desert for a morning or evening of dune buggy antics. It’s the perfect way to round off an adventure in Dubai.