Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai

November to March is the best time to visit Dubai, with mild, sunny days and comfortable evenings. April and May are still pleasant but noticeably hotter, while June through September is the hottest stretch with high humidity. Ramadan, a major cultural festival, alters daytime rhythms and is a distinct time to experience the city.

For a first visit, Downtown Dubai suits sightseers, with easy access to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. The Palm Jumeirah offers a resort feel with beach hotels like the Waldorf Astoria and Five Palm. Business Bay, with the JW Marriott Marquis, works for business travelers. Jumeirah Beach is ideal for families seeking a relaxed, beachside base.

Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest building with panoramic views. The Dubai Fountain offers choreographed water shows. Dubai Miracle Garden dazzles with floral displays. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo showcases marine life. Dubai Frame frames the city's old and new vistas.

You can take a full-day tour to Abu Dhabi, which includes a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Desert safaris are also popular day trips, offering dune bashing, camel rides, and a barbecue dinner in the desert. These tours typically depart from Dubai and return in the evening.

Four to five days lets you see Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo in Downtown, plus Dubai Frame and a trip to Dubai Miracle Garden. Six days would let you add The View Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina Walk. If you take a full-day desert or Abu Dhabi tour, add an extra day.