Unique things to do in Dubai

It may be warm and sunny outside, but you can still enjoy a snowy setting in Dubai. Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and boasts a 400m slope with a fall of over 60m – making it home to the world's first ever indoor black diamond run. Whether you want to ski on the slopes all afternoon, go tobogganing down hills, play in the snow with your family or spend time with the resident penguins, there's plenty to do in this winter wonderland. There's also an indoor chairlift with a café located halfway up the slopes, serving as the perfect pit stop for delicious hot chocolate in a truly unique location.

Dubai's peaceful exclave Hatta is home to the high-reaching Hajar Mountains and the picturesque Hatta Dam. Glide through the dam's turquoise waters – a natural pool set amid the stunning mountainscape – in a kayak for a genuinely unforgettable experience. You'll fall in love with the stunning setting, where you may occasionally spot native birds and marine wildlife as you float past. While you're in Hatta, be sure to check out Hatta Wadi Hub for more nature-based activities in winter, or stay overnight under the stars at dedicated camping grounds nearby.

Dubai sure does love its water-based experiences, and we don't mean just thrills by the coastline. The city's aquariums offer plenty of sightseeing options, but also so much more. For example, you can dive with sharks and stingrays at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall, or plunge to astonishing depths at Deep Dive Dubai. However, there's nothing quite as 'Dubai' as Atlantis, The Palm's Michelin-starred Ossiano restaurant, where you can feast on the finest contemporary seafood in an underwater setting, with tables arranged around a wall-to-ceiling aquarium.

The Lounge, Burj Khalifa is a sky-high setting for afternoon tea. Located across floors 152 to 154 of the world's tallest building, it is officially the highest lounge on the planet, and presents an array of light bites and delicate desserts, alongside a selection of the finest tea and coffee. If you plan to visit in the later hours, you'll be entertained by a live performer or DJ all through the night, 585m above Dubai. Don't miss the tour of the outdoor terrace for premium views of the city's modern skyline.

See, shop and experience the world in one location, only in Dubai. Held annually from October to April, Global Village is a popular outdoor park that celebrates cultures from around the globe in style. You'll find ornate pavilions representing over 90 countries, each selling native food, arts and crafts, gifts and more. This is also one of the best opportunities to try exotic street food too – think takoyaki balls from Japan, bun kebabs from Pakistan and rice-based koshari from Egypt.

One of Dubai's most famous landmarks, the Museum of the Future takes pride of place along the city's superhighway, Sheikh Zayed Road. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation, the museum explores how society could evolve in the coming decades using science and technology. Termed a 'living museum', it incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, immersive theatre and themed attractions, so visitors can look beyond the present and towards the future's limitless possibilities.

At 219.5m above ground, Sky Views Dubai is an attraction that will sweep visitors off their feet with mesmerising perspectives of Downtown Dubai's pristine expanses below and the city skyline beyond. Perched atop the Address Sky View hotel, it presents three distinct offerings for unforgettable sightseeing escapades – the Observatory, Glass Slide and Edge Walk. Meanwhile, for incomparable island views, head to The View at The Palm for a 240m vantage point of Palm Jumeirah.

Dubai’s desert is waiting to be explored, whether during an invigorating pedal down the 86km Al Qudra Cycle Track or during a leisurely picnic at the neighbouring Love Lake. For a touch of opulence, kick back at Al Maha Desert Resort. With stunning panoramic views and five-star amenities, the resort blends the serenity of the desert with all the modern luxuries you could dream of. To immerse yourself in the Bedouin lifestyle of times gone by, book a desert safari with tour operators like Orient Tours and Arabian Adventures.

A stunning archipelago just off the coast of Dubai, The World Islands includes several manmade atolls designed to resemble the world map. There are a total of 260 islands grouped under seven sets that represent different continents. Visitors can dock at The Island Dubai to experience the beaches of Lebanon or head to The Heart of Europe for idyllic shorelines, gardens and lagoons. A Thai-inspired Anantara resort has also taken up residence across Clarence Island, offering getaways marked by lazy seaside days and picturesque alfresco dining that is sure to impress.