With more than 1200 retail outlets, an aquarium and an ice rink, you could
easily spend a whole day in The Dubai Mall. But then you'd be missing out on
the souks, the traditional markets, where you can buy anything from gold to
herbs and spices. Our reporter discovers this rapdily-growing city is more than a transit on the way to Europe.
Plunging spectacularly into the Arabian Gulf for a third time, saltwater stings my lips.
Fourteen years after my first attempt at waterskiing I am trying again. This time, the surroundings are a lot more luxurious - I'm at Dubai's Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa - but my skills haven't changed. I'm still rubbish!
"Keep your knees together!" the instructor bellows from the speedboat, but he may as well be telling me to perform triple somersaults as seconds later I nose-dive back into the waves.
It's fair to say I'm not a natural at the sport. But it's fun nonetheless, and that's what holidays are all about, right?
To be honest, agreeing to give it a go had been more of a ploy to escape the searing heat for half an hour - it's scorching. Dubai truly is a sun-worshipper's paradise.
But as I'm rapidly learning, there's a lot more to it than that.
With year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches, it's easy to see why tourists flock here, but the vibrant desert metropolis has so much more to offer than just a suntan.
Of course, the jaw-dropping modern skyline and scores of expats taking advantage of a tax-free salary were also on my list of expectations - and were immediately apparent when I arrived.
Dubai is already offering up surprises, though ...
From the moment I check in at the plush Oasis Beach Tower, with stunning views overlooking Jumeirah Beach and the Arabian Gulf, I experience first-class hospitality.
The hotel has four fully licensed bars and restaurants, a swimming pool, jacuzzi and pretty much everything you could wish for. A stroll to the beach will take you just a few minutes and the impressive Dubai Marina is just around the corner.
Guests can also hop on a shuttle bus and make use of the facilities at the luxurious Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa - and I waste no time in doing just that.
The 52-hectare award-winning resort, home to the Jebel Ali Hotel and Palm Tree Court & Spa, offers the perfect haven for relaxation, plus a wide range of activities for the more adventurous.
Tiger Woods and Ernie Els are just two of the golfing greats who have graced the pristine nine-hole golf course, and it was easy to see why Jebel Ali has been named the Middle East's leading golf resort for eight consecutive years.
But, despite my competitive nature and love of sport, the first thing on my agenda is to get into the swing of things at the JOYA Beach Party.
We've all read news reports about drinking (among other things!) in certain places being illegal, but that doesn't mean that partying is banned - you just have to make sure you stick to the licensed bars and hotels to enjoy your tipple.
At JOYA, the party is in full swing, with top local DJs providing the entertainment, and some of the best cocktails I have ever sampled.
Later, I swap my shorts and thongs for something a little more formal, before boarding the Bateaux Dubai for a four-course meal while cruising down Dubai Creek.
From the top deck, the skyline views are stunning, and the food certainly matches the surroundings - the vessel has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and feels classy and upmarket, without being pretentious.
Tucking into my tandoori spiced kingfish, we drift past some of Dubai's key landmarks, including the Grand Mosque, Gold Souk and the Deira Tower.
From the heights of fine dining to heights of architecture - the next morning I head to the 800m-high Burj Khalifa.
Dubai is a city that is constantly making statements - none more so than this architectural gem, the world's tallest building.
Towering above everything else, it even manages to make the skyscrapers around it look a bit small, and looking down from the 124th floor is surreal.
From this knee-wobble-inducing vantage point, you can really see how Dubai's landscape has changed in such a relatively short space of time.
Despite being one of the most modern places on Earth, some of Dubai's traditional Eastern elements are still apparent, and a great example of the contrast between old and new cultures in the city is in the shopping.
With more than 1200 retail outlets, an aquarium and an ice rink, you could easily spend a whole day in The Dubai Mall. But then you'd be missing out on the souks, the traditional markets, where you can buy anything from gold to herbs and spices.
However, with temperatures well into the 40s, a massage and water sports at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa appeal more to me than shopping!
I opt for a 40-minute sports massage - a nice, soothing treat before strapping on those waterskis.
Afterwards, I reward myself with a cool early evening beer at the Captain's beachfront restaurant. But I don't stay out late, as I've an early start in the morning - I'm heading to the Desert Ranch for a spot of horse-riding and camel-cuddling!
I have visions of a camel throwing his hooves around me, embracing me in a furry hug. As it happens, camel 'cuddling' actually entails washing, dressing and feeding them. Phew!
Afterwards, I join a group on a short horseback jaunt.
Out in the desert, you can imagine what Dubai was like before its massive transformation. The Desert Ranch is certainly worth a visit.
My next stop is the Jebel Ali Shooting Club, where I try my hand at clay pigeon shooting and enjoy a spot of archery.
Of course, this is a holiday and it's only fitting that it ends on a less active note, so I tuck into another gorgeous dinner, this time at the Shooters restaurant.
IF YOU GO
- TIME TO GO: Between November and April when the heat is less intense.
- DON'T MISS: The Burj Khalifa - though as the world's tallest building, you couldn't really miss it if you tried!
- NEED TO KNOW: The strict rules observed during Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting for Muslims.
- DON'T FORGET: High-factor suncream and the importance of being aware of local laws.
Source: AAP
