In the wetlands, just metres away from the bustling city of Dubai, you’ll find the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s hard to believe you can find tens of thousands of birds in a spot so close to the city. This wetland reserve spanning 6.2sqm also serves as a breeding ground each year for crustaceans, mammals and fish, but it is the flamingos that steal the show in winter.

Dubai Festival City is one of Dubai’s most exciting retail, dining and leisure precincts. Located only five minutes from Dubai International Airport, it is also a popular vantage point for spectacular sunsets and an evening light show over the surrounding water. Shop from over 350 stores including mega-department stores such as Ikea Dubai and Robinsons.

Sumptuous treatments and touches of Arabian hospitality make for a pleasant day out at this spa, situated at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Featuring a signature collection of services that range from hand and feet treatments to Balinese massages, aromatherapy, body scrubs and body therapy baths, the real highlight at this spa are the facials.