1. Desert Safari – In spite of the high temperatures and traditional local attire, surrounded by the vast roadways, space age structures and all the mod cons of comfortable, civilised life, it’s often easy to forget that, if you hop on the Dubai-Hatta Road, then the desert lies just over 30 minutes’ drive away. This being Dubai, of course, the desert isn’t just any dry, sand-filled expanse of nothingness – it’s another playground. Try quad-biking or dune-bashing on the famous Big Red dune, sand board or sand ski down the slopes or go ‘wadi-bashing’, hurling a 4x4 through the dried river beds. If you prefer your entertainment to be a bit more leisurely, there are many tours on offer, including a full Bedouin experience of camel rides, falcon shows and belly-dancing around a camp fire. For the best view of all, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon and witness the magnificence of the Haijar Mountains.

2. Wild Wadi – You’d be forgiven for thinking that surfers would struggle to find much action around the serene Arabian Gulf but, once again, Dubai will surprise you. Lying between the Burj al Arab and Jumeirah Beach hotels, just 20 minutes from the city centre, is Wild Wadi. With 12 acres containing over 30 rides and slides, it’s the region’s biggest and best water theme park. Here, you’ll find the Wipeout and Riptide ‘flowriders’, which pump out over seven tonnes of water per second to create the ultimate artificial surfing experience. Wild Wabi also boasts the 33-metre high 80kmph Jumeirah Sceirah and incredible ‘master-blaster’ rides in which high-powered water jets push riders uphill. With more serene attractions, such as Pushdown Ravine, playing pools, restaurants and sun lounges, it makes for a fantastic day out.

3. Mall of the Emirates – As any self-respecting Jumeirah Jane will tell you, shopping in Dubai is an activity rather than a necessity. There are bucket-loads of malls and boutiques to choose from and the great tax-free prices make shopping here extremely attractive to westerners. Even so, only the most committed consumer should take on the Mall of the Emirates. Located just off Sheikh Zayed Road, it’s the largest shopping centre in the middle-east and the third largest in the world – the largest being in China, seeing as you ask. Even in these days of ‘one-stop-shop’ altogetherness, the Mall of the Emirates is an experience like no other. Grab the latest season’s offerings from Versace, Bulgari, Diesel or any of the 450 other stores within the 223,000 square metre mall and then catch one of the hottest movies in the 14-screen cinema. Visit the Dubai Community Arts and Theatre or take the kids to the two-level Magic Planet entertainment complex. Finish the day with a bite to eat in one of the 70 restaurants, take-aways and cafes. Oh, and then there’s the trifling matter of the world’s biggest indoor ski centre. You certainly won’t be bored.

4. Luxury Cruises – Dubai, with its reputation for cutting-edge design and consumer cool, may not seem like a candidate for a romantic getaway, but there is plenty on offer to get lovers or honeymooners hot under the collar. Best of all is a romantic cruise down Dubai Creek. Bateaux Dubai offer 4-course a la carte cuisine, breathtaking beverages and live entertainment on board their ultra-modern boats that run from 8pm, seven-days-a-week. Better still, the top-deck – where you’re served – is surrounded by a high-tech anti-reflective glass enclosure; the air-conditioning keeps it cool inside while spectacular views of the Creek and the city come as standard. The entire boat can be hired for special meetings or conferences, although all those corporate concerns do seem like a waste of such a special setting.