8 Best Sights in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Winter in Dubai brings about many events, but none are more colorful than those at the Global Village. Every year, delegates from more than 75 countries and regions come together in this 17 million square foot venue for the largest cultural festival in the emirate. Each country holds a stand over 30 pavilions, and offer local handicrafts, retail specialties and ethnic food. Folkloric and fireworks displays take place every night, and a huge amusement park is on-site.

Translating to Jumeirah City in Arabic, Madinat Jumeirah connects four five-star hotels around a central souk, theater, gardens, and waterways. Although constructed in recent years, it resembles an adobe brick oasis town, and is exceptionally well replicated. The complex looks especially appealing after dark when soft lighting illuminates the pastel stucco, barjeels, and cobbled courtyards.

Souk Madinat, a beautifully designed bazaar of winding alleyways, takes the best aspects of a traditional market with lots of small stalls piled high with tempting souvenirs, partners them with high-end boutiques and traders of exotic housewares, then adds an extra element of comfort—air-conditioning. Art, carpets, and furniture are high quality here, but the prices reflect this and are rarely negotiable.

Madinat Jumeirah's waterfront makes a great stop for a lazy lunch or long dinner. Restaurants and bars line both sides of the canal promenade and many have liquor licenses, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail as you relax in the balmy air and watch the abras putt-putt along the waterways.

Ski Dubai caused a wave of excitement to spread through the Gulf region when it opened in 2005. It's a mountain resort in miniature with two key runs and various spaces for learners and the more experienced who wish to do tricks. Entry includes all your ski or snowboard gear, and you can also book lessons. There's plenty to do if you don't ski; at the base is a snow park with toboggans, a giant ball run and some minirides for tots. Nonskiers may also take the chair lift for a spin to the top, or halfway to the "snow bullet," a fast-seated zip line. There are gentoo and king penguins living in the complex, and it's possible to see them on the hour, or book a meet-and-greet session. When you're ready for a break, relax at one of the two cafés in the complex, and appreciate the irony of needing a warming hot chocolate in the middle of the Arabian desert.

Dubai's premier water park, Wild Wadi covers 12 acres and abuts Jumeirah Beach in the shadow of the Burj Al-Arab hotel. There are 30 rides and other watery attractions here, including the Jumeirah Scierah (a 50-mph, high-adrenaline chute) and artificial wave rides (Riptide Flowrider and The Wipeout) that were designed by industry leader Thomas Lochtefel. Wild Wadi Water Park has its own artificial beach at Breakers Bay, and cabanas that can be booked to provide a home base for a large family. There is a good range of rides for all ages, including a large children's area suitable for very little ones.

This 221-acre green space is the largest in the downtown area and offers a 1.6-mile walk along Bur Dubai's creek side, by a botanical garden, manicured flower beds, and stretches of shady lawns where families gather on weekends for fresh air and a picnic. The park also contains a cable car, with a 20-minute one-way journey that gives you a bird's-eye view of the park and surrounding areas. Bicycles for hire, a minitrain, go-karts, and minigolf can also entertain the little ones. Accessible from only inside the park you will also find the Dubai Dolphinarium (with daily aquatic shows), and Children's City, a science-themed children's museum.

Umm Suqeim Beach, which has incredible views of the Burj Al-Arab Hotel offshore, is a favorite of touring groups that briefly step onto the sand to snap pictures before climbing back on the bus for the next stop on the itinerary. Umm Suqeim Park isn't exactly a beach park, as it has no sunbathing facilities or direct beach access, but it's just across the road from Umm Suqeim Beach and has play areas for children and a café.

Amenities: lifeguards. Best for: surfing; sunset; swimming.

Zabeel Park is located between the Trade Centre and the highly populated Karama district. It opened in 2005 and spans 116 acres of the northernmost part of Sheikh Zayed Road, and is broken up by the same arterial. One side is touted as a technology-themed park, and is broken into different zones, for example, alternative energy, technology, and communication. Standard park attractions include walking and cycling paths, tennis courts, cricket pitches, and ballparks. Other visitors just sit and enjoy the ornamental gardens and ponds, or have lunch at the lakeside restaurant. In the cooler season, there are often markets on the weekend, with food trucks, local crafts, and live music. On the other side of Sheikh Zayed Road (Zabeel B, entry at gate 6), entry is more expensive, but the areas have amusement-park features, such as Dubai Garden Glow and Dinosaur Park.