Discover Dubai (and Unchecked Capitalism)

When you step foot in Dubai, you realize the country’s quite liberal compared to the rest of the Middle East. Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates and has adapted the influx of other cultures – more so than other Islamic countries.

Dubai Marina is one of the most spectacular developments in the world and boasts the world's largest man-made marina, over four kilometers long, with the largest concentration of restaurants and cafes in Dubai. There are boat trips from the marina on the northern end of Sheikh Zayed Road.

Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building at 828 metres, is well worth your visit. The base is nine skyscrapers side by side, and can be viewed from Old Town Island near the Dubai Mall. There’s a viewing deck on the 124th floor for a look at the surrounding towers.

Alongside is Dubai Fountain – again, the world's largest – which has a regular water/lights/music show.

Dubai World Trade Center and the Dubai Museum focus on the city’s (and its culture’s) development out of desert life. The Jumeirah Mosque is a dominant landmark, built as a tribute to modern Islamic architecture. Take a one-hour mosque tour Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday at 10:00 a.m.

Tours of the city and New Dubai on U.K.-style double-decker buses are available with hop-on hop-off service. Choose from over 60 routes. There’s ferry service from Dubai Marina through Palm Jumeirah island to the other end of the marina; views from the water are more spectacular than by bus.

Dubai has modern air-conditioned and metered taxis – and, in case you need one, special female-only pink taxis. The modern Dubai Metro system, with trains running from the airport into the city center on an elevated track, offers another way to see the sights.

Housing the Middle East's first and only indoor ski slope, Dubai Mall of the Emirates is the largest shopping mall in the Middle East. The ski area measures 400 meters and contains 6,000 tons of snow.

Trilogy is one of the amazing clubs in Dubai, with an encircling balcony over the main dance floor with four suspended cages (with seats for six) attached to the balcony and overlooking the main room. The rooftop has day beds, couches and an extensive cocktail list.