A city-state built on myth-sized dreams, Dubai grew from a backwater, desert-edged village on the Persian Gulf best known for its pearl divers and fishermen. Today this vibrant, immense, young, heterogeneous and lavish city on the sea continues to reinvent itself. Exploding from village status with the discovery of oil in 1966, the emirate has grown bolder and richer despite recent setbacks in the world economy, falling oil prices and general global uncertainty. No matter, Dubai had already begun a visionary campaign to reposture itself as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Though general business slowed, the Emirates NBD Dubai Economy Tracker Index continues to score high, indicating expansion, due in great part to travel and touristic pursuits. With an eye on the prize, government leaders continue to support healthy output in the construction sector. And the city zestfully flourishes — always with the future in mind. Though known for the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa; Earth’s most immense manmade island, Palm Jumeirah; the most Goliath-sized mall, Dubai Mall; and countless other biggest and best monikers, today’s Dubai aims for quality over quantity. The sheer abundance of fine architecture, celebrity chefs, shopping venues, museums, universities, recreational outposts, 5-star hotels and traffic-filled avenues boggles the mind.

Scenic helicopter ride approaching the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah helipad © ANNA OMELCHENKO | DREAMSTIME.COM

Pursuing an expansionary track borrowed from his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current U.A.E. vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, successfully hewed a route to trade, financial and entertainment dominance as he built up Dubai. Inviting the best in all fields from around the world, he plied a theory that encouraged competition and the promise of notoriety. This lured influencers, experts and masters of all trades to his nation. Contending with project ideas for the most innovative enterprises, these progressive immigrants helped bring Dubai to prosperity. Buzzing centers such as Dubai International Financial City, Media City, Internet City and Healthcare City all set global standards, adding hugely to the economy. And then there’s Dubai Duty Free, the world-renowned duty-free airport outlets selling exclusive brands of everything from perfume and fashion to gold and precious stones. Averaging 74,000 transactions a day, Dubai Duty Free’s retail sales in 2015 reached $1.8 billion, making it the No. 1 single airport retail operation in the world. Naturally, these economic hot spots brought more throngs of ex-pats, a skilled workforce that still hails from nearly every country on the planet and makes up nearly 90 percent of the population. Stop anywhere on the street to hear dozens of languages being spoken. Their cultures, welcomed and respected by the original denizens, enrich Dubai and help promote the aura of utopia that prevails. Diversity, here, is the name of the game. A focus on effective diversification via real estate and tourism fuels the fire, manifesting the construction of a relentless array of prize-winning buildings, with star architects taking the helm. In January, the highly touted Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava won an international competition to design a landmark observation tower in Dubai Creek Harbor. “This architectural wonder will be as great as the Burj Khalifa and the Eiffel Tower,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum when he announced the prize, relaying an endearing braggadocio and optimism to his nation — a loyalty and paternalism of vision that has proved him such an effective leader for his emirate. While this tower will be years in the making, Dubai boasts plenty of other jawdropping architecture. Though sometimes criticized for being impulsive, unplanned and evoking an “anything goes” attitude, the cityscape, in fact, exudes dynamism. It defines Dubai’s fearlessness in pushing boundaries. Look up to see astounding structures by such notables as Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, UnStudio, Atkins, and Hazel Wong of Norr Group. But not everything in Dubai leans to huge and eyepopping, as a new trend toward the intimate and authentic overtakes the city. Alserkal Avenue presents the city’s artsy side. Composed of myriad warehouses, this enclosed arts district holds more than 15 galleries. Ensconced in Al Quoz, an industrial neighborhood, the district is touted as the premier gallery cluster in the U.A.E. Stroll through showrooms such as The Mojo Gallery for paintings, Grey Noise (seen at international fairs such as Art Basel) to peruse brilliantly esoteric pieces or Gulf Photo for edgy photography. The Salsali Private Museum features a fine collection of Middle Eastern artwork and hosts workshops, tours and events for visual art buffs. Similarly small, the traditional souks in Deira provide a chance to haggle for jewelry, clothing, spices, dates, oils, henna and more, while the mom-and-pop shops along Jumeirah Beach Road demonstrate not every decent store sits within a sprawling mall. Best of all, wander the Ripe Market at Zabeel Park, a rambling outdoor farmer’s market brimming with enticing food stalls and mini eateries, not to mention booths helmed by artisans selling their wares.

Colorful women’s dresses displayed for sale at the Al Naif souk in Deira © PHOTOGRAPHERLONDON | DREAMSTIME.COM

But what’s taking Dubai’s economy into the future now is its predilection for honoring the inner child. With the goal of attracting families, the city-state does not hesitate to fulfill fantasies. You can sled, ski and build snowmen at Mall of the Emirates in a bona fide ski area, Ski Dubai. Rental of equipment and freezing temperatures go without saying. Like to stay warm? Skydive, parasail or hit the beach. At Aquaventure, part of Atlantis Resort, water slides galore tempt the adventurous — as does a frolic in the waves with friendly dolphins. With Arabian Adventures, bounce through the sand dunes on a desert outing that recalls Dubai’s roots — a half-day outing ends at a Bedouin camp, complete with pillows, camels, carpets and an Arabic buffet. Whatever you do in Dubai, you’ve probably never done it before. That’s part of the magic. Expect this city to keep the dream alive.

Things to Do in Dubai

With an ebullience for variety, Dubai revels in adding new attractions to its lollapalooza of a cityscape, and choosing what to do is difficult.

Dubai Trolley © LEONID ANDRONOV | DREAMSTIME.COM

Ride the Dubai Trolley, a nostalgic tram that whizzes along Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Though it appears vintage, the trolley actually presides as the world’s first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission such transportation system in the world. Love nature? Gambol about the Dubai Butterfly Garden, where nine climate-sustained domes enwrap hundreds of gorgeous butterflies. Burn off all those gourmet meals on the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail, an approximately 10-mile, mountainous trail that leads to the royal enclave of Hatta. Find gifts to take home at Boxpark, located in Jumeirah on Al Wasl Road. This open-air shopping district comprises 220 shipping and industrial containers holding a panoply of quirky boutiques and chic cafés. Coffee lovers wake up to fun facts about their favorite brew at the Coffee Museum, set in a warren of exotic lanes in the Al Fahidi historic district.

CHECKING IN WITH ASHWIN FERNANDES

Concierge Manager, Jumeirah Al Qasr As Dubai is more than a business city, you welcome families from all over the world. How can families connect with Dubai’s ancient culture? Everyone enjoys Al Fahidi Historical District, where you can explore the city’s past with a trip to Dubai Creek, famed for establishing the pearling industry. Watch the traditional dhow boats, laden with goods, then head to the Dubai Museum, which is full of local artifacts and antiquities. Its multimedia, hands-on approach is fun and informative for the whole family. Finish the day with a stroll through the winding alleyways of the spice and gold souks. Where can the kids go to blow off steam? Lots of laughter happens at Wild Wadi Waterpark, next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Themed with characters inspired by Arabian folklore, it offers abundant rides aimed at every age group. Budding surfers can show off their skills on the Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders that shoot out seven tons of water per second to create real waves, one of only four such rides in the world. What about animal lovers? Practiced in the U.A.E. for centuries, falconry remains an integral part of desert life. As a hunter’s tool, falcons helped supplement the Bedouin diet with meat. Book the Heritage Falconry and Wildlife Safari for an interactive falconry experience. Turtle lovers can go behind the scenes at the turtle rehabilitation center located at Madinat Jumeirah, where the team has nursed more than 800 sea turtles to health before sending them back to the sea. What can kids and their parents enjoy together? A scenic helicopter ride from the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah helipad begins with a red carpet lined with butlers bearing gourmet delicacies. The 40-minute ride through the city skyline truly puts unforgettable Dubai in perspective. At sunset, watch the world’s tallest performing fountain dance to different songs from classical to Arabic music. And during the day, take the fast elevator to the observation deck at the Burj Khalifa for bird’s-eye vistas.

Dubai: Just the Facts

Time Zone: GMT +4 Phone Code: Country Code: 971 City code: 4 Currency: U.A.E. dirham Entry/Exit Requirements: U.S. citizens traveling to the U.A.E. must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond date of entry. For travel of 30 days or less, U.S. citizens may obtain a no-fee visitor visa upon arrival. For longer stays, all travelers must obtain a visa before arrival in the U.A.E. Official Language: Arabic is the official language of the U.A.E.; English is the most spoken language in Dubai. Key Industries: Tourism, real estate, construction, diamond and gold trading

Dubai Info to Go

Dubai Airport (DXB) lies about three miles southeast of the city center. Taxi fare from the airport runs about $10 and takes about 10 minutes. Public transport options include the Dubai Metro (about 20 minutes) and buses (10–20 minutes). Business- and first-class passengers flying Emirates into Dubai receive complimentary transfers to their destinations.

Where to Stay in Dubai

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Shaped like a sail and located on its own island, this towering, 56-story, 202-room hotel comes with a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, myriad restaurants and the best beaches in Dubai. 3 Jumeirah Road $$$$$ One&Only The Palm Situated on a manmade island, this 90-room hotel foregoes palatial grandeur for boutique-style opulence. Dine at any of three restaurants, all helmed by Michelin-starred Yannick Alléno. West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah $$$$$ Raffles Dubai Epitomizing Dubai’s sense of fantasy, this 252-room hotel projects moods of Egypt. With myriad restaurants, a stellar spa and your own butler, Raffles lies 10 minutes from the airport. 13th Street and Sheikh Rashid Road $$$$$

Restaurants in Dubai

101 Dining Lounge and Bar Dine alfresco alongside the resort’s private marina with sweeping views of the New Dubai skyline. Enjoy light Mediterranean fare, tapas and seafood. Relax with live jazz Friday evenings. One&Only The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah $$$$ Bubbalicious Brunch is big in Dubai, but you do it on Friday. Three restaurants combine forces at The Westin to assemble an elaborate repast, from shucked oysters to meat on spits. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road $$$ Rhodes W1 Exemplifying the Dubai trend of international celebrity chefs bringing their take to mushy peas and Welsh rarebit, Michelin-starred Gary Rhodes’ newest restaurant has locals applauding the contemporary British cuisine. Grosvenor House Dubai, Al Sufouh Road $$$$