Dubai is all about wonder and surprise. The futuristic architecture, the elaborate amusement parks and chic malls, but it is also soaring above the sands on a hot-air balloon, the scent of oud in a spice-filled souk and sailing on a traditional abra as the minarets call out into the desert sky. Its sister emirate, Abu Dhabi, is equally impressive, melding ancient and innovative with magnificent mosques and a white-sand unspoilt coastline.

Dubai

Staying at Jumeirah Dubai
Staying at Burj Al Arab — an iconic, sail-shaped landmark with a man-made beach and an infinity pool terrace — is one of the most alluring experiences on earth. A global legend in its own right, the interiors swim in 24-carat gold leaf and glistening chandeliers float from the ceilings. Where else can you dine on king crab with trenette pasta by a star Italian chef while gazing over the glinting Arabian Gulf or sink into a hot stone massage 150 metres above sea level? Now you can meander behind the scenes thanks to our exclusive guided tour; Inside Burj Al Arab. Jumeirah al Naseem, a precious stone’s throw away, is a white-draped, palm-strewn beachside retreat that seems to flow into the water. Breathe in the view from the arching windows and generous balconies and, top tip, don't miss the camels running on water sculpture by Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej.

Incredible dining
The Emirate’s dining scene is cosmopolitan to its diamond-encrusted fingertips, a chosen perch for some of the most celebrated chefs on earth. At Burj Al Arab, the choices are limitless, feast on the flavours of Provence and Champagne to the cream of Middle Eastern mezze, all in extraordinary settings. At Al Muntaha, Michelin-starred Chef Saverio Sbaragli innovatively conjures the finest French and Italian cuisine in the most elegant surroundings, high up on the 27th floor. Feel the world drop away as you look out through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the azure waters far below. To enjoy an extraordinary blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, head to Jumeirah Al Naseem’s restaurant Kayto, where Chef Cristian Goya’s menu showcases dishes that were inspired by his Japanese emigre grandparents.

Getting active
From buying extravagant art to off-roading in the desert dunes, Dubai offers visitors so many incredible experiences. If you have a thirst for adventure, our concierge will arrange a day trip to Hatta, where you can hike or mountain bike through the rugged Hajar mountains or glide across Hatta‘s striking dam by kayak. If you’d like to experience what Dubai was like before 1971 (when the Emirates were formed), meander through the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, where you’ll find traditional wind towers made of stone, teak, gypsum, palm wood and sandalwood, or go on a sensory journey at Dubai Spice Souk, which is bustling with Middle Eastern spice mixes, saffron and nuts.

Abu Dhabi

Staying at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Finesse personified, decadent and eco-conscious, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort is an elegant beachside retreat nestled among 400m of protected sand dunes. The design mingles natural hues, in tune with the desert, with jewel-tones and is carried out throughout the 296 rooms, which feature ample outdoor space and stretching views over the ocean. Its 59 sqkm of marine-protected area is home to sea turtles and other marine wildlife. The spa features an array of blissful treatments and an oval-shaped Grand Moroccan Hammam, a centuries-old cleansing ritual involving colour therapy and infusions. You can also indulge in the hotel’s bespoke Spa Villas and wellness retreats, which combine nutrition, fitness and therapeutic remedies.

Incredible dining
Abu Dhabi’s dynamic, international restaurant scene is thriving and you’ll be spoilt for choice, but for succulent grilled spice meats and seafood dishes cooked the traditional Levantine way, there’s no place like Tean, which features an elegant, two-tiered patio area. Mare Mare serves mouth-watering classic coastal Italian recipes, and The Lobster Lounge has the most exquisite seafood, from langoustine gnocchi to lobster roll. Meanwhile, White is an all-day dining venue that serves both local and international cuisine in a contemporary setting on a sparkling waterside setting. But if you just want to savour a tropical thirst-quencher without leaving the water, there’s always The Pool Bar, which serves nutritious salads and tasty gourmet snacks.

Getting active
Magnificent rolling dunes, prestigious museums and pristine beaches make Abu Dhabi one of the most thrilling places to explore. Embark on a journey through classic masterpieces and contemporary Arabic art at The Louvre Abu Dhabi, which was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel and features modern and contemporary showstoppers such as Ai WeiWei’s Fountain of Light or Piet Mondrian’s Composition with Blue, Red, Yellow and Black. To experience breathtaking Islamic architecture, venture into the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE’s largest place of worship. It is home to the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, dome and chandelier, and features 82 domes as well as six Faustig chandeliers made from Swarovski crystals.

To discover the ancient and modern charms of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, contact our reservations team at reservations@jumeirah.com