If you have taste for luxury, here's a guide to high-end and exclusive experiences on offer in the "city of superlatives."
A theme park of one's own -- No time to wait in line? Hire the whole 17-heactare Aquaventure Waterpark on The Palm to yourself for $110,000 for two hours (usually between 7pm and 9pm).
Courtesy of Aquaventure
A royal welcome -- We're still unsure why one might need a revolving four poster bed, but at $24,000 a night you can deliberate for yourself in the Burj Al Arab's Royal Suite. Nearly 20 years since the hotel opened, it's still perhaps the most coveted place to lay your head in Dubai.
Courtesy Burj Al Arab
A royal welcome -- The Burj Al Arab is the world's first seven-star hotel, and the Royal Suite is decadently furnished across 8,400 square feet. With a choice of 14 types of pillow you'd expect a restful night's sleep.
Courtesy Burj Al Arab
A falcon's eye view -- There's no better way to see the desert than from the air, and Balloon Adventures Dubai combines stunning views with a royal past time: falconry. See the world's fastest animal in action before landing for breakfast. Daily flights run between September and May.
courtesy Balloon Adventures
A falcon's eye view -- If you want the skies to yourself, exclusive balloon charters with Balloon Adventures Dubai start from $4,431. If the conditions are right, sunset flight options are also available.
Courtesy of Balloon Adventures
Under (and over) the sea -- If you can afford it, you will soon be able to stay on The World archipelago. Developer Kleindienst is building a six-island mega resort called The Heart of Europe, including dozens of Floating Seahorse villas with underwater bedrooms and bathrooms.
The Heart of Europe
Under (and over) the sea -- Each villa's party piece is the large acrylic window in its underwater bedroom, with views of the Arabian Gulf.
The Heart of Europe
Play like a champion -- You might not be able to play with the professionals at the Dubai Desert Classic, but a round on the Majilis Course -- the first grass course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988 -- will make you feel like one for approximately $260. Ernie Els' 1994 course record of 61 is the score to beat.
David Cannon/David Cannon Collection/Getty Images
Fill your suitcase (then fill another) -- Dubai-based personal shopper service StyleMeDivine will give your wardrobe an overhaul and guide you through the city's fashion scene for $158 an hour (minimum of three hours required). If you want founder Kelly Lundberg to help you shop, the rate is a cool $357 an hour.
Courtesy Dubai Mall
Sleep under the stars -- For those who really want to get away from it all, the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is 50 miles from the city in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The 5,703 square foot, three bedroom presidential suite sleeps six with unrestricted views of the dunes and rare fauna.
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
Sleep under the stars -- Camel treks, spa treatments and desert picnics are all thrown in to the deal for the resort's most exclusive guests.
Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa
If you've got a stomach for heights -- At At.mosphere, the fine dining restaurant on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, ask for a window seat for incredible sunset views. But you might find it hard to take your eyes off the decadent restaurant's tasting menu ($558 with wine pairings). Private dining also available for up to 16 guests.
Courtesy at.mosphere
Sleep with the fishes -- The Underwater Suite at Atlantis, The Palm lets guests live out their Aquaman dreams for approximately $12,250 a night.
Courtesy Atlantis, The Palm
Sleep with the fishes -- Guests can look out of any of the three-floor suite's windows and see sharks and stingrays among 65,000 sea creatures occupying a humongous aquarium.
courtesy Atlantis, The Palm
Maximalist dining -- Absolutely everything is meant to catch the eye at the Billionaire Mansion Dubai. The restaurant, bar and nightclub isn't for the shy and retiring type, but if you'd prefer to carve your own niche among the festivities, their more laid-back Champagne Prive bar offers private dining and wine tasting experiences.
Courtesy Billionaire Mansion Dubai
All gold everything -- This is why Dubai is known as "the city of gold." The gold souk, as you'd imagine, has an extraordinary amount of jewelry on display, and shoppers, who come from all over the world for its wares, are encouraged to haggle.
Warren Little/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Head into the desert -- Platinum Heritage's vintage Land Rover safari takes you on a journey through Dubai's shifting sands in 1950s models older than the UAE itself. Conservation guides behind the wheel will fill you in on the rare and migratory species visiting the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Private cars start at $811 for two guests.
Courtesy Platinum Heritage
Head into the desert -- If you'd prefer a modern 4x4, Platinum Heritage offers a Range Rover safari tour including a camel ride, six course meal in a desert retreat and fire show after sunset. Private cars start at $1,601 for two guests.
