• Deira is the commercial and business centre of Dubai where some of the best shopping can be done and where the gold souks are located. Bur Dubai is a historic area full of markets, restaurants and shopping centres.

• Jumeirah Beach is a long stretch of road following the coastline of Dubai with some of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Being a few kilometers long it is never over-crowded and has soft, white, never ending sands.

• Burj Khalifa, at 828 metres and 160 floors is the world's tallest structure. The observation deck at the 124th floor is also said to be the highest in the world. Jumeirah Mosque is a wonderful example of Islamic architecture.

• Wild Wadi Park is the perfect place for the entire family to spend a day as well as being a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the day away from the bustle of the city.

• Wafi Dubai Mall with over 200 shops is one of the largest in the world.

• Afternoon tea, or cocktails, may be an interesting experience at Burj al-Arab hotel. Entry to the hotel requires advance reservation.

• Desert Safari or Dune Bashing. Head out to the desert in an SUV with specialist Desert Drivers. The drivers will take you for a roller-coaster ride over sand dunes, show you the sunset from a strategic vantage point and then take you to a lavish dinner with music and dance to complete the atmosphere.

• Dubai Creek Cruise. The Dubai Creek originally served as a port for trading vessels plying to and from India, Africa and the Middle East. Today a bit of the old shipping culture still remains. You can book a ride on the creek with a dinner cruise or even rent a private boat to take you on a hour long ride up and down the creek.

• Emirates is the best flight option when combining Sri Lanka and Dubai. The national carrier operates a number of daily flights to Colombo, as well as to London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow.

•You can also travel to Dubai via Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Airports.