Your digital welcome book in Dubai

Welcome to Dubai, the city of gold

Exceptionally wealthy and a major tourist draw for the past few years, Dubai has real pull. It isn't packed with historic monuments or centuries of history, as it is a relatively young city, but it has certainly carved out its place. The contrast between Europe, France and Dubai is striking. What you find is a clean, very safe city with a young population drawn from all over the world. There is something of that American feeling that anything is possible.

Visiting Dubai

Let's start with its historic side. Although Dubai can hardly be compared with our European cities, you will still find traces of the past. The districts of Deira and Bur Dubai are the oldest and most traditional parts of the city. The Dubai Museum is particularly worth a visit: it charts life before oil was discovered, and you'll see just how different it was.

The souks and mosques

Take the time to explore the various souks, and the gold souk in particular. It is quite extraordinary, and nothing like the image you might have of an oriental souk. Old Dubai as a whole is well worth discovering. If you only have time for one landmark in this part of the city, go for the Imam Hussein Mosque without hesitation. It is less well known than the Jumeirah Mosque, but just as beautiful.

The modern districts

Now for modern-day Dubai. Its most famous building is the Burj Khalifa, none other than the tallest building in the world: a good way to gauge just how outsized Dubai is. You can go all the way up to the 148th floor to take in the view. Right at its feet you'll find the Dubai Fountain. From 6pm, don't miss the water show. It is stunning, and it changes every 30 minutes.

Shopping like nowhere else

Dubai is also a city of shopping centres, including the Dubai Mall, the largest in the world. It even houses a ski slope and a gigantic aquarium. Worth seeing at least once, though perhaps not from end to end, as that would take you hours. Unless, of course, you're a shopping fanatic.

Getting out in the open air

Two rather lovely places to visit: first, Miracle Garden. A little way out of the city, this vast botanical garden brings together more than 40 million flowers, with archways and floral designs to discover. A really beautiful spot for a stroll. Then there's Global Village, another large open-air site outside the city, home to countless restaurants from around the world along with rides and cultural entertainment stands.

The Palm, the artificial island

You can't come to Dubai without seeing The Palm. You're bound to have heard of it: that enormous artificial island shaped like a palm tree. It is home to plenty of luxury hotels and smart restaurants. Going for a wander at nightfall is a real pleasure, as it looks out onto the Atlantis, lit up from top to bottom. It is also a beautiful place to watch the sunset.

The unmissable outings

Finally, two unmissable places to mention. The desert trip, of course. You can head out by 4x4 or by buggy, whichever you prefer. You can also choose an excursion with a night in the desert for an extra charge. One tip: if you can, do this excursion at sunset. The panorama is breathtaking. And to finish in style, the beaches. Almost all of Dubai's beaches charge for entry. You'll even find beaches reserved exclusively for women. Be sure to have a swim at JBR Beach and to explore the Marina district, which is entirely pedestrianised.

You will have gathered by now that the United States is no longer alone in loving and cultivating excess: Dubai is definitely a formidable rival. You don't come to Dubai for the same reasons you'd visit Athens, say, but you still leave with your head full of memories. Do go and see it for yourself, and form your own opinion of this megacity in the United Arab Emirates. And above all, fill in your welcome book!