DUBAI, UAE -- Arriving in this sand-swept emirate by car is quite an extravaganza. The eight-lane highway is lined with colossal new buildings, the skyline is filled with cranes building even more towers, and the city seems like it is drinking Redbull. The star of the show is Burj Khalifa, currently the tallest building in the world. Accessed from the Dubai Mall, book in advance at an early viewing time to avoid the long lines that can take up to two hours, only to get in another line to come back down.

 The newer Dubai Frame, which is a 150-meter observatory in the shape of a frame, offers a unique city viewing option, but again, book in advance. There are also VIP options that can be worth the price if your time is limited.

 A great way to see the city is from the water. There are numerous boat tours and packages available for all budgets. One stand-out option is Yellow Boat Tours at the Dubai Marina. They offer 60- and 99-minute options at speeds up to 70 kph and stop in front of all the major attractions for explanations and photos, including the Palm Jumeriah and Burj Al Arab.

 When you need to a break from the heat, you can always hit the slopes at Ski Dubai. Located at Mall of the Emirates, there are plenty of ski packages which include all the options from instructions, equipment, and even a chance to meet penguins. Halfway up the slope there is a café lodge with outdoor seating which includes space heaters, (which makes you question how much time we have left on the planet).

 There are plenty of five-star, once-in-a-lifetime options, hotels in Dubai. You can also find plenty of affordable options. Jumeirah Beach, in-between Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai, is a great area for non-luxury options. You can stay steps away from the beach with views of the Burj Al Arab (the famous 7-Star hotel) with plenty of eating options available. They have a 7km running and bike path along the beach with plenty of facilities and distance markers.

 Every cuisine is available in Dubai, but there are plenty of local options as well.  Near the beach in Jumeirah, Bu Qtair is a Dubai staple always filled with locals. Daily fresh-caught fish and shrimp are marinated in a masala curry sauce and then brought to your table after you select your fresh seafood at the counter.

 For breakfast, dine outside on the beach with several Emirati dishes at the Arabian Teahouse Restaurant & Café. They have numerous tasting options, including Balaleet with Omelet, a sweet vermicelli pasta topped with an omelet. Also try the Chebab Bread, Middle Eastern yeast pancakes served with date syrup and a soft cheese.

 Another great place for a meal in Old Dubai is the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. There you can pre-book a meal which is part of their cultural program that includes an interactive learning experience about Emirati culture. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available and last about 90 minutes. Other tours are available at the center including mosque visits and guided heritage tours in the Al Fahidi Historical District.

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 Dubai is a whirlwind of cultures and experiences that goes by fast. One could easily extend the stay to take in more sights and experiences including The Louvre in Abu Dabi, an hour away by car or a desert safari. Regardless, this destination makes for an exciting getaway.