It’s hard to believe that only a decade ago there was no marina. Opened in 2003, the man-made marina runs along a 3km stretch of shoreline. A heady mix of luxurious hotels, apartment buildings, and cafes, the marina hosts regular community events and markets, and is a wonderful place to while away an afternoon or evening. Spectacular at night when the skyscrapers glisten, here you can enjoy dinner on the beach next to the sea, or visit a high-rise bar in a hotel for a magnificent view across the Gulf and the man-made Palm Island, with the world-famous Atlantis Hotel at its end. The Walk at Jumeirah beach Residences is a pedestrianized stretch leading to a new development: The Beach. It’s one of the few places where Gulf nationals mix with tourists and Western ex-pats. It’s a popular place to show off your supercar for an evening, so watch out for Lamborghinis, Maseratis, and Ferraris in abundance.

You can’t fail to miss Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It towers over the city and resides in the prestigious Downtown development. Once an old army base, Downtown is now the jewel in Dubai’s crown, a beautiful residential and leisure area housing not only the world’s tallest building, but the world’s largest fountains and mall. Wide marble sidewalks are perfect for strolling, with restaurants, art galleries and children’s play areas. Specially commissioned sculptures line the roads and Downtown is often used as a canvas for modern art displays and community events such as Classic Car Shows and National Day parades. In the cooler months, cross one of the many bridges to the Burj Khalifa park and enjoy a picnic alongside residents and visitors, or enjoy a lunch or dinner watch the dancing fountains. Because of its mixed use, Downtown is a fantastic place to mix with Dubai residents and locals and watch real life unfold in a cosmopolitan environment.

Years ago, before the skyscrapers, before the 12-lane highway, there was only Jumeirah. In fact, when the UAE was formed, its rulers signed the agreement in Union House, at the very start of Jumeirah Beach Road. Often called “The Beverly Hills” of Dubai, a drive down Beach Road reveals one enormous, lavish villa after another. Originally residential-only neighborhoods, they are now also home to an array of cafes, smart boutiques, and art galleries. Home to one of Dubai’s few public beaches, this recently renovated area includes a new boardwalk, running and walking track, with changing facilities and cafes along the way. Another landmark, Jumeirah Mosque, is the only mosque in Dubai that can be entered by non-Muslims. As part of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, the mosque hosts regular tours and talks about Islam, as part of an “Open Doors, Open Minds” program. A wonderful way to understand more about the UAE and Islam.