Cliches tend to trip off the tongue when describing Abu Dhabi’s little brother – the city of gold, sleepy fishing village transformed into modern metropolis, the Vegas of the Middle East, and so on. The truth is that, while the emirate boasts an incredible number of attractions claiming to be the tallest, biggest or longest, it’s not all bright lights – the atmospheric old town around the Creek, and the restored Bastakiya area are musts for any visitor wanting to scratch Dubai’s cultural surface, and the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in the region open to non-Muslims, offering a rare chance to learn about the impact of Islam on the local people. 

Dubai is also a great place for families and, from amusement parks and aquariums to child-friendly hotels and restaurants, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep the kids busy while in town. 

Beyond the city, the desert opens up further possibilities and many visitors choose to combine a city break with a couple of nights’ camping with a tour group, or relaxing at a luxury desert resort such as Al Maha (+971 4 832 9900) or Bab Al Shams (+971 4 809 6100). 

That said, if it’s bright lights you’re after, Dubai outshines the rest of the region. The emirate has been successful in its quest for economic diversification, and its focus on tourism revenues has resulted in a fantastic array of superlative-laden attractions for tourists and residents alike. 

From skiing on real snow at Ski Dubai and plunging through shark-infested waters at Aquaventure (+971 4 426 0000), to shopping till you drop at The Dubai Mall  and surveying the entire city from the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa (see opposite), a weekend trip to Dubai promises an action-packed break. 

Its selection of five-star hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs will ensure a well fed and watered stay, and luxury spas and clean beaches provide ample opportunities to relax. 

For more help on planning a trip to Dubai, log on to askexplorer.com where you can find listings of upcoming events and loads more information about Dubai’s hotels, restaurants and attractions. While you’re there,  you can order a copy of Dubai Mini Visitors’ Guide or Dubai Top Ten – both are essential guides for your weekend breaks in the city of gold.