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The Dubai Mall - With its 1,200-plus shops and 150 restaurants, you could spend a whole day in this mega-mall. The fabulous retail venue is home to an indoor theme park, an ice rink, and a huge indoor waterfall.

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Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo - Set within the Dubai Mall is the incredible Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks anywhere.

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Waterfront shopping - The Dubai Mall's equally attractive exterior affords breezy waterfront shopping options.

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The Dubai Fountain -

Set just outside the doors of the Dubai Mall is the world's largest choreographed fountain system. Each colorful, illuminated jet sways in time to various musical numbers from around the world, producing what has become one of the most popular shows in wealth-soaked Dubai.

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Dubai Museum -

Ever wondered what life was like in the emirate before the advent of oil? Dubai's fascinating history can be absorbed in this attractive museum set within the walls of the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort.

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Dubai Spice Souk -

Located in eastern Dubai, in Deira, browsing the souk is heightened by an intoxicating aroma of spices, herbs, and fragrances. Be prepared to haggle!

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Burj Khalifa - With a total height of 829.8 m (2,722 ft), the needle-like Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Head up to the observation deck for a mind-boggling panorama of the city and surrounding region.

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View from Burj Khalifa -

The jaw-dropping skyline view from the observation deck. Tip: buy tickets in advance for a specific time and enjoy a 75% discount as compared to tickets purchased on the spot.

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Jeep safari -

A morning desert safari is ideal for those short on time. Cruise the sand in luxurious 4x4 air-conditioned jeeps.

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Mall of the Emirates - The ground floor of this modern, multi-level mall is known for its collection of beautiful jewelry stores.

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Dubai Marina -

This is the world's largest man-made marina. Effectively an artificial canal city, it's built along a 3 km (2 mi) stretch of the Persian Gulf.

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Dubai Marina -

A new Dubai hot spot, the marina district features some of the city's most iconic buildings. The Marina Walk is dotted with numerous waterside restaurants.

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Palm Jumeirah island - One of the largest artificial islands in the world, Palm Jumeirah is celebrated for its glitzy hotels, upmarket restaurants, and animated nightlife.

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Atlantis The Palm, Dubai -

Located on the Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel uses the myth of Atlantis as its theme. It boasts 1,548 rooms and suites, and is complemented by the Aquaventure Waterpark.

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Aquaventure Waterpark - If all you want to do is chill out and have fun on the beach, spend the day at the Aquaventure Waterpark. With over 30 record-breaking slides and attractions, this is one of the best ways to add a splash of adventure to your Dubai stopover.

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Dubai Creek -

Just 50 years ago Dubai Creek was nothing more than a saltwater lagoon. Today it's one of the city's major waterways, and awash with history. This is where to jump aboard a traditional abra (pictured) for a sightseeing cruise along the estuary.

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Dubai Opera -

Besides opera, this stunning performing arts venue stages theater, ballet, and a variety of music concerts.

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Bluewaters Island -

One of the destination's newest attractions, this glittering entertainment complex is already pulling in revelers. However, it's sure to welcome even more when the Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, opens in 2020.  

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Kite Beach - If you're into watersports, why not make the most of your stopover honing your kitesurfing skills on Kite Beach? This vibrant stretch of sand is dedicated to this especially challenging extreme sport.

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Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood -

Dubai is not all about record-breaking steel and glass. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and explore the city's heritage district, which is characterized by a maze of winding alleys and traditional wind towers.

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Dubai Water Canal - Dubai's newest waterway is an extension of Dubai Creek. Among other leisure facilities, the canal is fringed by a 12-km (7.5-mi) bicycle track.

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Madinat Jumeirah - The incredible Madinat Jumeirah 5-star resort is the largest of its kind in the emirate. It has its own network of artificial canals, along which is a turtle sanctuary that houses injured turtles prior to release back into the wild.

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The Madinat Souk - If you happen to be staying at the Madinat Jumeirah resort you're likely to end up shopping at the Madinat Souk. The stained-glass Arabian lamps make great souvenirs.

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IMG Worlds of Adventure - Kids are in for a treat in Dubai. If you're traveling with youngsters, take them to this astonishing indoor amusement park where characters from Cartoon Network and Marvel are waiting to greet them.

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Global Village - Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Global Village is yet another tourism, leisure, shopping, and entertainment complex—except this one is the largest in the world!

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Dubai Frame - Head for Zabeel Park and this incredible feat of civil engineering. Set between old and new Dubai, the 150-m (492-ft) frame affords breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

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Burj Al Arab - One of the most iconic hotel structures in the world, no visit to Dubai is complete without gazing upon the Burj Al Arab. Consider eating here: one of its restaurants is set 200 m (660 ft) above the Persian Gulf; the other is located next to an enormous seawater aquarium.

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Royal suite - Of course, if money is no object, you can always book the Burj Al Arab royal suite, considered one of the most luxurious hotel rooms in the world.

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Dubai International Airport -

Dubai's airport is one of the busiest in the world: Emirates Airline has its hub airport here, the largest airline hub in the Middle East. Make sure to stock up on your duty-free merchandise before your onward journey.

See also: Incredible holiday destinations in the Middle East.

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