5 Reasons Why Dubai Must Be On Your Travelling Bucket List

It's our sneaking suspicion that underneath all that dust, Dubai is quite cool. A dream destination for travellers from around the world, this city definitely makes for a memorable holiday. From a top-notch fine-dining experience to sky diving, there is something here for every type of tourist.

Here are five experiences that are an absolute must for your next trip to the Dubai.

Cuisine

The food in Dubai is a quintessential mix of fine dining and street food. People here love chillies, so if you do not like spicy food, be warned. With major influences from many Asian countries {particularly India and Pakistan}, the intense colours, flavours, and smells of the food here will stimulate and, perhaps, even overwhelm your senses.

If you're on budget, though, we suggest you stick to street food.

Adventure

There are no two ways about it; if you’re an adrenaline junkie, just make your way to Dubai. Take your pick from kite-surfing, reef-diving, desert safari, mountain-biking and desert-camping; perfect to keep all types of adventure enthusiasts happily occupied for a long time.

If you need an activity that reminds you why it’s great to be alive, skydiving above the Palm Jumeirah is just what you need. Want something more mellow? Try sea-kayaking which will allow you to explore accessible mangroves of the region. Plus it's also a great opportunity to spot local wildlife like white-collared kingfishers, Socotra cormorants, turtles and flamingos.

Burj Khalifa

Dubai is all about superlatives; from some of the biggest malls on the planet to the tallest building in the world—Burj Khalifa. Take the fastest lift on earth to the top of the building which, and we're not kidding, will take all of few seconds. It's not recommended for the faint-hearted, but it's definitely worth the effort.

While you're there, you can also step into At.Mosphere, an upscale restaurant that offers some delicious {although pricey} food with some of the best views in the world.

A serious photographer? Take your tripod and use this opportunity to capture the endless panoramas towards the beach and over the city. Other architectural wonders to check out here includes Burj al Arab, Infinity Tower, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Dubai Fountain.

Ski Dubai

Want to visit the desert and hit the ski slopes, too? Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort with 22,500 sq m of area, definitely warrants a visit. It is, however, a bit of a shock to go from the blazing temperature of the desert to the biting cold of the mountains {you can also hire all equipment, clothing and ski lessons you need right there}.

With a cafe-bar halfway up the ski slope {in true mountain style}, stopping for a cup of hot chocolate makes for a good plan here. Also check out Burjuman Centre, Jumeirah Plaza, Mall of the Emirates and Global Village for some extra dose of mall-shopping.

Shopping

Dubai is synonymous with shopping; there is nothing you cannot buy here. From gold to electronics and designer labels to luxury items, the Emirate is packed with shopping malls and markets to satisfy the biggest shopaholics in the world.

These malls have great dining options, too, as well as plenty of entertainment for children including aquariums and themed parks.

Want to gain a closer look into the life and culture of Dubai? Check out Dubai Diaries on NDTV Good Times!

Where: Dubai Diaries, NDTV Good Times

When: 8pm on Thursday and 12pm on Saturday

This article is in partnership with NDTV Good Times.