The ultimate family holiday in Dubai for first-time visitors

Soaring 828m above Dubai, the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa is an impressive feat of art, engineering and design. There are plenty of experiences for the whole family, starting with the outdoor observation deck, At The Top, on the 124th floor, where the sweeping views of the city are hard to match. For a more premium experience, make your way to At the Top SKY on the 148th floor, which includes a personalised tour and refreshments, or book yourself for lunch at the world's highest restaurant, At.mosphere. 

Witness the world’s largest choreographed fountain, set at the base of the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. The Dubai Fountain is a captivating water, music and light show, with 22,000 gallons of water shooting as high as 140m in the air at any one time. Stroll along the floating 272m-long boardwalk for a new perspective on the aquatic extravaganza and get closer from a traditional wooden abra boat that glides along the Burj Lake. 

A brilliant addition to the city’s live entertainment scene, Dubai Opera is an architectural masterpiece in Downtown Dubai. It was designed in the image of a tradition dhow and regularly hosts world-class concerts and musicals. Treat your loved ones to a diverse line-up of productions of all kind, from operas and plays to stand up comedy and more. There's also a restaurant on-site, so you can combine dinner with a show.

Check out miles of pristine coastline at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). This vibrant neighbourhood is home to the The Walk at JBR, a buzzing boulevard lined by stylish boutiques and al fresco dining, ideal for a leisurely afternoon. Journey closer to the coastline for a splash with your kids at The Beach, which brings fresh waves, beachfront restaurants and water-based adventures all in one location.

Imagine an infinite stretch of rolling red dunes, as far as the eye can see. Now, imagine this serene landscape magically transform into a dramatic starry sky as the sun sets over the horizon. In Dubai, this vision can become a breathtaking reality. With miles of golden sands a short drive away from the bustling city centre, you have to experience the majesty of Dubai's deserts for yourself. Book a safari with luxury operator Platinum Heritage, or set out by yourself to camp under the stars with your loved ones.

Dubai's amazing transformation from a humble desert village into a modern metropolis all started at Dubai Creek. Spend the day exploring Old Dubai, home to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood where many of the city's museums and galleries thrive. Take a stroll to admire beautiful barjeel houses with striking wind towers up close in the district, and make sure to stop by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding to find out more about Emirati traditions and culture.

Head to Etihad Museum to learn more about the story of the United Arab Emirates. Here, you can explore the nation's past and present with interactive galleries, rich archives of photos, films and memorabilia. The Founding Fathers display is a highlight, with personal objects of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the ‘Father of the Nation'  – on display, including his cane and pocket watch.

Head to the Dubai Canal in Downtown Dubai for a casual stroll along the 3.2km promenade, with striking bridges presenting prime views. You can also cruise along the Canal's waters, which stretch from the historic Dubai Creek in Old Dubai to the bustling Business Bay district. If you visit the nearby Al Habtoor City, be sure to check out the city's first theatre extravaganza – La Perle by Franco Dragone.

City Walk is a cosmopolitan outdoor destination that brings together a boutique hotel, al fresco cafes, art murals and retail stores. The latest trends grace the classy storefronts, while the district's many gourmet restaurants guarantee Insta-worthy dishes for every meal. While here, don't miss The Green Planet, Dubai's indoor rainforest featuring 3,000 species of flora and fauna, and the world’s largest indoor manmade, life-sustaining tree.