Al Gaffal Long Distance Race

Since starting in 1991, Al Gaffal Long Distance Race has gone on to become an event that celebrates the UAE’s seafaring history. See skilled boatmen travel aboard majestic 60ft dhows from Sir Bu Na'air, an island located 65 kilometres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, all the way to Dubai. The event pays homage to the UAE's maritime and pearl-diving history with exclusively Emirati competitors carrying on their ancestor's heritage.

• Web:

  www.dimc.ae

Art Dubai

Art Dubai is the Middle East's leading international art fair, taking place every March in Dubai. Visitors have the opportunity to see contemporary and modern art from around the world and attend the many workshops, lectures, and exhibitions on offer.

• Web:

  www.artdubai.ae

Dubai Desert Classic

Since its first edition back in 1989, this tournament has seen some of the world’s greatest golfers competing in Dubai, with winners including well-known names such as Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods. Hosted at Emirates Golf Club, it is known as the Middle East Major and has now become one of the leading international golfing events.

• Web:

  dubaidesertclassic.com

• Address:

  Emirates Golf Club, Al Thanyah 3, Dubai

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship

The tennis season starts right here with the annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship, which takes place at the end of February. Watch some of the biggest names in tennis thrash it out to win big at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. See every spin, slice, and smash from the world’s best in tennis, right here in the city.

• Web:

  www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com

• Address:

  Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, Dubai

Dubai Fitness Challenge

All it takes is 30 minutes to stay fit. The annual Dubai Fitness Challenge sees the entire city take part in 30 minutes of physical exercise for 30 days. With a full month of sports classes, citywide activations and family fun, it's the perfect opportunity to kick-start your fitness goals. The event usually takes place in October and November.

• Web:

  www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com

Dubai Food Festival

Feast your way through the city's food scene during the annual Dubai Food Festival. Celebrating all things gastronomy, this delectable carnival highlights it all from delicious meals at fine dining restaurants to street food stops and hidden gems. Tuck into specially-curated dining experiences with limited-edition menus, guided food tours, cooking masterclasses by top chefs and unforgettable themed feasts.

• Web:

  www.dubaifoodfestival.com

Bluewaters Island

Enjoy the sunshine at Bluewaters, an island destination that's making waves for its blend of shopping, dining and entertainment attractions. Highlights include the lifestyle district of The Wharf, pristine Cove Beach club with luxe cabanas and Ain Dubai — the tallest and largest observation wheel. It's also home to the Banyan Tree hotel, that boasts a sparkling outdoor swimming pool, signature hospitality and incredible restaurants, including the Chinese and Pan-Asian Demon Duck, as well as the Japanese TakaHisa and Tocha.

• Web:

  www.bluewatersdubai.ae

Burj Al Arab

Often voted the world's most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab is one of the region's most famous tourist landmarks. Built on a triangular man-made island, the billowing sail-like structure rises 321m above the sea. The hotel sets a new standard for hospitality superlatives, including the famous helipad that has hosted numerous celebrity stunts. For the first time since its launch, the Burj Al Arab has opened its doors to visitors for an immersive 90-minute tour. The exclusive experience lets you explore the landmark’s gilded suites and ultra-luxurious interiors while uncovering its history and wealth of untold stories. Available daily from 9:30am, the tour is curated for a butler-guided group of 12 visitors and commences every 15 minutes.

• Web:

  www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah

Burj Khalifa

Soaring 828 metres above Dubai and currently the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa represents a union of art, engineering and heritage. It's home to ample office space, private residences, the 160-room Armani Hotel and "At the Top" observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. There are also more than 1,000 specially commissioned works of art throughout the building.

• Web:

  www.burjkhalifa.ae

City Walk

Stroll through City Walk — Dubai's trendy open-air shopping district. This chic urban space features an excellent range of boutiques, entertainment centres and restaurants, with some shopfronts inspired by the streets of London. Enjoy entertainment zones like The Green Planet and Roxy Cinemas, or kick back in the La Ville Hotel's garden terrace. With a striking skyline view that includes the Burj Khalifa, City Walk is a perfect location for a day or night out.

• Web:

  www.citywalk.ae

• Opening hours:

  Shops: daily 10am–midnight. Restaurant & Cafes: daily 10am–1am

Deep Dive Dubai

The latest addition to the city's thriving sports and adventure activities scene, Deep Dive Dubai is the place to be for all aqua enthusiasts. The recreational centre's 60.02-metre-deep pool is certified by Guinness World Records as the world's deepest swimming pool for diving. Aside from its remarkable depth, the pool features other unrivalled underwater additions, such as a 'sunken city', alongside year-round freediving and scuba diving courses and guided experiences.

• Web:

  deepdivedubai.com

• E-mail:

  info@deepdivedubai.com

• Address:

  NAS Sports Complex Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 4 5019444

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The 10 million-litre tank at the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, containing more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks anywhere. Rising to the third floor of The Dubai Mall, the aquarium is home to 140 species of sea life and has several ways to experience underwater life, starting with a stroll through a 48m walk-through tunnel. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view while watching sand tiger sharks and stingrays glide above you. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour, get wet in a snorkelling cage and even go swimming with the sharks.

• Web:

  www.thedubaiaquarium.com

• Address:

  Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 10am–11pm, Sat & Sun 10am–midnight