DUBAI THE ARTIFICIAL EGYPT

1...FANTASY TOWER 

Burj Khalifa, half a mile high and the world's tallest structure, is the most unreal modern building.  Close up, it looks like a computer-generated fantasy rising to a quite impossible height, more Saruman's tower in The Lord Of The Rings than anything man-made.Take a trip to the observatory on the 124th floor , or ride the express elevator to Atmosphere Restaurant, the world's highest, on the 122nd. Opened in 2010, Burj Khalifa is the current symbol of this emirate's giddy ambition, knocking the still magnificent Burj Al Arab off the front of the guidebooks.

2...THE JAM BUSTER 

Faced with some of the world's worst traffic chaos, Dubai took just six years to plan, design and build one of the globe's most daring and majestic public transport systems. The Dubai Metro is the world's longest fully automated rail system, fabulously opulent yet open to all. It sails above the jams on its elevated track, linking the entire city to the airport. Stand at the front where drivers would normally sit – redundant on this computer-controlled railway – and take in the stupendous high-rise cityscape close up. 

Towering achievements: The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building

3...MEGA MALLS 

The only free entertainment in the United Arab Emirates is walking the malls. And there's much more to them than the shopping. In the centre of the Dubai Mall is the simply colossal Dubai Aquarium. Stand, gape and be soothed by 40,000 fish behind a wall of glass as high as several houses. It's the world's largest viewing panel, naturally. In the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, the Middle East's only ski slope, as flabbergasting as ever. There's an exhibition on Battuta's voyages, and the regions he explored – from Andalucia to China – are reflected in the architecture. 

4...WATERSIDE WANDER 

The best time to visit Dubai is in the winter months, when the sunshine is pleasant. There is lots of well-maintained soft golden sand fronting the balmy, blue-green waters of the Persian Gulf. There are swanky private beaches, such as Quay Club, where you can pay for the day – or try the public Jumeirah Beach Park. For easy waterside strolling, head to the marina (taxi, or Metro to Dubai Marina), created from nothing in five years. The four-mile Marina Walk takes you under awesomely tall buildings and past endless cafes and restaurants, luxury yachts and fancy speedboats. 

5...LASHINGS OF LUXURY 

Eighteen statues of gold, prancing horses greet visitors to the Madinat Jumeirah. Then a team of tall and noble African porters in royal blue help you from your car. The Madinat is a choice for the starriest stay in Dubai. At the Al Qasr, the more formal of its two resorts. It's a pleasure just to wander among the palm trees, sumptuous rugs and luscious flower arrangements. The hotel has its own souk, a subterranean theatre and a private beach. It has the 20 cafes, restaurants and bars.