A day in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Midday - Dubai beach

Warm water slides over my feet as I stroll the shoreline. The light is bright and the sand feels hot under the thin wash of the sea. November to April is the comfortable season for this outdoor coast, while summer brings intense heat and humidity.

Midday - Dubai beach

Salt spray touches my face while I face the open water and feel the breeze on my arms. The air smells clean and a little sharp against my skin. This coast is an ambitious artificial shoreline set beside a trading heritage that still follows the historic tidal creek.

Golden Hour - coastal promenade

Soft evening light warms the wooden boards under my feet as I dance lightly along the promenade. The boards sound hollow and the air has cooled a little. A wooden abra still crosses the creek between Deira and Bur Dubai, and the ride is most atmospheric after sunset when cooler breezes arrive.

Golden Hour - Dubai Marina

Glass is cool under my hands as I lean on the railing and look over the waterfront. Low sun throws a gold line across the water and warms my face. Downtown Dubai centres on the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, rising from the coastal desert floor.

Night - Dubai Marina

Night air sits cool on my skin while I watch luxury yachts pass on the dark water. Their lights ripple and the water sounds soft below. Al Fahidi Fort holds Dubai Museum, the oldest surviving structure, with exhibits on pearling fleets, desert life and early maritime trade.

Night - rooftop lounge

Cold glass meets my fingers as I raise a toast above the city. The drink smells sweet and the night wind moves across the roof. Shawarma, spiced meat shaved from a skewer and wrapped in warm khubz with garlic sauce, is the city's most common street food.

Night - modern plaza

Water from the fountains mists my arms as I spin in my dress across the plaza. The spray is cool and the stone feels smooth under my shoes. Emirati women wear the abaya, a flowing black outer garment, often with a shayla, in light cloth that shields skin from strong sun.

Night - city viewpoint

The night skyline throws sharp light across my face as I smile out over the towers. The air is dry and a faint heat still rises from the streets below. Public promenades around the Burj Khalifa let visitors see the scale of this modern building work on the desert floor.

Night - high vantage point

A wide wind pulls at my sleeves as I stretch my arms out over the full view of the city. Lights spread far below and the air feels cool up here. In Al Fahidi, coral-stone lanes, wind-towers and courtyard houses sit in quiet contrast to the glass towers nearby.